Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre will be hosting the 2026 PARC Playwrights’ Retreat from May 3 – 17, 2026 in Tantramar (formerly Sackville), NB, on the Mount Allison University campus. Playwrights will attend in person, though some may be accommodated remotely.
The annual Playwrights’ Retreat, PARC’s flagship program, is a two-week playwrights’ residency open to emerging and established playwrights in Atlantic Canada and beyond. At the Retreat, up to ten playwrights from across the Atlantic region and beyond will have an opportunity to further develop a new script. The Retreat offers the most intensive writing opportunity for playwrights in this region. It provides playwrights with the time to write, reflect and develop their work in a supportive and nurturing environment. Writers benefit from the one-on-one assistance of a professional dramaturge and the expertise of a company of professional workshop actors. Accommodation and honorarium provided and travel arranged or assisted.
Playwrights should submit an application for the Retreat ideally to further the development of a completed script. Only playwrights whose work is known to PARC will be welcomed to submit a detailed synopsis or outline (not a recommended way to apply). This year, we request playwrights to submit a script sample of max 15 pages, though you may be asked to submit a full draft upon review.
The playwright must be a playwriting member of PARC, whose membership dues are up to date.
If you have barriers to attending this Retreat in person (disability, child care, loss of income, etc) that you are concerned would prevent you from participating, we will attempt to find ways to accommodate, if you are chosen.
Submissions will be accepted from October 15, 2025 to December 1, 2025.
Selected Playwrights will be notified by February 15, 2026.
Info sessions with PARC’s Artistic Director Santiago Guzmán on October 22 & November 10, 2025 – 6 pm EDT | 7 pm ADT | 7:30 pm NDT. Zoom link will be available on our weekly members’ newsletter (for PARC members) or can be requested by emailing [email protected].
If you have any questions & access needs during the submission process, don’t hesitate to contact PARC’s Artistic Director Santiago Guzmán at [email protected].
To learn more and submit, CLICK HERE.
Note: Depending on current recommended protocols from Health Canada, the playwright may be asked to provide proof of vaccination and adhere to certain safety precautions in order to attend in person.