The Project
Submission Criteria
The Emerging Playwrights Reading Series (EPRS) is now accepting applications to our third annual workshop program and reading series. The series will take place over the course of one week in 2027, with rehearsal/workshop days during the week culminating in two public readings of each play on the weekend. Exact dates and times will be announced at a later date.
Each play submission will be reviewed by a panel of jury members that includes established and emerging artists in Toronto’s theatre community. Jury members will be announced in the coming weeks. Selected playwrights will be contacted between the end of August and the end of September.
All selected playwrights receive:
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producing support
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rehearsal space
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director
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cast
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stage manager
The reading series will be a profit share. Playwrights will receive one (1) share of all profits for their reading (box office + fundraising minus expenses); however, pending grant funding playwrights will receive fees in line with CAEA’s Indie 3.0 ($365 + profit share or $665).
Please note that we are unable to cover travel costs or accommodations for those who do not reside in Toronto.
Playwrights are welcome to submit more than one script as separate entries. Submitted plays authors' names must match names submitted via this form. Playwrights whose work was featured in previous EPRS will not be considered for this years’ series. Plays that were previously submitted but unsuccessful can be re-submitted for consideration this year.
The Emerging Playwrights Reading Series is dedicated to ensuring at least 1/3 of plays presented are by writers from BIPOC communities. You have the option to self-identify on the application.
Should you have any questions regarding the project and the submission process, or require any assistance in completing the submission form, please contact us at emergingplaywrights@gmail.com.
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Plays must be less than 90 minutes read time
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Submitted plays cannot have received a professional staged production previously (however can have been through previous workshops)
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Any play with more than 5 characters must have the ability to double cast for the reading
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Cannot have full cast or production team attached
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Playwrights must identify as early career, which is not defined by age but by experience as a playwright. We are happy to accept submissions from anyone 18+
Please complete the form above which includes a submission of a maximum 1-page outline, and a 5-10 page sample from the script being submitted. Please note: Plays do not need to be completed at the time of submission, but must be completed by March 2027.
Please note: Works found to have been written with the use of AI will be disqualified from consideration.