For over 95 years, the Playhouse has brought artists and audiences together to experience the power of live performance, with a proud record of introducing new plays to the American theatre.
Today, we continue that history with our Playhouse Playwright’s Project, whose mission is to discover, support, and present original theatrical works by writers at all stages of their careers, while providing meaningful pathways from idea to performance. With your help, we’re actively committed to our ongoing search for compelling theatrical voices and projects.
Your support allows us to nurture artists through public and private readings, engage in workshops and presentations, and ultimately launch selected works as full productions in our Mainstage season. We are equally dedicated to championing celebrated playwrights and emerging writers alike, creating opportunities for both to develop and premiere work in a historic venue with the support and enthusiasm of our dedicated audience.
Through our Script in Hand Series and Barnstormer Series, playwrights at all stages of their careers from emerging writers to nationally recognized artists are given the opportunity to explore new material, collaborate with accomplished actors and directors, and engage directly with audiences. These programs provide an essential step in the life of a new play, helping writers refine their work and move it toward future productions.
From Artistic Director Mark Shanahan
Launching a new play in the American theatre is a herculean task, with countless hurdles a playwright must overcome before a work ever sees its first curtain rise. We believe those stories and the artists who create them deserve a home where imagination is nurtured and collaboration thrives. Thanks to your support, our audience can witness bold ideas taking the stage for the first time."
THE PROJECT’S PATHWAYS TO THE PLAYHOUSE STAGE
We are currently shepherding projects toward future productions through multiple creative pathways, including:
Barnstormer Series
Presented in our rehearsal barn, this intimate series allows small audiences to encounter performances in their earliest stages and provides writers the opportunity to explore ideas in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Script in Hand & Mic in Hand Series
Presented on the Mainstage, these beloved programs bring works to life, allowing writers to hear their material performed by accomplished professionals while engaging directly with audiences.
New Work Developmental Labs
Featuring new works being shaped through a series of private workshops with writers and creative teams, funded by sponsors with an eye towards a full production.
Full Productions
For some projects, the ultimate destination is a fully realized production as part of our main season — a premiere that can help launch a work into theatres across the country and beyond.
RECENT NEW WORK AT THE PLAYHOUSE
Some recent examples of new work presented at the Playhouse include:
The Goldsmith by Sharone Sayegh, which began as a Barnstormer reading and later appeared in our Script in Hand Series before going on to major festivals and regional theater seasons.
2 MotherPluckers by Stacie Morgain Lewis and Julie Foldesi also originated in the Barnstormer Series and was later remounted for a successful performance on our Mainstage.
Recent Script in Hand presentations of new work have also included Gratitude and Tenderness Number Four by Enid Graham, The Pancake Club by Charlotte Booker, and From Broadway to Hollywood: A Musical Concert, created by Drew Wutke and John-Andrew Morrison.
Westport Country Playhouse was an early and integral part of The Goldsmith’s developmental journey, and that support helped propel us to receive great acclaim and recognition at other theatres. I’m especially grateful to share this very personal story with Playhouse audiences, whom I know to be incredibly smart, engaging, and trustworthy."
Sharone Sayegh, writer of The Goldsmith
SUBMISSION POLICY
Westport Country Playhouse does not generally accept unsolicited scripts.
Most material considered is submitted through literary agents or other professional representation.
Writers without representation are welcome to send a script in PDF format, along with a brief synopsis and playwright bio, to submissions@westportplayhouse.org
Due to the small size of our staff and the volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond to every submission. We will be in touch only if there is interest in the work. We appreciate your understanding.
INVEST IN NEW WRITERS & NEW WORKS AT THE PLAYHOUSE
Investing in writers at Westport Country Playhouse helps ensure that the lifeblood of the American theater continues- with the Playhouse playing an active role in shaping its future.
Your support provides artists the opportunity to develop new stories, collaborate with exceptional creative teams, and bring original work to audiences.
English 
Spanish