PlayConnect is a readings program for playwrights, theatre creators, and storytellers. It connects playwrights with communities and new audiences by providing a reading fee and travel funding to the playwright. PGC ensures that the program is accessible and inclusive of a wide-ranging group of artists and audiences. *PlayConnect is funded by the Canada Arts Council and open to full members of PGC.
Playwrights have been utilizing this program to read excerpts of their plays at theatres, schools, libraries, coffee shops, conferences, and any event that can connect the writer with an audience. Playwrights and Hosts can apply for this funding below on an ongoing basis until the program’s funding has run out.
A Host is someone who can connect a playwright with an audience – Artistic directors, program directors, educators, venue owners, conference leaders, etc. If you are a host and would like to bring a playwright to your space or event to share their work, then this program welcomes you to participate. Playwrights Guild of Canada can connect you with a playwright if you don’t already have someone in mind.
In order to be eligible, the proposed reading must be free of charge and open to the public (except in educational institutions).
PGC Members will be given first priority for readings. As a host, if you are not sure if the playwright is a member of PGC, please email marketing@playwrightsguild.ca.
PlayConnect has been supporting more online readings during COVID-19 but starting in August, 2021, we will start to consider in-person readings as long as the event can follow all public health guidelines and that all plans (including travel plans) can pivot to an online reading if needed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact marketing@playwrightsguild.ca.
Program Details
Applications are now open for the first intake. In the event that funds run out, those applying will be added to the waitlist and will be notified as funds become available.
If you would like to host a playwright reading or if you are a member looking to set up a reading for yourself, please read the guidelines carefully and apply through the appropriate application forms. Please note PGC Members are prioritized.
Full Reading
$275
A full reading consists of one reading presented by a single playwright at a single reading event. Readings should be around 30 minutes long. A 15 minute Q&A period or open discussion with an audience can be added on as well.
Half Reading
$150
A joint reading consists of two or more playwrights reading or is a reading event as part of a larger event, for example festivals. Readings should be around 20 minutes long for each playwright. A 15-minute Q&A period or open discussion with an audience can be added on as well.
Guidelines
General Rules:
- Venues must be open to the general public free of charge at the time of the reading. School readings are exceptions.
- Readings are done by the playwright themselves. This funding does not go toward paying actors.
- Readings are not recorded and are not to be posted online after the event. If a host would like to record and post online, an additional agreement with a fee can be discussed with the playwright and PGC.
- Requests for readings must be made at least one month prior to the scheduled or proposed reading date.
- Please allow up to two weeks for a response after you have submitted an application. Should your application be approved, you will receive a confirmation with your next steps to secure your booking. For Hosts, this will include an administrative fee of $50 (+tax).
- Playwrights must be Full or Supporting members of PGC, in good standing.
- All Full PGC members are eligible for up to two readings per fiscal year.
- All Supporting members are eligible for one reading per fiscal year.
- PGC’s assistance is available to help playwrights and hosts set up the reading and organize the reading that is already in the planning stage.
- Playwrights must go through an onboarding process with our program coordinator once their application is approved. A video tutorial will become available once the reading has been set up.
Transportation
- Playwrights will pay for their own transportation and submit receipts (up to $600) to be reimbursed after the reading. Receipts will be submitted with the Transportation Expense Form.
- Transportation Funds do not cover accommodations or per diems. Receipts for transportation that do not directly apply to the reading event will not be accepted.
- Since funds are limited, playwrights are required to use the most economical form of travel available.
- If the playwright is using their personal vehicle, they will be reimbursed at a rate of $0.32/kilometre ($0.52/mile). This rate includes the use of a vehicle and gas expenses.
- Other forms of travel (bus/ferry/taxi): for other forms of travel the playwright must pay for the ticket and submit their receipt for reimbursement with the Transportation Expense Form.
- Please note: if you have not sent in the transportation report within one month of the date of the scheduled reading, your transportation funding will be revoked and placed back into the funding pool for other playwrights to use.
- In the case of a cancellation or postponement of the reading by the host organization, the host will reimburse PGC for the playwright’s travel expenses (if ticket has already been purchased). If the time, date or location of the reading changes, please notify PGC so we may update our calendar.
Intake 1
March 15th – October 1st (or until funding is depleted) – Intake 1 is open. Applications received will be put on the waitlist.
Applications open March 15th for readings happening after March 31st. ⅔ of the annual funding will be allocated for this first intake.
Intakes
Intake 2
October 1st – March 1st (or until funding is depleted) – Intake 2 is closed. Applications received will be put on the waitlist.
Applications open October 1st for readings happening from October 15th -March 31st. These are applications for the last third of the annual funding. 1/3 of the annual funding is saved for this second in-take for playwrights who need to wait until he fall to confirm reading details. These applications are open until March 1st.
***Please note that Travel Funding is not available for the second intake at this time. For Questions, please contact marketing@playwrightsguild.ca.
For Hosts
- Hosts are required to pay an Administrative Fee of $50 unless they are eligible for our admin fee subsidy. Please inquire about the fee subsidy if you are an organization or collective with an operating budget of under $10,000.
- Venues must be open to the general public free of charge at the time of the reading. School readings are exceptions.
- Venues are obligated to advertise the reading to members of the general public. Advertisements must clearly acknowledge the support of Playwrights Guild of Canada (PGC). Use of the PlayConnect logo is required on all promotional materials.
- The playwright must be a full PGC member in good standing. Click here to browse through our directory of member playwrights. Each full member is eligible for up to two readings per year (full or joint). Playwrights are not guaranteed the maximum amount of readings, as there is limited space available.
- Playwrights who are members of PGC will be given first priority for reading funding.
- If you are looking to book more than 6 playwrights for readings, please email marketing@playwrightsguild.ca as funding may not be available.
Information for Playwrights and Hosts already participating in PlayConnect
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there funding left in the PlayConnect program?
Try submitting an application. If the form is open for submissions, then there may be funds left. If there are no funds left, the submission form will be closed. You can also email marketing@playwrightsguild.ca to inquire.
Am I eligible for a PlayConnect reading?
If you are a full or supporting member in good standing, then you are eligible for two readings between April 1st and March 31st.
