McKnight National Residency and Commission – Playwrights' Center

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 14, 2027

RESIDENCY PERIOD: July 1, 2027–June 30, 2028

ORGANIZATION: Playwrights' Center

LOCATION: National | Opportunities for Engagement in Minnesota

AWARD: $15,000 Commission + Up to $12,250 in Play Development Support

ELIGIBILITY: Established Playwrights Living Outside Minnesota, Ages 18+

The Playwrights' Center is accepting applications for the McKnight National Residency and Commission, a yearlong opportunity supporting an established playwright from outside Minnesota who demonstrates a sustained body of work, a distinct artistic vision, and a commitment to developing new plays.

Funded by the McKnight Foundation, this program provides financial and professional support for the creation of a new play, developed in collaboration with the Playwrights' Center through workshops with theater professionals and culminating in a public reading.

The residency also encourages artistic exchange between nationally recognized playwrights and Minnesota's theater community, creating opportunities for collaboration and dialogue with local artists, staff, and fellows.

Residency and Commission Benefits Include:

• $15,000 commission to create a new play

• Up to $12,250 in development funds, including workshop expenses, travel, and housing

• Professional play development workshops and artistic collaboration

• Public reading of the completed work

• Opportunities to connect with Minnesota-based theater artists and Playwrights' Center staff

• Affiliated Writer status upon completion of the program

Residency Requirements

Selected playwrights are not required to relocate to Minnesota but will have opportunities to participate in workshops, artistic exchanges, and other activities throughout the fellowship year.

Eligibility

Applicants must be over 18 years old, reside in the United States, and be legally authorized to work in the country during the residency period.

Eligible applicants must be nationally recognized playwrights with at least two different plays fully produced by professional theaters. Minnesota-based playwrights are not eligible.

Full-time students and recipients of McKnight Artist and Culture Bearer Fellowships from 2022–2023 through 2026–2027 are not eligible. Additional restrictions apply.

The selected playwright must create a new play during the commission period.

MORE INFORMATION: Playwrights' Center