A New Script Development Program
“It was just really powerful to experience my work in that way.”
– Adanna Paul, YPIP Playwright
Young Playwrights in Progress (YPIP) is an opportunity for young, early-career playwrights aged 14 – 24 to engage in a script-development and workshop reading process of original, not-yet-produced one-act or full-length plays with Young Playwrights’ Theater (YPT).
The length of engagement in YPIP will be mutually agreed upon by the playwright and YPT and can vary from 6 – 12 months. Each month, playwrights will meet with YPT Artistic Director Farah Lawal Harris for in-depth script advising sessions. Between sessions, playwrights will complete writing assignments and script updates, as well as get assistance from a dramaturg. Additionally, YPT may produce workshop readings of the playwright’s script.
With the help of a reading committee of theater practitioners, YPT selects playwrights to engage in our Young Playwrights in Progress program.
Apply to Young Playwrights in Progress
Applications for Young Playwrights in Progress 2023-24 are now open. The deadline for applicants is September 30, 2023. Once a playwright has been chosen for the current season, all other applicants will be informed by YPT.
The selection process includes:
- Round 1: Review by YPT’s production team
- Round 2: An interview with YPT Artistic Director Farah Lawal Harris
Playwrights will be informed about where they are in the selection process whether they are chosen or not. Please note that YPT can only provide specific feedback (upon request) for playwrights considered in Round 2.
YPT strongly encourages playwrights from systematically and historically oppressed communities (i.e. Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+, disabled, etc.) to submit. Playwrights will receive a stipend for their participation in YPIP.
For more information or inquiries about Young Playwrights in Progress 2023-24,
please contact us at productions@yptdc.org.