Membership

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!

We offer a variety of membership levels.
Membership covers a one-year period from time of activation.
HST will automatically be added through our online system.
Payments can be made:
- Online through our secure system, which will bring you back to our homepage when complete
- By electronic funds transfer (EFT) to payment@playwrightsguild.ca
- By calling 416-703-0201 (credit card)
- By mailing a cheque to Box 60022 Queen Beverley PO, Toronto, ON M5V 0C5
If you require assistance, accommodation, an invoice, a payment plan, or have another request, please contact the Membership Manager at membership@playwrightsguild.ca.

Thank you!

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.

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).

NEW to PGC’s Full Membership?

Please complete this form prior to 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;
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.

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 Categories

If you are part of a legacy category not listed above, ensure you use the “Other” button of our online membership system.
Please note that HST will be automatically added to the base amount.
If unsure, please contact our Membership Manager at membership@playwrightsguild.ca or call 416-703-0201.

Since 1972 PGC members and supporters have built, grown and shaped the organization in a variety of ways. Over the years, we have celebrated the contributions of some of our amazing members and supporters.

Lifetime Membership Award

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 Lifetime Membership.

Nominations open Feb 2025. Please see the Member Page.

Lifetime Award Past Recipients

Discover the past winners of the PGC Lifetime Award. All recipients of this award receive a PGC membership for life and are celebrated at the annual Tom Hendry Awards.

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

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.

Nominations close Mar 21, 2024. Please see the Member Page.

Honorary Award Past Recipients

Discover the past winners of the PGC Honorary Award. All recipients of this award receive a PGC membership for life and are celebrated at the annual Tom Hendry Awards.

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