How to become a playwright

How to become a Playwright

Becoming a playwright requires a combination of creative talent, hard work, and persistence. Here are some steps you can take to pursue a career in playwriting:

• Study the craft of playwriting: One of the first steps in becoming a playwright is to study the craft of playwriting. This may involve taking classes, attending workshops or conferences, and reading plays. You can also find resources online or through writing organizations that provide guidance on playwriting techniques and strategies.
• Formal education: Many universities offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Playwriting, which typically includes courses in playwriting, dramatic literature, and theater production, as well as opportunities to have your work produced on stage. A Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting is a graduate-level program that provides advanced training in playwriting, often including mentorship from established playwrights, workshops, and opportunities to have your work produced professionally.
• Write, write, write: To become a successful playwright, you need to develop a body of work. Write as much as possible, and be willing to revise and rewrite until you have a polished final draft. You may want to consider writing in different styles and genres to expand your skills and showcase your versatility.
• Build a network: Playwriting is a collaborative art form, and building relationships with other theater professionals can help you get your work produced. Attend local theater events and connect with actors, directors, and producers to build a network of contacts in the industry. Consider joining a playwriting group or critique circle to get feedback on your work and connect with other writers.
• Submit your work: Once you have a polished script, you can begin submitting it to theaters and festivals. Research different opportunities and submit your work according to their guidelines. Be prepared to face rejection, but also be persistent in your efforts.
• Build your resume: As you start to have work produced, build a resume that showcases your experience as a playwright. This may include producing your own work, working on collaborative projects, or participating in theater festivals. Keep track of your credits, and update your resume and portfolio regularly.
• Continuously improve your craft: As you continue to write and produce plays, focus on improving your craft. Attend workshops and conferences to learn new techniques and trends in playwriting. Seek feedback from other writers and theater professionals to continue developing your skills.

Classes, Workshops, and Conferences
There are many classes, workshops, and conferences available for playwrights, both in person and online. Here are a few options:

• The Playwrights' Center: This organization based in Minneapolis offers playwriting classes, workshops, and mentorship programs, as well as a playwriting conference and a residency program for emerging and established playwrights.
• The Dramatists Guild: This professional organization for playwrights, composers, and lyricists offers workshops, classes, and conferences, as well as resources and support for its members.
• The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival: This festival includes playwriting workshops and competitions, as well as opportunities for playwrights to network with theater professionals and have their work showcased.
• The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center: This organization offers a variety of programs for playwrights, including workshops, residencies, and a National Playwrights Conference where selected playwrights have the opportunity to develop their work with professional directors and actors.
• The National New Play Network: This organization provides support and resources for playwrights, including workshops, conferences, and opportunities for staged readings and productions of new plays.
• The New York State Summer Writers Institute: This program, held at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, offers workshops in playwriting as well as other genres, and includes readings and discussions with visiting writers.
• The Sewanee Writers' Conference: This conference, held at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, includes a playwriting workshop as well as workshops in other genres, readings, and craft talks with established writers.

Online Resources
Here are some great online resources for playwrights:

• Samuel French - A publisher and licensing agent for plays and musicals. Their website includes resources for playwrights, including playwriting tips and information about submission guidelines.
• Playwriting 101 - A website that offers advice and resources for playwrights, including tips on playwriting, information about contests and submission opportunities, and links to other useful websites.
• New Play Exchange - An online platform where playwrights can share their work and connect with other writers, producers, and directors.