TDF Young Playwrights Summer Program

Young Playwrights Summer Program

The application for summer 2026 is open! Deadline to apply is Monday, May 11.

The TDF Young Playwrights Summer Program is a free two-week playwriting intensive led by award-winning dramatist Crystal Skillman. Students explore personal expression in writing, and the art and form of dramatic writing. Students will work individually and in teams, with a final presentation on the last day.

By the numbers: 20 students, two weeks of master classes

Who is eligible?

Rising high school juniors and seniors as well as spring 2026 graduates who are interested in learning the craft of playwriting and creating their own works.

Residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are eligible to apply.

Students must have well-developed writing skills and an interest in playwriting along with a letter of recommendation from a teacher or teaching artist.

What does the Young Playwrights Summer Program include?

• Playwriting workshops five days a week for two weeks
• Two Broadway/Off-Broadway evening show outings for study and inspiration
• Small group seminars with professional theatre artists
• Writing (and rewriting) a short original play
• Professional actors reading student plays in progress with a professional director to guide them
• Staged readings of final works by professional actors

When is the Young Playwrights Summer Program?

Monday to Friday, July 6-July 17 from 2 to 5 p.m.

Where is the Young Playwrights Summer Program?

In-person sessions will typically take place at TDF’s Midtown Manhattan offices at 520 Eighth Avenue between 36th and 37th Streets, Suite 801. (On two dates, classes will be held elsewhere in Manhattan.) The building requires visitors to sign in and present ID. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before each class starts.

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As of July 2024, TDF has discontinued its Young Playwrights Residency and Young Playwrights Group.