News: Advocacy

The Dramatists Guild applauds the news that the Tony Awards will be broadcast in a limited format, and proudly stands behind the WGA – and all writers – in their fight for fair wages. We are grateful and relieved that this season’s plays and musicals will be honored in a ceremony with the global reach they deserve. This ceremony will celebrate the diverse community of theatre artists and artisans – including dramatists –many of whom are being acknowledged for the very first time....

The Playwrights Welcome Program removes cost barriers and supports the artistic development of the future of American theatre   Concord Theatricals and The Dramatists Guild of America are thrilled to announce the relaunch of their Playwrights Welcome program. This national ticketing initiative asks theatres to offer tickets that would...

From The Dramatists of America The Dramatists Guild of America wholeheartedly supports the Writers Guild in its strike to preserve the livelihoods of its 11,000+ members who are facing dire economic circumstances due to changes in their industry. In doing so, we reaffirm and celebrate the right of WGA writers and all workers to negotiate for equitable pay and better working conditions. Unlike screenwriters, however, theatre writers don’t share the same...

The Dramatists Guild of America has co-signed the following Authors Guild letter to the United States Congress, seeking legislative amendments to labor and antitrust laws that would enable freelance professional creators (including playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists) to negotiate collectively. Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker McCarthy, and Minority Leader Jeffries: We, the undersigned, are professional freelance...

This Copyright Advocacy Week, it's time to get all of your copyright questions answered! Join us for a special DG Copyright Registration webinar on April 25, and sign up to participate in our one-on-one copyright clinics on April 27.     Copyright Registration 101: Learn How to Register Your Work with the U.S. Copyright Office!   Tuesday, April 25   ADT: 3pm...

 The Young Dramatist Issue: A Guide to Help Aspiring Writers Become Professional Artists The Young Dramatists Issue of The Dramatist magazine serves as a primer on the business of writing for the theatre. It is the first and only magazine of its kind, geared towards informing and empowering young theatre writers. No matter your age, you're never too young to view yourself as a professional playwright, composer, lyricist, or librettist.  As DG Co-Executive...

In light of recent tornadoes that have hit many of our communities, we are uplifting the Dramatists Guild Foundation's grants to those impacted by the disasters. As a resource for playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists, we understand the importance of supporting our colleagues in times of need. If you have been impacted by the tornadoes and are in need of financial assistance, please visit the Dramatists Guild Foundation's website for more information....

Over the last year, DG Copyright Management heard from several Guild members asking us to expand our resources on theatrical archives. In response, we have built and continue to build relationships with key archiving institutions across America. We also held a variety of conversations ranging from what makes an archive to organizing and storing papers to how to negotiate the sale of an archive. [All of these talks are free to you on our ...

A Trump-appointed federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing implementation of a new Tennessee law that would've restricted “adult cabaret and performances on public property by topless, go-go or exotic dancers, strippers, or male or female impersonators that are harmful to minors.”  Though the law does not mention drag shows, the Friends of George’s Theatre Company, a theatre group in Memphis that presents drag-centric performances, brought suit and the court...

It's tax season! We know that taxes can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for freelancers like writers. Elaine Grogan Luttrull (founder of Minerva Financial Arts) will lead two free, online tax workshops, one for early career theatre writers and one for mid-career/established writers. Wherever you are in your career, you'll be empowered with the knowledge to plan, prepare, and file your taxes!   Taxes for Early Career Writers - An Online Workshop ...

The Dramatists Guild has co-signed the following statement condemning Florida's suppression of LGBTQ culture and expression:   As organizations dedicated to the freedom of thought, inquiry, and speech, we are deeply alarmed by Florida public officials’ attempts to suppress LGBTQ expression. Legislative and administrative acts of intimidation aimed at deterring access to LGBTQ culture are a serious attack on First Amendment principles....

The Dramatists Guild of America invites all theatre writers to participate in its first ever wide-ranging study examining the overall experience of what it means to be a professional theatre writer in the United States. This study will gather information from all theatre writers on what they are getting paid for their work in the industry, and the sources from which theatre...