CHICAGO PLAYWRIGHTS: Applications for the 2025-26 PlayGround-Chicago Writers Pool are being accepted now through May 31, 2025.

THE OPPORTUNITY

25 early-career playwrights as well as 3 alternates will be competitively selected from applications to form the Writers Pool.

Members of the Writers Pool may submit scripts to be considered as part of the Monday Night PlayGround-Chicago staged reading series. Four times each season, September through March. PlayGround will announce a prompt and Writers Pool members have just four-and-a-half days to generate an original short script (max. 10 pages) inspired by the prompt. The top six scripts each round will be staged publicly with leading local directors and actors. Those not selected may submit their scripts to Recess for cold readings via zoom (see below).

From the plays staged throughout the season, up to six will be selected for Best of PlayGround-Chicago (produced in April 2026).

Writers Pool members can gain peer feedback on their work by participating in Recess cold readings (one week after each Monday Night PlayGround and generally via Zoom) as well as through a staff one-on-one session (available upon request). New this year, Writers Pool Alternates will have full access to Recess.

Details here: playground-ch.org/submit/