Play Submissions
Dear Artists,
We so appreciate all that you do and all of the necessary reach outs you make to companies in hopes of your works being seen and produced. Your doggedness is recognized and valued.
In order to do our best as an organization, with an emphasis on thriving while working within our means, we have developed a process for receiving unsolicited scripts. Please keep in mind that Nightwood is mandated to champion women and gender-expansive art and artists. Prior to continuing we ask that you review our mission and vision page to assure that you and your project are in alignment with Nightwood’s focus.
The best possible way to ignite or continue a relationship is to submit your project/play through one of three processes:
1. Apply to our fall deadline for Write From The Hip. To see what comes out of the Write From The Hip program, please join us at the annual Groundswell Festival!
2. Apply for our OAC RGTC Recommenders Grants to Theatre Creators. Applications typically go live between September – November.
3. Submit a 10-page max. script sample through this form. All submissions will be reviewed annually. Our next review period will be in June 2025.
If your piece strikes our interest, we will ask to be kept abreast of its development. If your voice strikes our interest, we will ask to be kept abreast of your future works.
Should you require any additional support for the above methods, please connect with Jade at jade@nightwoodtheatre.net.
We want to know you – so please let us know what you’re up to. There are many eyes and ears of our organization and though we may not always be able to read every draft or be at every production, we want to know what you’re doing.
Keep doing what you’re doing. Plays need theatres and theatres need plays.
Fondly,
Andrea
Submissions for the 2026 Write From The Hip Program will open in October 2025.
About the Program
Write From The Hip is a year-long script development program designed to support self-identifying emerging playwrights through mentorship, participation in a playwright’s unit, and one-on-one dramaturgy. Participants work towards the completion of a full-length play that culminates in a public reading with professional actors and a director as part of our Groundswell Festival. We are looking for intersectional feminist content by women (*including, but not limited to trans, cis), Two-Spirit, non-binary, and gender expansive playwrights who are emerging in craft – there is no age limit to apply. Participants will receive a $2,000 CAD honorarium – $1,000 for starting the program, and $1,000 for the completion of their draft and participation at the Groundswell Festival.
Please note: This program is open to women and gender-expansive people. This includes cis and trans women, trans men, as well as non-binary, 2-Spirit, genderfluid, and gender non-conforming folks. We accept applications from early career theatre artists and/or arts workers who are aged 18+. The program will run from January-November 2025 and will culminate with the Groundswell Festival and will be held in-person in Toronto, mostly at our new home at 877 Yonge Street. For that reason, we are strongly recommending that participants be based in Toronto.
Program Support Provided By The RBC Foundation
2024-25 The Nightwood Shadow Residencies
Introducing the Nightwood Shadow Residencies! Building on the success of eight years of the Nightwood Innovators program, we’re excited to announce a new experience: the Nightwood Shadow Residencies.
This program is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the theatre industry and ignite lasting professional connections by integrating them in Nightwood’s operational ongoings and productions. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, participants will hone their craft while collaborating with industry professionals and peers.
A key component of the Shadow Residencies is the opportunity to shadow a position within Nightwood Theatre’s core operations or a current production. These positions aim to offer approximately 100 hours of experiential learning and mentorship to ignite a lasting personal and professional relationship with each other and Nightwood Theatre, Canada’s preeminent feminist theatre company.
This program is open to women and gender-expansive people. This includes cis and trans women, trans men, as well as non-binary, 2-Spirit, genderfluid, and gender nonconforming folks. We accept applications from emerging theatre artists, producers, and/or administrators that are aged 18+. If you have any questions, please email Jade at jade@nightwoodtheatre.net.
