Membership
- Welcome
- New Member Intake Form
- Payment Information
- Full Membership
- Supporting Membership
- Estate Membership
- Student Membership
- Legacy Memberships
- Lifetime Membership Award
- Honorary Membership Award
Welcome
Since 1972, PGC has welcomed a wide range of members from across the country. Your membership supports the mandate and initiatives of the organization. The staff, Board and Committees work to offer programs and services that support the business of playwriting. We encourage you to get involved, peruse the member area and ask questions to make the most of your association with PGC. New members and supporters are always welcome!
NEW to PGC’s Membership?
Please complete this form prior to payment.
Payment
Payments can be made:
- Online through our secure system, which will bring you back to our homepage when completed
- By electronic funds transfer (EFT) to payment@playwrightsguild.ca
- By calling 416-703-0201 (credit card)
- By mailing a cheque to 44 Victoria St., 12th Floor, Toronto, ON M5C 1Y2
*Please note that Membership fees cover a one-year period from time of activation and HST will automatically be added through our online system.
If you require assistance, accommodation, an invoice, a payment plan, or have another request, please contact the Membership Manager at membership@playwrightsguild.ca.
Full Membership
Cost: $155 + ON tax
Eligibility Criteria
- You have written, collectively written, adapted, or translated a play, musical book, or libretto that was produced by a professional theatre, or by a company or festival that receives funding from a municipal, provincial, territorial, or national arts-funding body for a full-length run.
OR
- You have written, collectively written, adapted, or translated a play, musical book, or libretto for which the work’s production met all of the following criteria:
- The decision to present the work was made by a jury of professional peers or an artistic director;
- The play was presented for a minimum of six performances;
- The production was open to the public, tickets were sold, and the playwright was paid (shares are an acceptable form of payment).
Features
Use of PGC/PACT negotiated production contracts;
Use of PGC independent contracts;
Access to the Actra Fraternal Benefit Society RRSP investment plan;
Guidance on contracts, negotiation, publishing, copyright, artists’ rights, and more;
Access to the PlayConnect Reading program (maximum 2 readings per year);
Access to the Craft Bites Program;
Receipt of CanScene, PGC’s monthly e-newsletter, which includes important news for playwrights, information on calls for submissions, residencies, workshops, and other opportunities;
Access to the Play Distribution Program to sell your plays through the Canadian Play Outlet (CPO);
Access to the Amateur Rights Program;
Access to professional development opportunities, including workshops and webinars and other events;
Access to PGC’s recorded webinar catalogue;
Eligibility for the Tom Hendry Awards;
Promotion of your work through PGC’s social media channels;
A member profile on the PGC website;
Information on all PGC events;
The ability to participate on PGC’s Board of Directors and various committees;
Voting privileges at the Annual General Meeting.
Supporting Membership
Cost: $35 + ON tax
Eligibility Criteria
- Self determined.
Features
Use of PGC independent contracts;
Guidance on contracts, negotiation, publishing, copyright, artists’ rights, and more;
Access to the PlayConnect Reading program (maximum 1 readings per year);
Access to the Craft Bites Program;
Receipt of CanScene, PGC’s monthly e-newsletter, which includes important news for playwrights, information on calls for submissions, residencies, workshops, and other opportunities;
Access to the Play Distribution Program to sell your plays through the Canadian Play Outlet (CPO);
Access to the Amateur Rights Program;
Access to professional development opportunities, including workshops and webinars and other events;
Access to PGC’s recorded webinar catalogue;
Eligibility for the Tom Hendry Awards;
Promotion of your work through PGC’s social media channels;
Information on all PGC events;
The ability to participate on PGC’s Board of Directors and various committees;
Voting privileges at the Annual General Meeting.
Estate Membership
Cost: $55 + ON tax
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to Estates/Executors of deceased playwrights.
Features
Use of PGC/PACT negotiated contracts;
Use of PGC independent contracts;
Guidance on contracts, negotiation, publishing, copyright, artists’ rights, and more;
Receipt of CanScene, PGC’s monthly membership newsletter, which includes important news for playwrights, such as calls for submissions, residencies, workshops, and other opportunities;
A member profile on the PGC website;
Access to the Play Distribution Program to sell your plays through the Canadian Play Outlet (CPO);
Access to the Amateur Rights Program;
Promotion of work through PGC’s social media channels, as appropriate.
Student Membership
Cost: $20 + ON tax
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to those currently attending an academic institution. Student ID may be requested.
Features
Use of PGC independent contracts;
Access to PGC/PACT contracts and information;
Receipt of CanScene, PGC’s monthly membership newsletter, which includes important news for playwrights, such as calls for submissions, residencies, workshops, and other opportunities;
Promotion of work through PGC’s social media channels;
Access to professional development opportunities, including workshops and webinars and other events;
Access to PGC’s recorded webinar catalogue;
Eligibility for the Tom Hendry Awards;
Information on all PGC events.
Legacy Memberships (Obsolete)
Legacy memberships are no longer offered by PGC. However, if you had a legacy membership before its retirement, then you may continue to renew that membership type. Please ensure you use the “Other” button under our online membership system and manually input the amount without the tax. *Note that HST will be added automatically to the base amount.
If unsure, please contact our Membership Manager at membership@playwrightsguild.ca or call 416-703-0201.
Lifetime Membership Award
Each year, PGC honours a playwright with the Lifetime Membership Award at our annual Tom Hendrys.
This award recognizes a playwright for a body of work, and/or service to Playwrights Guild of Canada and the theatre community. All current members of Playwrights Guild of Canada are welcome to forward nominations for the Lifetime Membership Award.
Please see the Member Dashboard for the nomination form.
Lifetime Award Past Recipients

Mary Vingoe
2023

Marcia Johnson
2021

Colleen Murphy
2019

Morris Panych
2017

Shirley Barrie
2015

Linda Griffiths
2013

Norm Foster
2012

David French
2010

Doug Curtis & John Murrell
2009

Aviva Ravel
2008

Dennis Foon
2007

Wendy Lill
2006

Rex Deverell & David Fennario
2005

Gordon Pinsent & Joanna McClelland Glass
2004

James Reaney
2003

Mavor Moore
2002

Irene Watts, Len Peterson & Tom Hendry
2001

Henry Beissel

Anne Chislett

Gwen Pharis Ringwood

Harry Rintoul

Sheldon Rosen
Honorary Membership
Each year, PGC honours an individual or organization with the Honorary Membership Award at our annual Tom Hendrys.
Honorary membership is awarded to an [non-playwright] individual or organization for their contribution to the Canadian playwright community. Nominations are accepted from PGC members.
Please see the Member Dashboard for the nomination form.
Honorary Award Past Recipients

Colin Rivers
2022

Joanna Falck
2021

Rachel Ditor
2018

Iris Turcott
2013

Edmonton Fringe Festival
2011

Virginia Roncetti
2009

Toyoshi Yoshihara
2007

Albert-Reiner Glaap
2006

Joan Chalmers
2004

Angela Rebeiro
2002