Welcome to Tennessee Playwrights Studio!

We're looking for strong, brave, fierce voices from Tennessee.  No one can deny that we live in a pivotal moment in this country's history. When historians look back at the early 21st century, they'll examine our art, our music, our STORIES. Let us help you tell yours on stage.

Who can participate?

The Studio exclusively serves writers who reside or work in Tennessee. Due to the ongoing pandemic, most (perhaps all) meetings in 2022 will be virtual. There may be one or two in-person meetings in Nashville if circumstances permit; in those cases, full COVID-19 vaccinations will be required. Participants must commit to attending a virtual lab one Sunday per month between February-November. Although you'll be working on your own full-length script, the process involves mutual feedback and support in a small group setting; attendance at all meetings is essential.

These are pivotal years in American history, ones that likely will shape our state and nation for a generation or more. Given that, we're looking for proposals that reflect these high political and cultural stakes. Please consider this as you prepare your application, as it may greatly increase your chances of being selected for our 2022 cohort.

Do I need to have a full manuscript of my play in hand before I begin?

Absolutely not! In fact, we require that you propose a brand-new, full-length script that you will develop over the course of the lab. You'll receive feedback all along the way, and actors will be available to perform your fresh material. 

For 2022, all Fellows must commit to completing a rough first draft by July. The remaining meetings will focus on the vital process of rewriting and refining your script. At the end of the program, playwrights will receive public (either virtual or live tba) readings of their work.

What documents will be in my application?

You'll submit a minimum of 10 pages of a prior script OR (if you're new to writing for the stage) up to 5,000 words in another genre.  We also ask for a 250-word biography and a 500-word synopsis/statement of purpose regarding the new play you propose to write in our lab. We expect the process to be highly competitive, so please take the time to compose your documents accordingly.

Applications open on Nov. 1, 2021, and close on Dec. 15, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. CST. We will consider only the first 40 applications. Notifications will be made by Jan. 15, 2022. The first lab meeting is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 13, 2022, in Nashville. Other monthly dates will be determined prior to acceptance.

The application and the program are free of charge. Transportation and lodging in Nashville are not included. Participants should have access to a laptop computer, tablet or other Internet-accessible device to use during workshops. 

Tennessee Playwrights Studio is committed to inclusion and a safe, harassment-free work environment.

Want to know more?

Visit our website to see the kinds of plays we've helped to develop.