MARION — Put pen to paper and craft an original play with the Marion Art Center’s Theater Playwrights Incubator. This program gives first-time playwrights a chance to see their work realized on the stage. Finding theaters to produce new or unpublished plays can be an obstacle for any new playwright. The Marion Art Center presents a structured program that aims to discover and support, through workshop and production, new stage plays by first time, unpublished regional playwrights.

These plays are small cast shows with one to six characters. Selected playwrights will work with two mentors who are experienced theater artists to fine-tune their plays over the course of several months and prepare the script for production. After regular writing evaluations and when the script is ready, the mentors will work with the Marion Art Center to find a director and assist them in casting the show with appropriate actors. One or more readings with a select focus group audience will include a feedback and response process, and the end result is a completed script, ready for debut performance for a live audience on stage at the Marion Art Center.

Any new writer who has not yet been published or had a play produced is invited to submit their script or outline for consideration. There is no cost to participate in this program. Selected applicants are required to sign an agreement with the Marion Art Center Theater, outlining expectations and a commitment to the program. Playwrights must be available to meet on site with mentors for readings and all aspects of the production process including auditions, rehearsals, tech work and performances.

Apply online at marionartcenter.org/mtpi. Applications are due by March 1. The selected playwright for the 2023-2024 program will be announced on March 20. Send any questions to mtpi@marionartcenter.org.