McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting – Playwrights' Center
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 14, 2027
FELLOWSHIP PERIOD: July 1, 2027–June 30, 2028
ORGANIZATION: Playwrights' Center
LOCATION: Minnesota
AWARD: $25,000 Stipend + $2,500 in Play Development Support + $1,400 in Travel Funds
ELIGIBILITY: Midcareer Playwrights Living and Working in Minnesota, Ages 18+
The Playwrights' Center is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting, a yearlong opportunity recognizing and supporting midcareer playwrights who demonstrate a sustained body of work, dedication to their craft, and a distinct artistic vision.
Funded by the McKnight Foundation, the fellowship provides financial support and professional development resources to help Minnesota playwrights advance their creative practice and develop new work.
Fellowship Benefits Include:
$25,000 artist stipend
$2,500 for a play development workshop and other professional expenses
$1,400 in travel funds
Opportunities for artistic development and professional connections
Affiliated Writer status with the Playwrights' Center upon completion of the fellowship
Eligibility
Applicants must be over 18 years old, legally authorized to work in the United States, and have been continuous Minnesota residents since at least January 14, 2026. Recipients must maintain Minnesota residency throughout the fellowship year.
Applicants must have had at least one work fully produced by a professional theater by the application deadline.
Full-time students and recipients of McKnight Artist and Culture Bearer Fellowships from 2022–2023 through 2026–2027 are not eligible. Additional restrictions apply to Playwrights' Center fellowship recipients, staff, and board members.
Applicants may apply for only one McKnight Artist and Culture Bearer Fellowship per year across all participating disciplines.
MORE INFORMATION & APPLICATION DETAILS: Playwrights' Center – McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting
