The Paprika Playwrights Unit focuses on the process of developing a script for the stage. We ask that playwrights bring us a project they are passionate about, whether it is a clearly outlined idea for a play, a full-length draft ready to be workshopped, or anything in between. Paprika accepts playwrights at all stages, from first-time playwrights to already-produced! Many playwrights have gone on to have their scripts staged as full productions at Paprika and beyond as a result of the development support they received in this program.
Bilal Baig
Bilal Baig (they/them) is a queer, trans-feminine, Muslim playwright, performer and workshop facilitator. Bilal’s first play, Acha Bacha, had its world premiere in 2018 and was recently named a finalist for the Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ2S+ Emerging Writers. Bilal is a core team member at community-based organizations such as Story Planet and Paprika Festival, where they develop and facilitate workshops for youth in under-resourced neighbourhoods in Toronto focused on creative writing and literacy (Story Planet), and oversee the playwrights unit for young writers (Paprika). Bilal is the co-creator and lead of the Peabody Award-winning television series Sort Of.
