Skip to main content
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Lifeline Theatre Accepting Submissions From BIPOC Writers For Stage Adaptation Workshop

Submit your work by Dec 17.

By:

Lifeline Theatre's 3rd annual adaptation workshop is accepting submissions from writers of color through December 17, 2023. The workshop offers Lifeline's expertise in literary adaptation to support playwrights/writers of color (BIPOC) seeking to adapt for the stage. The workshops will culminate in public readings and the potential to be included in future Lifeline seasons.  

SUBMISSIONS

Submissions should outline the writer's intent to develop a stage adaptation of a book or other literary work (e.g., short story, article, memoir, tale, poem, etc.). Proposals can be for traditional adaptations or "inspired by" approaches where the literature serves as a jumping off point, but the source material should be in the public domain. Only one proposal per writer will be accepted. Interested individuals are asked to complete the submission form and upload their script by the submission deadline of December 17, 2023.  For full info on criteria and access to the submission form visit HERE. 

If chosen, writers will receive:

  • A $500 stipend;
  • A process-oriented, writer-focused, developmental experience;
  • A director and a dramaturg;
  • Regular readings of new or rewritten material with feedback from experienced Lifeline ensemble members and playwright-invited artists;
  • Administrative and casting support;
  • A final reading for an invited audience.

“We are looking forward to supporting and serving the desires and needs of our selected playwrights,” shares Lifeline Artistic Director Ilesa Duncan. “Our ensemble members will be available to actively coach, guide, and facilitate writers. Playwrights will also have the freedom to choose the frequency, level, and style of feedback they prefer from our team as well. The development process will culminate in a final reading for an invited audience in July 2024.”

SELECTION TIMELINE

·        December 17th: Application form closes

·        Early-January: Finalists informed

·        Late-January: Finalist interviews

·        Early-February: Workshop playwright(s) announced

Writers of color may submit to the 3rd Annual Adaptation Workshop here.

Please email workshop@lifelinetheatre.com with any questions.

ABOUT LIFELINE THEATRE

Now in its 41st season, Lifeline Theatre continues to explore, interpret, and reimagine books and other literary works to create stories that move us beyond the margins of our own lives. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close. Lifeline Theatre's programs are partially supported by Carol Oppenheim + Jerome Lamet Charitable Fund; a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; The Polk Bros. Foundation; Rogers Park Social; The Saints; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

Click Here to Get Tickets
More on Lifeline Theatre
Upcoming Shows
A Wrinkle in Time
9/11 - 10/18/2026
Sugar Plum Fairy, P.I.
10/3 - 11/8/2026
Recent Articles
LOKI - THE END OF THE WORLD TOUR World Premiere Run Extended, Cast Album Announced
LOKI - THE END OF THE WORLD TOUR World Premiere Run Extended, Cast Album Announced
6/3/2026
Review: LOKI – THE END OF THE WORLD TOUR at Lifeline Theatre
Review: LOKI – THE END OF THE WORLD TOUR at Lifeline Theatre
5/8/2026
Don't Miss a Chicago News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...


BroadwayWorld TV


Disney's The Little Mermaid in Chicago Disney's The Little Mermaid
The Performing Arts Center (7/18-8/02)
EWP presents Robbie Fulks & Griffin William Sherry Showcase in Chicago EWP presents Robbie Fulks & Griffin William Sherry Showcase
Raue Center For The Arts (8/07-8/07)
The Dave Matthews Tribute Band in Chicago The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
Raue Center For The Arts (9/25-9/25)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch in Chicago Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Catalyst Ranch (7/09-7/26) PHOTOS
Bourbon Country in Chicago Bourbon Country
Raue Center For The Arts (8/22-8/22)
Crime and Punishment in Chicago Crime and Punishment
TUTA Theatre (5/07-8/23)
Night Owl Bike Ride in Chicago Night Owl Bike Ride
Raue Center For The Arts (8/08-8/08)
High School Musical in Chicago High School Musical
Al Larson Cultural Center (8/01-8/09)
Disney's Newsies in Chicago Disney's Newsies
Theater Wit (7/11-8/02)
St. Nicholas in Chicago St. Nicholas
City Lit Theater Company (6/26-7/26)