2026 National Playwright Residency Program Convening
New York City 1-2 June 2026
Participants in the 2026 National Playwright Residency Program Convening. Photos by Shelby Alayne Antel.
To celebrate twelve years of the National Playwright Residency Program, the fourth and final cohort of playwrights and artistic directors gathered at La MaMa in New York City for two days of conversation, reflection, and future planning. Sessions included a panel discussing post-residency panel from a group of NPRP alumni, small and large group discussions, and sharings of work from E.M. Lewis, Murielle Borst-Tarrant, and J. Nicole Brooks. The convening culminated in a celebration at KGB Bar with performances by Psalmayene 24 and Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay.
Convening Goals:
- Reflection and Assessment: To reflect, together, on the impact of the program from an individual and field perspective.
- Learning: to learn from one another, especially from bright spots; to encourage cross-pollination of ideas and the sharing of artistic work.
- Connection: Celebrate and honor the relationships and lessons created by the program and acknowledge what is being lost as it sunsets.
- Moving Forward: Share strategies, resources, and connections that can support the cohort beyond the program.
"We’re a stronger company for new work and for writers than we were before. Our commitment is broader and deeper. Our soul is bigger now."
—Luan Schooler
Performers and partygoers at the closing party of the 2026 National Playwright Residency Program Convening. Photos by Shelby Alayne Antel.