Calling all emerging playwrights and theatre creators, the 2024-2025 Young Creators Unit is now accepting applications!
If you have any questions regarding accessibility, require assistance with your application, or would like to discuss alternative methods of applying and deadline flexibility, please contact accessibility@playwrights.ca.
In 2024, we are proudly celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Young Creators Unit!
Applications are now open and due by August 11, 2024, 11:59PM EST.
Are you a theatre maker under 30, looking to hone your craft in storytelling? Do you have a brilliant idea for a play, but are not sure how to get it on paper? Or maybe you need feedback and guidance to elevate your first draft to the next level?
If any of this sounds like you, then PWM’s Young Creators Unit is the place to develop your work and artistry.
This creative incubator supports emerging artists to find their voice, make connections, and learn new storytelling skills, all while developing the practical skills they need to establish a successful career in the arts. All you need to apply is an idea, a question, theme, or an image you’d like to explore.
From September 2024 -June 2025, participants will receive one-on-one dramaturgical sessions, mentorships with industry professionals, and participate in group writing sessions and workshops. YCU participants are also provided professional development resources and opportunities, such as grant writing support and guidance, access to local theatre performances, and networking opportunities.
If you are interested in learning more about the Young Creators Unit and PWM, or about the YCU 2024-2025 Application Process, please email Leila at leila@playwrights.ca.
YCU is led by PWM’s Artistic Producer & Dramaturg, Leila Ghaemi.
Thrilled to be back leading the YCU for her third year, Leila Ghaemi (she/elle) is a dramaturg, director and teaching artist. Her artistic pillars include responsible MENASA representation, radical theatre empowerment, and new play development. She received her BFA in Theatre Arts and MFA in Theatre Education & Direction from Boston University’s School of Theatre, where she grew her love for and skills in dramaturgical methods. She currently serves as the board president for Persephone Productions Montreal.
Recent external credits include: Creative Consultant, POTUS (The Segal Centre); Cultural Consultant & Audience Engagement, English (The Segal Centre for the Performing Arts); Senior School Drama Teacher, The Study School; Co-Director, Pool (No Water) (Persephone Productions Montreal); Director, Romeo & Juliet (Classic Repertory Theatre); Director, The Scarlet Letter (Classic Repertory Theatre); Artistic Associate, New Repertory Theatre; Dramaturg & Director, The Tragic Ecstasy of Girlhood (Boston Playwrights’ Theatre); and Script Reader & Conservatory Associate, American Conservatory Theater.
PWM welcomes all applications. While recognizing that the identity of each person is fundamentally plural, and multidimensional, we strongly encourage applications from artists who are: Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), Black, POC, racialized (including recent immigrants), 2SLGBTQQIPAA+, neurodivergent, disabled, living with chronic illness and/or chronic pain. PWM is strongly committed to supporting a wide range of cultural identities and lived experiences, therefore we encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they are comfortable doing so.
Click here to preview the application form as a PDF.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying, please fill out this Google Form by 11:59 PM EST on August 11th, 2024.
Your application will require the following information:
- A brief bio of yourself, and your experience (if any) as a storyteller/creator.
- A brief description of the work you would like to develop in the YCU this year, or a list of some ideas.
- A brief description sharing why you would like to join the Unit, and what you hope to get out of the experience.
- Any additional writing and/or artistic materials you would like to have considered with your application. This can be a current script excerpt, mood boards, music playlists, past work, etc. This helps us get to know you and what sparks your interest as an artist!
The program will run from September 11th, 2024, to May 31st, 2025. Group sessions will take place biweekly on Wednesdays from 5-8PM in the PWM Creative Studio, located at 7250 Rue Clark, suite #103.
The number of Cohort members we can accept is limited, and participants are expected to attend the group sessions, one-on-one meetings, as well as commit to additional self-directed activities. Please only apply to the YCU if you are able to commit to the full schedule. All applicants will be informed of their results by Friday, September 6th, 2024.
The Selection Process
Due to the high level of interest in the YCU each year, we will be holding interviews with some of the potential candidates to learn more about their interests and goals, and what they hope to gain from the program. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask us questions! Please note that not all applicants will be contacted for an interview, and that an interview does not indicate whether or not you have been accepted into the program.
Once the application period is closed, all applications will be reviewed and considered. There are many factors that go into the selection process, such as group dynamics and the range of experience within the Cohort. Decisions will not be based on training or competencies; we therefore encourage applications from all backgrounds and experience levels.
If you have any questions, please contact YCU’s Lead Dramaturg, Leila Ghaemi at leila@playwrights.ca.
“A singular space for incubation and support, YCU meets young artists where they’re at. During my time I was able to garner so much I wouldn’t be able to achieve alone: an ensemble of motivated peers, unique workshops from interdisciplinary practitioners along with space and time for my piece to grow. Along with the development of my piece, YCU fosters exploration of the playwright’s process, understanding that with each unique story comes unique approaches to the artist and their creation.”
— 2023-2024 YCU Cohort Member
