What We Do
Our History
As a national arts service organization, we offer programs and services that promote and protect playwrights. Through this work, we also provide many opportunities for the public to access, explore, and enjoy the work of Candian playwrights.
1972
The year it all began
850+
number of members we
currently serve
2000+
plays for sale at the
Canadian Play Outlet
“PGC’s programs have helped introduce my work to hundreds of new audience members across Canada and, in turn, helped me see my own work in many new lights.”
-Jordan Tannahill
PGC MEMBER
PLAYWRIGHTS SUPPORT
Contract Guidance
Playwrights Guild of Canada was established to provide a collective voice for Canadian playwrights and protect their interests.
PACT Negotiations
Every three years, we negotiate collective agreements with the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT). These contracts set industry standards and help playwrights when they negotiate their own contracts with a professional theatre
RRSP Program
For all members whose work is produced by PACT theatres, we have negotiated a minimum RRSP payment on Stock, Premiere and Commission PGC/ PACT Contracts.
Amateur Rights Licensing
An amateur production is a production by a school and community group. We can help you secure the rights for an amateur production.
Contract Questions
You can send your contract-related questions to us, so you can have greater clarity and peace of mind when you sign the contract
DEVELOPMENT, NETWORKING AND WORKSHOPS
Skill Building
We offer an array of programs focused on capacity building and skill development for both emerging and established playwrights.
Professional Development Workshops
Throughout the year, we organize professional development webinars and workshops for our members. You can access past webinars via the member dashboard.
Creator Exchange
Creator Exchange connects playwrights with other theatre practitioners, bringing them together in a space where they can discuss their current and upcoming projects and network. Upcoming Creator Exchanges will be announced on our social media and in our newsletters.
Events & Opportunities
Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, and check out the News, Events, and Opportunities pages for information on external workshops, calls for submissions, residences, awards and more.
SELL, DISTRIBUTE AND PROMOTE PLAYS
Promoting Playwrights
We have an array of programs specifically designed to sell, distribute and promote plays by our members, whether published or unpublished. As a part of our ongoing efforts to highlight plays by underrepresented individuals, we curate unique collections of diverse works for the public.
Canadian Play Outlet
The Canadian Play Outlet showcases over 2,000 plays (both hardcopy & digital) in our online store. We fulfill orders around the world and offer discounts on select bulk orders.
Play Distribution Program
Members may submit new, unpublished or out of print play scripts to be made available in digital format and sold through the Canadian Play Outlet. Works may be submitted via the Member Dashboard.
Sample Script Program
Are you an educator that would like to review a short segment before purchase? You can read more about our Sample Script program and make a request with the link below.
PROVIDING THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SUPPORT
Promoting Playwrights
PGC is driven to provide support to playwrights with programs focused on not just promoting plays, but playwrights themselves. These platforms serve to amplify voices of playwrights, and help them connect with their audience.
PlayConnect
The PlayConnect program directly connects playwrights with communities and audiences all across Canada. Applications are accepted from hosts, which include, but are not limited to, libraries, educational institutions, community organizations and theatres.
Women’s Caucus
The Women’s Caucus was established to meet the particular needs of PGC members who identify as women. The group meets annually, publishes a monthly newsletter, and pursues various initiatives that advocate for women playwrights, improve the underrepresentation of women in the industry, and encourage greater pluralistic and inclusive arts practices. Click here to learn more.
Tom Hendry Awards
We have a number of different awards for playwrights and announce the winners each fall at the Tom Hendry Awards. To learn more about award-winning playwrights and plays, visit our Awards page.
Featured Playwrights
Every month, we interview a PGC member about their life as a playwright. You can read past featured playwright interviews on our Medium Page!
PROVIDING THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SUPPORT
Curated Newsletters
It is our commitment to providing the highest degree of support to playwrights that drives us to design programs focused on not just promoting plays, but playwrights themselves. These platforms serve to amplify voices of playwrights, and help them connect with their audience.
CanScene
Our monthly e-newsletter for members features opportunities for playwrights, the Executive Director’s message, insightful articles, upcoming workshops, annoucements of awards, competitions, new programs and much more. Become a member today to start receiving exclusive content.
Community Newsletter
Each month we bring the most relevant content and community news to playwrights – from latest events, themed catalogues of new plays, book sales to playwright stories. The community newsletter is free and open to everyone.
Women’s Caucus Newsletter
Written for PGC’s Women’s Caucus members, this monthly newsletter is a great resource for female playwrights. Get access to everything from women-specific playwriting opportunities, interviews with artistic directors, writing tips, guidance, equity updates and more.
