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 Fellows program is a year-long New York City-based intensive for professional dramatists who are looking to develop their existing work at the next level of their careers. The Fellows program is a free program hosted by the Dramatists Guild Foundation, designed to eliminate historical barriers of entry for many emerging dramatists.
This 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 in pursuit of further development and production.
This year, the program will work as an accelerator program for dramatists with existing works still in their revision process. Within the structure of the program is a uniquely successful format of partnering playwrights and musical theater writers during the learning process. Fellows who are selected will receive a $5,000 stipend, access to career resources, and the opportunity to partner with several arts organizations.
Additionally, the program provides its Fellows with one-on-one mentoring from accomplished professionals in the field who help them hone their process, find their unique voice, and revise and edit existing work ready for development. At the end of the program, each Fellow will have an opportunity to participate in a presentation of their work.
Please note:
If you are applying as part of a writing team, please only submit one application with both of your names.
In keeping our promise of transparency, please be aware that applications for the 2026-2027 DGF Musical Theater Fellowship will close at 225 submissions or on July 30th, 2026, whichever happens first. This will allow us to make a decision on applications in a timely manner. We look forward to reading your applications.
DGF offers Crisis Relief Grants to professional theater writers who experienced a recent, unexpected, and substantially disruptive emergency or disaster.
To qualify for a Crisis Relief Grant, applicants must be theater writers who are 18 years of age or older. They must be living and working in the U.S. or U.S. Territories. They must have less than $15,000 in their combined bank accounts.
For questions, contact grants@dgf.org or call 212-391-8384 x1007
If you are assisting an artist in an emergency situation and you wish to apply on their behalf, please email or call before beginning the application.
Currently accepting applications on a rolling basis until December 14, 2026.
2027 applications will open on January 4, 2027.
DGF serves all dramatists based in the United States, regardless of their immigration status.
DGF offers $500 Bridge Grants to professional theater writers facing non-emergency challenges that pull focus away from their creative practice. Whether you are a little short on a monthly utility bill or medication payment, need to pay for childcare while in production or residency, or have a few weeks between paying gigs, Bridge Grants allow writers to smooth over those difficult patches.
To qualify for a Bridge Grant, applicants must be theater writers who are 18 years of age or older. They must be living and working in the U.S. or U.S. Territories. They must have not previously received a DGF Bridge Grant. They must have less than $15,000 in their combined bank accounts.
Please check our grants webpage for more information on who is eligible for support.
For questions, contact grants@dgf.org or call 212-391-8384 x1007
Currently accepting applications on a rolling basis until December 14, 2026.
The DGF Fellows program is a year-long New York City-based intensive for professional dramatists who are looking to develop their existing work at the next level of their careers. The Fellows program is a free program hosted by the Dramatists Guild Foundation, designed to eliminate historical barriers of entry for many emerging dramatists.
This 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 in pursuit of further development and production.
This year, the program will work as an accelerator program for dramatists with existing works still in their revision process. Within the structure of the program is a uniquely successful format of partnering playwrights and musical theater writers during the learning process. Fellows who are selected will receive a $5,000 stipend, access to career resources, and the opportunity to partner with several arts organizations.
Additionally, the program provides its Fellows with one-on-one mentoring from accomplished professionals in the field who help them hone their process, find their unique voice, and revise and edit existing work ready for development. At the end of the program, each Fellow will have an opportunity to participate in a presentation of their work.
Please note: In keeping our promise of transparency, please be aware that applications for the 2026-2027 DGF Playwriting Theater Fellowship will close at 275 submissions or on July 30th, 2026, whichever happens first. This will allow us to make a decision on applications in a timely manner. We look forward to reading your applications.