Virtual Playwrights’ Night – A New Educational Experience
We are excited to introduce the newly reimagined Virtual Playwrights’ Night, now an educational
program designed to support emerging and experienced writers in refining their craft while offering students and lifelong learners valuable insight into the playwriting process.
Through this initiative, playwrights contribute material as educational resources, and volunteer teaching artists perform readings, helping to bring these works to life. Our audience—composed of students in formal programs and independent artists seeking continuing education—will have the opportunity to observe, learn, and engage in discussions about playwriting techniques, structure, and storytelling.
This interactive, virtual experience will take place on Zoom, providing an inclusive space for learning, experimentation, and growth.
How It Works
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Playwrights submit up to 8 pages of original work to be considered as educational material.
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Five playwrights are randomly selected each month, and our dedicated teaching artists perform their work live over Zoom.
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Students and attendees gain insight into the playwriting process by witnessing cold readings and participating in follow-up discussions.
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Playwrights receive valuable feedback through audience observations and teaching artist interpretations.
Submission Guidelines
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Submit up to 8 pages of an original play at any stage of development.
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Pieces can include up to 10 characters (including a reader for stage directions).
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Include detailed character descriptions (age, ethnicity, gender, or “any”).
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Selected playwrights will be assigned a cast of teaching artists, who will receive the script before the event.
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There will be no formal rehearsal or direction time, as this is an opportunity for playwrights to observe their work in action.
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There is no fee to apply.
Who Can Participate?
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Playwrights at any level who wish to have their work used as educational material.
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Students and artists looking to learn from live performances of new plays.
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Teaching artists who volunteer to support the program by performing in readings.
Frequently Asked
Questions
For Playwrights
Q: I’ve never written anything before! Is this program still for me?
A: Absolutely! This is an educational opportunity for writers at all levels.
Q: I’m a professional writer. Can I still submit my work?
A: Yes! Even experienced playwrights benefit from hearing their work read aloud.
Q: Will I receive feedback on my work?
A: While there is no formal feedback session, audience members and teaching artists may share observations and insights during post-reading discussions.
Q: Can I submit a work-in-progress?
A: Yes! We encourage writers to submit pieces at any stage of development.
Q: Can I act in my own piece?
A: No, the purpose is to hear your work performed by teaching artists so you can experience it as an audience member.
For Students and Audience Members
Q: I’m not a writer, but I’d love to attend and learn. Can I?
A: Yes! Anyone interested in playwriting and storytelling is welcome.
Q: Can I ask questions or provide feedback?
A: Yes! Audience members can engage through Zoom’s chat feature and designated discussion time.
Q: Will I be seen or heard as an audience member?
A: No, audience members will not be visible or audible during the reading but can interact through chat.
For Teaching Artists
Q: Who are the performers?
A: All performers are volunteer teaching artists who bring their expertise to help bring these works to life in an educational setting.
Q: How can I become a teaching artist?
A: If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact us at playwrightsnight@inkwelltheater.com.
Where: Zoom
When: Held on the second or third Wednesday of each month
For more information or to submit your work, contact us at playwrightsnight@inkwelltheater.com.
We look forward to learning and growing together!