The CreateTheater/Prism Stage

New Play Residency

2023 Residency

MALADIES by Chris Sherman

2024 Residency

THE BROKEN CLOSET by Maggie Condon

The CreateTheater/Prism Stage Company New Play Residency is a three-year residency located in New York City that seeks full-length new plays (no musicals) by writers over 40.  It will produce one reading of a new full-length play each year, with submissions managed by CreateTheater and the final project selected by the Prism Stage Company board.

PRISM STAGE COMPANY (PSC) presents new and neglected plays by playwrights over age 40, directed and performed by theater professionals. Since 2014 PSC has offered New York audiences both staged readings and full productions. Artistic participation is open to all, regardless of age, race, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation. PSC is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation licensed in the State of New York. For more information on PSC visit their website at prismstagecompany.com

The program is seeking new plays in development  with no previous production history, supporting Prism’s mission to promote 40+ writers and their perspectives about current issues. Non-NY residents are encouraged to apply, although there are no travel or accommodation stipends available at this time.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

    • The first year of the artist residency consists of a year long developmental period with CreateTheater and Prism Stage, finishing with a table reading in New York City.
    • During the second year of the residency, the selected script will be given a cast, a director, and offered a staged reading at the end of the year.
    • During the third and final year, the play will be considered for a staged reading in the spring CreateTheater New Works Festival in NYC as part of the supported partnership.

Regular working meetings during the year can be accommodated on Zoom, but the readings will be presented in person in New York City.

There are no travel or accommodation stipends available and no requirement for the writers to attend the readings, although they are most welcome to do so.

Eligibility

All plays written by playwrights over 40 are eligible. We’re looking for full-length plays with strong characters from many different backgrounds.

 

Click Here to Apply

Common Questions

What if I don't need three years to develop my show?
No problem! We can “fast-track” your show if we feel it’s ready for a production.
What is my commitment to CreateTheater if a producer or theater wants to option my show?
Great news! As developmental collaborators we would like to participate in the future life of your show, but there is nothing contractual that binds you to us.
Does being in ETC improve my chances of getting a residency?
Yes and no. Yes in that ETC will help you focus and develop your work more than you may if you were “going it alone”; but no, in that we show no extra preference in selecting ETC members over non-members for the residencies. The quality of the work must stand for itself, as we only read from “blind” submissions.

However, only ETC members and current artist residents are eligible to participate in the New Works Festival, the First 15 Minutes Musical Festival or the New  Works Cabaret Festival.