Organizer Information
Founded in 1972, the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) is a multidisciplinary arts center based in Southeast Queens, New York. Its mission is to offer quality visual and performing arts programs while providing accessible community education. Operating from the Jamaica Arts Center and Jamaica Performing Arts Center, JCAL anchors local creative participation. The organization prioritizes artists who live or practice in Queens, while welcoming creators from across the Greater NYC area.
Title & Description
Meet the Playwright (MTP) Lab 2026: Where Process Meets Performance
The Meet the Playwright Lab is an expanded, intensive 8-month cohort-based residency designed to invest deeply in early-career theater writers. Led by Program Manager Iyvon E., the laboratory offers a comprehensive blend of long-arc career guidance, deep dramaturgical development, and direct industry networking. Over the course of the residency, a chosen four-member cohort will participate in biweekly professional convenings, dedicated craft workshops, and rigorous mentorship sessions. The experience is driven by two dedicated experts—a playwright mentor and a producing/directing mentor—who provide one-on-one support and lead seminars featuring specialized guest speakers. The entire program culminates in a high-profile, public-facing showcase, where each playwright's newly developed, original script is presented as a professional staged reading in a 94-seat studio theater, followed by a moderated audience Q&A and a celebratory reception.
Categories
Theater, Playwriting, and Creative Writing.
Eligibility
- Identity: Early-career theater writers who identify as BIIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Immigrant, People of Color).
- Geography: Open to all New York City (NYC) residents, with strong priority extended to playwrights based in Queens.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
- Experience Restriction: Playwrights whose theatrical work has already received professional productions scaling beyond the standard Actors’ Equity Showcase Code are considered overqualified and are not eligible.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Financial Stipend: Each chosen cohort member receives a total stipend of $2,400, distributed in monthly installments of $300 across the 8-month period.
- Space Access: Playwrights can book up to 100 hours of free rehearsal space at JCAL facilities to workshop their pieces.
- Professional Showcase: A fully managed, public staged reading of their play at JCAL’s 94-seat studio theater with free public admission, an audience Q&A, and an honoring reception.
- Mentorship & Networking: Direct access to specialized playwright and producing/directing mentors, guest speakers, and an intimate professional cohort.
Application Fee
There is no application fee specified for this open call; submitting an online application via Submittable is free of charge.
Application Requirements
Applicants must compile and submit the following components strictly through the official digital portal:
- The Developed Script Sample: A 25-page excerpt from a fully developed, pre-existing play.
- The Proposal Script Sample: A 10-page excerpt or starting text of the brand-new, unpublished, and unproduced play that the applicant specifically proposes to write and develop throughout the 8-month lab.
- Note on Final Form: The proposed script must be structured so that its final, completed staging maintains a total running time of 90 minutes or less. Semi-finalists will eventually be requested to submit full-length manuscripts of their completed past work.
How to Apply
All documentation and script samples must be uploaded directly via the JCAL Submittable platform. Applications sent via regular email, postal services, or hand-delivered to physical staff members at the facility will be automatically disqualified.
- Application Link: Apply via JCAL's Submittable Portal
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: July 13, 2026
- Virtual Interview Weeks: Weeks of August 9, 2026, and August 16, 2026
- Final Cohort Notification: Week of August 30, 2026
- Residency Period / Biweekly Lab Meetings (Wednesdays, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM):
- October 7 & 21, 2026;
- November 4 & 18, 2026;
- December 2 & 16, 2026;
- January 6 & 20, 2027;
- February 10 & 24, 2027;
- March 10 & 24, 2027;
- April 7 & 21, 2027;
- May 5 & 19, 2027.
- Public Staged Reading Dates (Fridays at 8:00 PM):
- February 19, 2027;
- March 19, 2027;
- April 16, 2027;
- May 14, 2027.
Location
The program is hybrid, utilizing remote virtual spaces as well as mandatory in-person gatherings. Physical rehearsals, workshops, and final staged performances take place locally at: Jamaica Arts Center (United States)
Additional Details
The MTP Lab is made possible through public funding initiatives spearheaded by New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Nantasha Williams, alongside foundational grants from the Mellon Foundation, Howard Gilman Foundation, and the Matisse Foundation. Selected artists are strictly expected to maintain flawless attendance across all mandatory Wednesday evening lab dates to keep their cohort status and funding active.