Playwrights Unit

This program is supported by Playwrights Canada Press.

Applications for this program are now closed

About

Hello ٩(◕‿◕)۶

Thank you for your interest in the 25/26 Playwrights Unit. This year, the unit will focus on the process of developing a script for the stage, and building a career as a playwright — all of this while having fun!!!!! 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. Three artists will learn about character development, scene structure, creating honest dialogue, sustaining tension in writing, and administrative skills — including grant writing, crafting playwright resumes, and pitching your project to a theatre. 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.

We welcome playwrights at all career stages, from first-time playwrights to those who have already been produced! We encourage new artists and artists located in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) in the first few years of their practice to apply. Please be aware that the Playwrights Unit public readings and some of the unit’s meetings will take place in person in Tsí Tkarón:to (Toronto).

Thank you for taking the time to apply. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to get to know you and your practice.

Commitment

Approximate time commitment: 13 hours per month in group sessions and training days, with additional writing work done outside of program meetings.

Attend approximately two Playwrights Unit group meetings per month on Monday evenings between January 12 – April 27, 2026 (you can choose between attending in person or online)
Attend agreed-upon meetings with mentors and your facilitator
Attend in-person attendance to company-wide training days in 2026 (January 11, January 25 online session, February 8, February 22, March 16, April 19, May date TBD)
Write your play and collaborate with Paprika and your facilitator on casting
Attend your play’s workshop in person in late April 2026 (one half-day session between April 15 and April 16, 2026)
Attend the Playwrights Unit tech and showcase during the Festival week (May 12-17, 2026 – exact date TBD)

Support You Receive

$1,750 honorarium
10 hours of mentorship from the professional of your choice
7 company-wide training days where you will learn from professional artists about topics such as accessibility, marketing and communication, pitching your work, networking, and more
A half-day workshop with professional actors to read and discuss your play
Tech and a public staged reading in a professional theatre venue
Promotion of your project on Paprika’s social media and marketing materials
A section in the Festival Program and a professional headshot
Technical guidance and training for your team before moving into the theatre venue
The support of a Venue Technician, Production Manager, Lighting Designer, Assistant Festival Stage Manager, as well as Box Office, Front of House, and Festival Staff
Access to processional actors for your play’s workshop and public staged reading
Professional archival photography and videography of your Festival presentation
Access to free tickets to theatre productions across the city (and beyond!)

Eligibility

The Playwrights Unit program is open to emerging artists who are 18+. There is no age limit to apply! Artists must be eligible to work in Canada.

This program was designed for artists under 30, however, we recognize that emerging artists can be any age. We invite folks over 30 who are new to their craft to apply.

We highly encourage and will prioritize applicants who are from equity-seeking groups — including those who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Trans, Non-binary, Queer, Fat, Disabled, Mad, Neurodivergent, low income, and intersections of those identities.  We will also be prioritizing applicants who have not received formal training in the program’s main discipline.

Location

📍 Toronto and Online

Health and Safety

The health and safety of artists, facilitators, and staff is our greatest priority. We encourage all Paprika artists, staff, facilitators and guest artists to maintain regular vaccinations, including additional doses/boosters. Masking will be required for all full-company meetings, and during group sessions, masking will be discussed and decided upon by each program. Paprika will continue to provide KN95 or N95 face masks (or equivalent) upon request. Masking will be required throughout Paprika’s tech week in May 2026.

Accessibilty

Paprika seeks to lower barriers for all its programs. This year, we are offering transportation support when requested, food and snacks at program events, as well as a $1,750 artist honorarium.

Company-wide Training Days take place in venues accessible to folks using mobility devices, with some venues requiring assistance to use the elevator. The Paprika Festival tech and performances will take place at Native Earth Performing Arts’ Aki Studio, which is fully physically accessible for artists and audiences.

Paprika advocates for gender inclusive washrooms, and will negotiate for gender inclusive washroom signage whenever possible. We use and respect people’s pronouns. Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, LGBTQ2SIA+, Women, Trans, Non-Binary, Newcomer, Immigrant, Fat, Mad, and Neurodiverse people are welcome.

Internet access and a smartphone, tablet, and/or computer are required for participation in Paprika’s programs. Our programs are not accessible to Deaf or Blind artists at this time. Group meetings can be recorded and shared internally to accommodate schedule conflicts and emergencies with prior notice to program facilitators and Paprika staff.

Playwrights Unit in-person group sessions will be held at the Playwrights Canada Press office. There are stairs to the front door and a small lift for mobility devices, and once inside, there is an elevator going to the office on the second floor.

For questions and comments about Paprika’s accessibility plan, please reach out to Amanda at amanda@paprikafestival.com.

Application Support

We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about Paprika programs and answered them here!

We’re happy to arrange an application process that’s best for you. If you have any questions, require additional support or an extension, please email Amanda (amanda@paprikafestival.com). We will try our best to respond to emails within 48 hours.

Click here to view the application questions in a separate document. Note that this is not the application form, but a way to preview the questions!

Applications for this program are now closed