PGC Launches the New Readings Program, PlayConnect

Playwrights Guild of Canada (PGC) has revamped the Canada Council Readings Program and is launching a more flexible, accessible, and beneficial program for its members called PlayConnect. Now that PGC’s new fiscal year is here, PlayConnect will begin to release funding for Canadian playwrights to travel around the globe to share their work in front of new and existing audiences.

Over the past year, PGC’s Readings Committee members, Reneltta Arluk (PGC member and Director for The Breathing Hole at The Stratford Festival), Tessa Mendel (Artistic Director for Halifax Theatre for Young People), Trevor Rueger (Executive Director of The Alberta Playwrights’ Network), and Emil Sher (PGC member and author of Hana’s Suitcase), along with PGC staff members, re-worked the guidelines and adapted the program to meet the needs and desires of PGC members.

Some key changes to the PlayConnect program are: integrated marketing tools for members, an expanded international reach, and opportunities for playwrights to connect with new audiences such as students. To fully embrace these changes, PGC will assume a new hands-on role as “Network Liaison,” ensuring the program is made accessible and inclusive to a wide-ranging group of artists and audiences.

Robin Sokoloski, Executive Director of PGC stated, “This program is now more than just a readings program; it will enable PGC to flex its strengths, promoting playwrights and their plays everywhere.”

PlayConnect connects playwrights to communities and potential markets by providing an opportunity for travel funding, promotion, and professional development.

To see the full PlayConnect program guidelines and description, please visit the PGC website.

PlayConnect launches April 1, 2017 | Application intakes April 1 & October 1

Playwrights Guild of Canada is a registered national arts service association mandated to advance the creative rights and interests of professional Canadian playwrights, promote Canadian plays nationally and internationally, and foster an active, evolving community of writers for the stage.