DGF National Fellows Program

A nine-month intensive program designed to augment the training of American writers early in their careers and enhance community among playwrights and musical theater writers.

Geographic Scope: New York and surrounding metropolitan area (residency requirement)

Eligibility: Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

1. Participation in a graduate program in theatrical writing within the last five years
2. Participation in an organized theatrical workshop within the last ten years
3. Comparable experience, such as one or more professional productions, with a recommendation by a theater professional or educator
4. Pertinent, documented practical experience

Additional Requirements:

• Must be resident of New York or surrounding metropolitan area during fellowship
• Must be able to meet on alternate Monday evenings each month
• Must be available to participate in observerships, assistantships, and other opportunities when they arise

Program Structure:

• Nine-month intensive program
• Group sessions with theater professionals twice monthly for feedback on works in progress
• Regular one-on-one mentoring sessions with experienced dramatists
• Development opportunities through partnering organizations including:
  • New York Stage and Film (NYSAF)
  • Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
  • Rhinebeck Writers Retreat
• Annual presentation of new work by Fellows

Target Participants: Playwrights, composers, lyricists, and bookwriters early in their careers

Notable Alumni:

• Kristen Anderson-Lopez (Academy Award winner, Frozen)
• Rajiv Joseph (Pulitzer Prize finalist, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo)
• Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (Golden Globe for Best Original Song, LA LA Land)
• Deborah Zoe Laufer (ATCA Steinberg Award, End Days)
• Adam Gwon (Fred Ebb and Richard Rodgers Award winner)

Contact Information:

• Phone: (212) 391-8384
• Email: info@dgf.org or rsvp@dgfund.org
• Application portal: http://fellows.dgfund.org/

Application Process

1. Visit Application Portal: http://fellows.dgfund.org/
2. Submit Application Materials:
   • Complete application form through the online portal
   • Portfolio of work samples demonstrating writing ability
   • Statement of artistic goals and career aspirations
   • Evidence of meeting eligibility requirements
   • Letters of recommendation (if applicable)
3. Submission Deadline: Applications must be received no later than 5:30 PM EST on specified deadline date
4. Selection Timeline:
   • Applications reviewed by program committee
   • Selected Fellows begin program in Fall semester
   • Annual presentation of new work held in September at Playwrights Horizons, New York
5. Program Start: Fall (September/October)

Required Materials:

• Evidence of eligibility (transcript, production history, workshop participation records, or documented experience)
• Writing samples
• Artist statement
• Contact information

Program Chairs/Leadership: Overseen by established theater professionals and mentors