PlayConnect

PlayConnect

The PlayConnect program supports live or in-person playwright readings across the country. The goal is to engage the public in hearing Canadian works for the stage read by the authors.

Hosts are the organizations or individuals who are organizing events for the public. This can include, but is not limited to, libraries, bookstores, community centres, educational institutions, theatres, etc. Applications are accepted from hosts only.

Solo Long: A Solo Long read features one (1) playwright who will read for 20-30 minutes and then participate in a question and answer session for up to 30 minutes.

Solo Short: A Solo Short read features one(1) playwright who will read for 10-15 minutes and then participate in a question and answer session for up to 20 minutes.

Panel: A Panel read features two (2) or three (3) playwrights who will read for 10-15 minutes each and then participate in a collective question and answer session for up to 30 minutes (total).

Program Details

With the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, PGC subsidizes this program as funds allow. Subsidies may include artist fees and travel. The program remains open regardless of subsidies.

PGC Members will be given first priority for participation in PlayConnect. PGC further prioritizes readings by members who identify with historically underrepresented groups, including IBPOC & LGBTQ2S+.

Peruse our member playwrights here.

Eligible Events:

  • Events must be free and open to the public (exception: educational institutions).
  • Events must include advance publicity.
  • The author of the work must be the reader.
  • Online events must be on a publicly accessible platform such as YouTube, Zoom, Facebook, GoogleMeet, etc.
  • Online events must include both audio and video.

Ineligible Events:

  • Conferences
  • Readings as part of an another, ticketed event
  • Workshops
  • Readings by actors
  • Events with other sources of funding
  • Readings by playwrights who are staff of the organization or are a Director of the organization

Important Notes:

  • Readings may not be recorded.
  • PGC divides the subsidies to support a rolling intake process.
  • Subsidies are available at this time.

PlayConnect information for Hosts

Guidelines

  • Hosts may request assistance from PGC to receive general information about member playwrights in their area, by genre, or other identifiers.
  • PGC will not recommend or select specific playwrights for an event.
  • Events must be publicized in advance.
  • All event publicity and materials must acknowledge the PlayConnect program (download the logo pack).
  • A final report is due from the host no later than 14 business days after the event.
  • An example of publicity materials must be submitted to PGC with the final report.
  • Hosts will pay an Administrative Fee for each project approved:
    • $50+tax for non-profit organizations
    • $75+tax for businesses
  • Once the project is fully approved, the host must keep in direct contact with the playwright(s) to facilitate details.
  • If a host cancels an event that includes transportation subsidy, the host will be responsible for covering expenses incurred to date.

Requests require

  • Organization name and information
  • Contact name, email and phone number
  • Venue or virtual platform
  • Anticipated dates(s)/time
  • Requested playwright(s)
  • Requested title of play (if known)
  • Event description

When PGC receives such host requests, we review them and take the following action:

  1. We verify if subsidies are available to support the request.
  2. We contact the requested playwright(s) regarding the project and verify their participation.
  3. We contact the applicant by email regarding the status of the application and the cost.
  4. If approved, we provide an agreement to be signed and returned.
  5. If approved, we send an invoice by email.

If you have any questions or need to talk to someone about your request, please email marketing@playwrightsguild.ca before submitting the form.

Payment:

  • PGC will issue an invoice.
  • Fees may be quoted and paid in either Canadian dollars or US dollars.
  • PGC will charge the sales tax applicable to the location in Canada in which the activity takes place. 
  • Producer/educator is required to pay the fees according to the schedule.
  • Fees may be paid by e-transfer, direct deposit, credit card, wire transfer, ACH or cheque.
  • Late fees and penalties may be assessed as per contract clauses.
  • PGC is responsible for paying the playwright their fees and transportation reimbursements.

Host Applications

Ready to apply? Please complete this form.

PlayConnect Logo package

Download the Monochrome Playconnect Logo
Download the Blue Playconnect Logo

Download here

Host Reports

Please complete this form.

If you have any questions, please contact the Program Manager at marketing@playwrightsguild.ca.

PlayConnect information for Playwrights

Guidelines

  • Participating playwrights must be Full or Supporting members of PGC in good standing.
  • Full PGC members may participate in a maximum of two (2) PlayConnect Readings per year (Apr 1-Mar 31).
  • Supporting members may participate in one (1)) PlayConnect Reading per year (Apr 1-Mar 31).
  • Playwrights may not submit the event application.
  • PGC cannot facilitate finding hosts for playwrights.
  • PGC playwrights are welcome to build relationships with theatres, community centres, libraries, bookstores, businesses, or other organizations and make them aware of the PlayConnect program.
  • Once the project is fully approved, the playwright must keep in direct contact with the host to facilitate details.

Please see more details on the member page.

If you are a playwright who is new to the PlayConnect program and you would like to learn more, please contact the Program Manager at marketing@playwrightsguild.ca. 

Playwright Intake

Membership & Submissions on our Membership Dashboard page.

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