The Chicago Dramatists Residency program is a highly selective program offered to playwrights whose body of work, theatrical experience, and/or potential to positively impact the American theatre repertory. Applications are accepted each year beginning February 1 and must be postmarked by April 1, and the playwrights selected for residency are notified by September 1.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Residency program is open to emerging or established Chicago-area playwrights who wish to develop their skills, plays and careers through Chicago Dramatists' programs. (In this case, “Chicago-area” is defined as within 100 miles of the Chicago city limits.) The program is open to playwrights with demonstrated artistic and professional accomplishments, which should include at least some of the following areas&mdash: productions, workshops and readings at professional theatres; film and television productions; and professional playwriting awards, grants, fellowships, and residencies. (Playwrights with credits only in educational theatre do not qualify.)

SELECTION PROCESS

Resident Playwrights are chosen by a diverse selection panel headed by the Artistic Director and consisting of current Resident Playwrights and others appointed by the Artistic Director. Although professional accomplishment is very important, talent and potential are the main criteria. Because these criteria are subjective, the panelists change annually, and applicants may resubmit the same or different plays from year to year.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications for the Residency program must include the following materials:

• A completed application form.
• Two plays of any type, at least one of which must be a full-length play. Screenplays and plays for young audiences do not qualify— nor do adaptations or collaborations (except for musicals).
• A brief resume or biography (one or two pages) listing playwriting accomplishments and activities and any experience in related writing or theatrical fields (specifying organizations, locations, and dates). Reviews and programs are welcome, but optional.
• A letter of intent (one or two pages) describing what you hope to accomplish through Residency, how you will use your Residency, and how you came to be familiar with Chicago Dramatists.
• A letter of recommendation from a theatre or literary professional, written specifically for this application.

And that's it. Just slip it all into a large envelope and mail it to us at:

Chicago Dramatists
Attn: Residency Applications
1105 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL  60642

(And remember to include a SASE if you want your materials returned at the end of the process.)

Every year, this selection process brings a few new faces into our Residency fold. Maybe next go-around, one of them will be yours.

Good luck!