National Playwriting and Composing Month

Ready to embark on a fearless creative journey? End of Play.^® starts June 01, 2026!

We’re excited to announce the return of End of Play.® in June! End of Play.® has been one of the Guild’s most popular programs for members across the country since its launch in 2020. Writers who participate in the program set a goal for themselves and post weekly updates to their community tracking their progress. Member goals have included drafting or revising a new play or musical, creating and revising 10-minute plays, and drafting lyrics or composing songs. The goal of End of Play.® is to get writers to the finish line through the motivation that comes from connection to a community of fellow dramatists. A group of volunteer leaders across the country, including some of our DG Regional Reps, will facilitate local End of Play.® groups, with some meetings online and some in-person gatherings where available.

End of Play® is intended to be a motivator and an opportunity for you to embark on something new and to be in community with your fellow writers. The events across the country can provide accountability, inspiration, and support throughout the month. Here are some other thoughts that may help you get started:

Organize your thoughts: Outlines aren’t for everybody, but we advise you to do some thinking about your play before you put pencil to paper. Perhaps jot some thoughts down about potential characters or story arcs. If this is a re-write, maybe pull your play out of the drawer and give it a once-over. This will get your ideas flowing so you’ll be brimming with possibilities.
Set yourself daily goals: When you signed up for End of Play, you set a goal for yourself. Whether that was to write a new full-length play, two one-act plays, or to revise an old draft, it may be helpful to assign yourself daily page goals. This will help you battle the temptation to skip a day and get behind. You could even write it on your calendar, which will give you the great satisfaction of crossing off each day as you crush your daily goals!
Pick a place to write: It can be helpful to have a designated writing space. Perhaps a cozy chair by the window, or a desk that faces an inspiring picture in your apartment. Maybe you live in a warm climate and you can sit in your backyard. Maybe you have a favorite coffee shop where you’ve often felt the spark of inspiration. Wherever that special place is, plan on going there to write each day. Sometimes, just being in a place that you have designated as your writing space, can put your mind in a good place for writing.
Prioritize: Lots of things can get in the way of your writing. Television, phones, social media, your day job - even unavoidable tasks of daily life can distract you from your writing. Try setting aside the same two hours, an hour or even thirty minutes a day that’s just for your writing. Put it in your calendar and put your phone in another room. Let your friends and family know that you’ve committed yourself to finish your play and that time you set aside is for your writing.
Be kind to yourself: You've written an outline, set goals, picked a place to write, and prioritized, but the words just aren't coming. That's okay; if you don't write today, don't get discouraged. Shake it off and come back tomorrow. Your work is still there.
Tell the world: Post about your goals! Use #EndofPlay to tell the world that you intend to finish your play in June. Once it’s out in the world, you can’t take it back, and nothing can stop you from typing those wonderful words, End of Play.

What is End of Play.®^®?

Register today and join us in celebrating the art and craft of writing for the theatre.End of Play.® is an annual initiative crafted by the Dramatists Guild to ignite the creation and completion of new stage works in just 30 days. End of Play.® is not a race to the finish; it's a courageous journey undertaken by writers unafraid to immerse themselves fully in the creative process.

Since its debut in 2020, our global movement has brought together thousands of participants, fostering connections and triumphs over the obstacles that often hinder the birth of fresh theatrical work.

Writers from every corner of the globe gather not just to set goals but to share dreams, aspirations, and the raw essence of their craft. As writers embark on their personal journeys within the End of Play.® month, goals become more than mere milestones—they are declarations of passion, commitment, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of storytelling. A full-length play, two one-acts, a refined draft—each endeavor is a brushstroke in the grand mural of creativity. Join the movement; let your process take center stage.

Events

In addition to our month-long writing challenge, we'll be offering events throughout the month (open to all DG members and End of Play.® participants) to help keep you informed and motivated throughout your End of Play.® writing process

All participants must follow our Code of Conduct when attending any End of Play® events.

See something missing? Have questions? Contact us.