SCHOLARSHIPS & FELLOWSHIPS
M.E.H. Lewis Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory of Resident Playwright, M.E.H. Lewis, and is intended to provide funds to assist emerging and/or early career playwrights in financial need with their artistic development and advancement. Partial scholarships will be provided toward a Network Membership at Chicago Dramatists to further the education of Chicago area writers. The scholarship covers 75% of the Network program fee, as well as a range of core and specialty writing classes. Chosen writers are encouraged to participate in Chicago Dramatists events and extended programming.
Eligibility
The playwright must live within close proximity to Chicago in order to attend Chicago Dramatists programs and events. All applicants must be 21 years or older to qualify, and should demonstrate a clear dedication to the theatre arts (most especially playwriting), as well as current financial need. Past MEH Scholars have been identified through our various classes, our acting and directing artist pool, and staff and/or board recommendations.
Guidelines
If interested in this program please send:
- Your contact information (including address, phone number, and email address) and a brief biography.
- Prior experience you may have had with Chicago Dramatists
- An artistic statement: give insight on why this scholarship is valuable to your future as a playwright (do not exceed 1 page).
- A writing sample; please do no exceed 10 pages (may be fewer than 10 pages).
Tutterow Fellowship
The Tutterow Fellowship is named after the late Russ Tutterow, the first and 30-year artistic director of Chicago Dramatists. The program honors Mr. Tutterow’s commitment to identifying and nurturing talent that might not otherwise get the opportunity to grow – all free of charge.
Designed to support the emergent playwright, this two-year fellowship emphasizes training, practice and mentorship. Ideal candidates display significant potential for developing their craft, their voice and their network of collaborators during their fellowship at Chicago Dramatists. Our goal is to include historically under-represented voices, including writers of color, LGBTQIA, differently-abled, and/or neuro-divergent.
Fellows are enrolled in year-round classes, workshops, and writers’ groups as part of a curriculum that is tailored to their individual needs as a writer. They receive a new-play commission, career development seminars, master classes and a mentor from the professional industry. The program culminates in a celebratory weeklong festival of public readings.
Submissions
NOTE: This program is currently on pause due to 2024 staff reorganization and new search for an interim Tutterow Program Director.
This program is made possible by the generous support of the Joyce Foundation.
Access Fellowship
The Chicago Dramatists Access Fellowship for Deaf & Disabled Artists is in honor of Charles and Dorothy Malinowski, who were revered storytellers in the Deaf Community. Fellows receive two free classes, one free Script Lab, and more!
APPLICATION PROCESS
This residency program has an internal selection process, those interested and qualifying artists may send a query email.
