Core Writer Grant Program

Core Writer Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Playwrights' Center
Amount: Unspecified amount in in-kind support
Last Updated: September 20, 2025

Summary

The Core Writer Grant Program is a prestigious initiative by the Playwrights' Center that supports a diverse group of professional playwrights over a three-year term. Selected writers engage in workshops to develop new works while receiving guidance from industry experts. With 25-35 playwrights involved annually, the program fosters artistic growth and provides opportunities for public readings and networking, enhancing the careers of emerging talents in the theater community.

Overview

The Core Writer Program is a three-year appointment designed to support a diverse group of playwrights who demonstrate a sustained body of work, commitment to their craft, and distinct artistic vision. The program is available to committed professional playwrights nationally and offers significant resources intended to further a playwright's career. Playwrights who have benefited from the Core Writer Program include: Christina Anderson, Lee Blessing, Carlyle Brown, Erin Courtney, Kristoffer Diaz, Larissa FastHorse, Marcus Gardley, Marvin Gonzalez deLeon, Idris Goodwin, Dipika Guha, Jeffrey Hatcher, Sherry Kramer, Carson Kreitzer, Martyna Majok, Mona Mansour, Melanie Marnich, AriDy Nox, Qui Nguyen, Kira Obolensky, Stacey Rose, Jen Silverman, Susan Soon He Stanton, Alice Tuan, and Rhiana Yazzie. The Core Writer program annually gives 25-35 of the most exciting playwrights from across the country the time and tools to develop new work for the stage. Each year, Playwrights’ Centers selects 4-7 new writers to join this group, as 4-7 other writers wrap up their three-year term. All Core Writers receive play development workshops with the Center, in collaboration with prominent directors, actors, dramaturgs, and designers. All writers are paid for their workshop time, and Core Writers who are not local are provided travel to and housing in Minneapolis for their workshops. At least one slot each year is reserved for a Minnesota writer. Core Writers are eligible to be included in our formal season of public readings: the PlayLabs festival, the Ruth Easton New Play Series, and the In the Lab Series. Core Writers are also promoted by the Center and provided opportunities through an extensive network of colleges and universities, cultural institutions, and producing theaters.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Each term is three years.Core Writers may reapply for additional terms.Applicants must reside in and have the legal right to work in the U.S. This program is highly competitive and is designed for committed professional playwrights who are pursuing playwriting as their primary career.

Ineligibility

Students enrolled in a full-time educational program are not eligible. laywrights’ Center Staff who are directly involved in administering fellowship programs are not eligible