Core Writer Program

The Playwrights' Center Core Writer program is a three-year appointment for committed professional playwrights nationwide who demonstrate a sustained body of work and distinct artistic vision. Each year four to seven new writers join a group of 25-30 Core Writers, who receive paid play-development workshops with professional directors, actors, dramaturgs and designers (with travel and housing to the Twin Cities for non-local writers), eligibility for the Center's public reading series such as PlayLabs and the Ruth Easton New Play Series, and promotion to producing theaters and universities. Applications require a resume, artistic statement, goals statement, full-length script and a recommendation letter; at least one slot per year is reserved for a Minnesota writer.

18+, US resident with right to work; committed professional playwrights pursuing playwriting as primary career; full-time students ineligible; at least one slot/year reserved for a Minnesota writer.

2026-29 deadline was Jan 22, 2026. 4-7 new writers selected annually; 25-30 Core Writers total; eligible for PlayLabs, Ruth Easton Series, etc.