VSA Playwright Discovery Program

Students with documented disabilities enrolled in senior high/secondary school (generally ages 14–19) who submit an original 10-minute script (any genre) in English or ASL. U.S. and international applicants. Previous applicants may reapply until they win or age out; may win only once. Winners must attend all virtual and in-person workshop dates.

1. Write original 10-minute script from experience/observation (disability themes optional).
2. Submit via Kennedy Center Apply portal by Jan
3. 7.
4. If selected, provide proof of age/disability.
5. Attend required virtual workshops and July Kennedy Center residency.

• Online application
• Original 10-minute script (English or ASL)
• Proof of age and disability if finalist

Young writers with disabilities are invited to submit a 'ten-minute script' of any genre. Scripts may be for plays, musicals, multimedia, video, film, TV, podcasts, or other writing for performance. Entries may be the work of an individual student or a collaboration of two students that includes at least one student with a disability. A panel of theater professionals selects division winners. Writers are encouraged to craft short (10 minute) works from their own experiences and observations through the creation of fictional characters and settings, writing realistically, metaphorically or abstractly about any topic, including the disability experience. Please note that all writers need to be enrolled in high school (generally, ages 14-19) and at least one of the writers must be a student with a disability.

Young disabled playwrights selected annually for dramaturg-supported development at the Kennedy Center