News: Advocacy

The letter, dated March 28, 2024, addressed to Dr. Jonathan Ponds, Superintendent of Montclair School District, expresses deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent shutdown of a play at Montclair High School in New Jersey. The Dramatists Legal Defense Fund highlights the lack of a proper response from school authorities, particularly Principal Jeffrey Freeman and the Montclair School District, regarding the infringement of First Amendment rights. The shutdown...

Get ready to embark on a fearless creative journey with End of Play.® starting April 1, 2024! Presented by the Dramatists Guild, this annual event celebrates the art and craft of writing for the theatre.What is End of Play.®? End of Play.® is a month-long initiative designed to ignite the creation and completion of new stage works within just 30 days. It's not a race to the finish; it's a courageous journey undertaken by writers unafraid to immerse themselves fully in...

The Dramatists Guild is excited to announce the continuation of our national advocacy tour, bringing empowering Advocacy Nights to theatre writers across the country. After successful events in Detroit, Pittsburgh, New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, we're heading to the vibrant creative hub of the San Francisco/Bay Area. As a playwright, composer, lyricist, or librettist, it's essential to know your rights and the resources available to you. Join us for an enlightening evening...

Join GLAAD in this free conversation, and the first of its kind, to discuss transgender and nonbinary representation within theatre writing for playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists, presented with support from The Dramatists Guild of America. Wednesday, March 20 AST: 2:00pm - 4:00pm EST: 1:00pm - 3:00pm CST: 12:00pm - 2:00pm MST: 11:00am - 1:00pm PST: 10:00am -12:00pm AKST: 9:...

Join us for Entrepreneur Day for Theatre Writers on March 25, featuring three invaluable sessions tailored to writers at different stages of their careers.In Session One, gain insights into business and career guidance, including exclusive consultations with skilled lawyers in Business Affairs. Session Two offers a Tax Workshop catering to mid-career and established writers, addressing common tax scenarios and deductions. For early career writers, Session Three provides a...

The Dramatists Guild of America is thrilled to announce that playwright Christopher Durang is the recipient of its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented at the Guild’s annual awards ceremony on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Sony Hall (235 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036). The Guild is also proud to welcome Final Draft as a presenting sponsor of the event.Tickets will go on sale...

Calling all BIPOC writers (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)  in Philadelphia who are passionate about storytelling through plays, musicals, songs, or operas! Join us for an in-person event on February 26th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Room 108, First Floor. This event will provide you with the tools you need to thrive in your creative journey while breaking free from exploitative...

In February, We're Bringing Theatre Writers Together! In February, DG will host five online community gatherings across the country engaging in conversations on the theme of "Advocacy and Career," specifically for theatre writers like you. Share your insights and let us know how the Guild can continue to support and advocate on behalf of your region's theatre writing community!    ...

The Dramatists Guild is thrilled to announce the launch of a new series of Advocacy Nights around the United States. Beginning January 15, these free events will help theatre writers build community while learning about available resources and their rights in process and production.Do you know your rights and what resources are available to you as a playwright, composer, lyricist, or librettist? Join us and be inspired! This in-person event will be your chance to come...

January 1, 2024, is Public Domain Day, the day each year when copyrights expire and new works enter the public domain in the United States. This milestone means these works are now free for all to copy, share, and build upon, offering a treasure trove of cultural and artistic riches.  The "Progress Clause" of the U.S. Constitution established the legal basis for federal copyright law, and it did so to encourage the progress of our society, incentivizing the creation of new works...

The Dramatists Guild of America has been named a finalist for the Third Annual Anthem Awards in two categories for publications promoting rights and equity for theatre writers in the entertainment industry. The Anthem Awards is the largest and most comprehensive social impact award, with a mission to amplify the voices that spark global change. “Theatre is by its nature a place of cultural and societal exchange. Theatre writers spend their lives dedicated to shaping our...

Season 5 Episode 6 of The Dramatists Guild Presents: TALKBACK podcast is now available to download! DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE This season's final episode features a conversation with two of the most produced playwrights in America: Lauren Gunderson and...