Northeast PA Playwrights Incubator
A new development program supporting emerging playwrights across Northeast Pennsylvania. At least four (4) playwrights will be selected from an open application process for the first year (2026) of this new program!
What is the Northeast PA Playwrights Incubator?
The Northeast PA Playwrights Incubator is a new Scranton Fringe program designed to support emerging or aspiring playwrights in our region as they develop a new script from outline/early draft to a festival-ready staged reading.
This is a structured, supportive process built for writers who want:
The program is intentionally accessible across a wide geographic region. Most activities take place online, with one in-person weekend in Scranton (July) to bring the cohort together for focused writing time and development.
All Genres Welcome
Theatre, dance, music, puppetry, spoken word, or any other creative expression.
What you’ll receive if selected
Selected playwrights will receive:
In this program, a stylized staged reading is a rehearsal-supported presentation that centers the script while still making purposeful choices about pacing, staging, and the audience experience. It is something between just a reading and a full production (limited staging, select costumes, minimal light/sound cues, etc).
If needed, we are willing to consider presenting the first act/half of a script.
Program Structure
Primarily virtual: Most development work happens online (mentor meetings + cohort check-ins).
One in-person convening weekend: July 17–19, 2026, in Scranton.
Festival culmination: Staged readings presented during the 2026 Scranton Fringe Festival (Oct 1–10, 2026).
The in-person weekend is designed to help you make major progress—writing sprints, feedback sessions, mentor labs, and revision planning—so that you leave with momentum and a clear roadmap for your next draft.
2026 Timeline (what to expect)
February 9 – March 31
Application window (in tandem with main Scranton Fringe Festival applications)
April
Panel review + finalist interviews (virtual, as needed)
Cohort announced
Virtual orientation
Mentor/director pairings finalized
Development plans + milestones set
May
Virtual development begins: mentor sessions + cohort check-ins
June
First revision cycle
July 17–19 (In-person convening in Scranton)
Writing sprints, peer feedback, mentor labs, and revision planning
Housing/meals available at no cost as needed/funds allow
August
Continued virtual revisions
Target: “festival-reading draft” delivered by mid/late August
September
Mentor/director shifts toward rehearsal planning
Light virtual rehearsals and coordination with the Fringe producing team
October 1–10
Stylized staged readings presented during the Scranton Fringe Festival – specific dates within the Festival TBD / will be coordinated in advance with each playwright
Optional audience talkbacks and feedback gathering
November
Program evaluation + participant surveys
Optional next-step support (submissions list, future workshop pathways)
Who Can Apply?
1) You live in Northeast Pennsylvania (most of the year)
For this program, “Northeast PA” is defined as residents of:
Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Pike, Bradford, Sullivan, Wyoming, Columbia, Montour, Lycoming, Tioga, Union, Snyder, Monroe, Carbon, Northumberland, Susquehanna, and Schuylkill counties.
2) You identify as an emerging or aspiring playwright
This program is for writers who would benefit from structured support to complete or significantly advance a script. You might be a strong fit if one or more of these describe you:
Not sure if you “count”? If you feel early in your playwriting journey—especially in terms of productions, development opportunities, and professional mentorship—this program is likely meant for you.
3) You have a new script in development
You must propose a new work in development (outline, early draft, or first draft stage) that can culminate in a staged reading at the 2026 festival. If needed, we can consider presenting the first act/half only.
4) You can commit to the program schedule
Selected playwrights must be able to:
How to Apply
Applications are now open and will close on March 31, 2026, via this website.
A small review team of professional playwrights/arts administrators – made up of local and national creatives – will help review all applications.
Questions? Email [email protected] with the subject line: “NEPA Playwrights Incubator.”
This program is made possible in part through the founding support of In This Together NEPA. We’re grateful for their investment in Northeast PA artists and new work development.
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