Program Support Provided By TD The Ready Commitment
PROGRAM INCLUDES
- Practical experience in the area of the participant’s choice through our shadow position placements
- A one-on-one session with Artistic Director Andrea Donaldson
- A one-on-one consultation with Artistic Associate Jade Silman (can be used to discuss current projects, dramaturgy, producing, career mentorship, etc)
- Free access to workshops available to the broader community led by Nightwood staff and guest artists on topics of interest for the cohort and the community
- Invitations to first-day table reads and dress rehearsals/performances for Nightwood’s mainstage programming*
- Observing a Write From The Hip new play development workshop before it is publicly shared at the Groundswell Festival
- Gathering points for socializing, connecting to future collaborators, and developing systems of support
- Access to Nightwood staff for consultation
- A $2,400 (CAD) honourarium for participation in your shadow position
*When possible, given Nightwood’s partnerships with other companies
TIME COMMITMENT
The Nightwood Shadow Residencies will run from October 2024 to June 2025.
The bulk of the hours spent will be over the course of the shadow position with around 100 hours of mentorship. Please consult the shadow roles below to choose positions that most urgently respond to your areas of desired growth and fit into your general schedule (you and your mentor will work together to determine how best to use your time). There will also be a handful of group check in’s over the year which will be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance. Other activities such as professional development workshops, one-on-ones, and dress rehearsal invitations will have encouraged, but optional attendance.
To view the questions prior to filling out the form, click here.
If you have any questions about the program and talk through your application, please contact Jade at jade@nightwoodtheatre.net
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
All applicants must:
– Identify as a woman or gender-expansive person, per Nightwood’s mandate. This includes cis and trans women, trans men, as well as non-binary, 2-Spirit, genderfluid, and gender non-conforming folks
– Be over the age of 18
– Be eligible to work in Canada
– Self-identify as early career (in the first few years of their professional practice and/or have some practical experience outside of a post-secondary institution) or further along in their career and looking to expand into another area of practice within the sector.
If you fall outside of the eligibility or are unsure that you meet the requirements, please reach out to us! If the Shadow Residence is not a fit we’re happy to recommend other, more suited, programs.
WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE SHOULD I HAVE?
We’re looking for theatre artists and arts workers who are 18+ and self-identify as early career. The program is best suited for folks who are in the first few years of their professional practice or are looking to expand into another area of theatre practice. Practical experience outside of postsecondary institutions is recommended though post-secondary training is not required.
WHAT IF I HAVE APPLIED FOR OR PARTICIPATED IN THE INNOVATORS BEFORE?
Due to the new structure of the program, we are accepting applications from any previous applicants and participants. Priority will be given to folks who have not previously participated in the Innovators program.
WHAT DO THE SHADOW POSITIONS LOOK LIKE?
Each shadow position will be led by a mentor from one of our season productions or a Nightwood staff member. You can attend meetings and rehearsals with them and will have the opportunity to contribute to the tasks you are shadowing. Any tasks that come up over the course of the position will prioritize your interests and education.
WHAT IF I’M A STUDENT?
We believe that you will get the most out of this program if you are not currently a full-time student and we’d encourage you to apply once you’ve completed your program.
WHAT IF I DON’T LIVE IN TORONTO?
With the introduction of our shadow positions, we have made this year’s program Toronto-based. We encourage folks in the GTA able to regularly travel to Toronto to apply and will continue to provide other opportunities to connect with other artists across Canada.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO’S IN THE PROGRAM?
Applications are viewed by a small team of Nightwood Staff and mentors, with consultation from select members of the outgoing Innovators cohort.
We consider a number of factors, including:
– Who will get the most out of this program?
– Who would not get this kind of opportunity elsewhere?
– Who demonstrates values that align with Nightwood’s?
WHAT IF I AM LOOKING FOR A PROGRAM MORE LIKE THE PREVIOUS INNOVATORS?
We hear you! We recognize the strengths of the previous Innovators program in fostering connections and exploring diverse workshop topics. Building on this success, we’re expanding our workshop offerings to be open to the broader community. Additionally, we’re continually seeking new ways to engage the public throughout our season.
For individuals interested in a more structured program, we’re happy to recommend other suitable options offered by other amazing Toronto organizations.
WAIT, I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS!
You can reach Jade via email at jade@nightwoodtheatre.net.