MARION — First-time playwrights can have a chance to see their work performed on stage with the Marion Art Center’s Playwrights Incubator Program, which has applications open through Sunday, March 31. 

According to the Marion Art Center, the Playwrights Incubator Program aims to discover and support, through workshop and production, new stage plays by first time, unpublished regional playwrights.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, 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 her or his 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. The selected playwright for the 2024-2025 program will be announced in early May. Send any questions to mtpi@marionartcenter.org.