Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF) is a national charity that fuels the future of American theater by supporting the writers who create it. DGF fosters playwrights, composers, lyricists, and bookwriters at all stages of their careers. We sponsor educational programs; provide awards, grants, and stipends; offer free space to create new works; and give emergency aid to writers in need. By supporting and nurturing the creators of today, we protect the stories of tomorrow.
The DGF National Fellows program is a nine-month virtual intensive for dramatists who want to develop their existing work and advance their careers.
The National Fellows program is a free program created by the Dramatists Guild Foundation, designed to eliminate historical barriers of entry for many emerging dramatists. This nationwide cohort of playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists, and bookwriters will work together under the guidance and leadership of prominent program chairs to develop their current work.
Selected writers, in all stages of their careers, will work with industry professionals as the Chairs for the program, over nine months to learn how to develop, promote, and market their work for a staged production. National Fellows will receive a stipend, access to career resources, become part of a nationwide cohort of dramatists, and have the opportunity to visit New York at the end of the Fellowship and attend the Dramatists Guild Foundation Gala in October.
Please note: this Fellowship opportunity is not for anyone who resides in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania). If you are in one of these areas, you are welcome to apply for our New York Fellows Program in 2026.
The DGF National Fellows program is a nine-month virtual intensive for dramatists who want to develop their existing work and advance their careers.
The National Fellows program is a free program created by the Dramatists Guild Foundation, designed to eliminate historical barriers of entry for many emerging dramatists. This nationwide cohort of playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists, and bookwriters will work together under the guidance and leadership of prominent program chairs to develop their current work.
Selected writers, in all stages of their careers, will work with industry professionals as the Chairs for the program, over nine months to learn how to develop, promote, and market their work for a staged production. National Fellows will receive a stipend, access to career resources, become part of a nationwide cohort of dramatists, and have the opportunity to visit New York at the end of the Fellowship and attend the Dramatists Guild Foundation Gala in October.
Please note: this Fellowship opportunity is not for anyone who resides in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania). If you are in one of these areas, you are welcome to apply for our New York Fellows Program in 2026.
This form is for dramatists (playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists) to apply for emergency financial assistance from the Dramatists Guild Foundation.
If you hold more than $15,000 in your combined bank accounts, we kindly ask that you refrain from applying at this time.
While we hope our Crisis Relief Grants will be one time awards, we understand that hardship can occur unexpectedly and at different times during a writer’s career. With that in mind, dramatists may be eligible to receive multiple Crisis Relief Grants. First time applicants will be prioritized and multi-time recipients may experience longer processing times.
Grants applications typically take between 1-4 weeks to process.
DGF serves all dramatists based in the United States, regardless of their immigration status.
This form is for dramatists (playwrights, composers, lyricists, librettists) who wish to apply for a Bridge Grant from the Dramatists Guild Foundation.
Please note: DGF's eligibility restrictions have recently changed. If you hold more than $15,000 in your combined bank accounts or if you have received a DGF Bridge Grant in the past, we kindly ask that you refrain from re-applying at this time.
DGF serves all dramatists based in the United States, regardless of their immigration status.