Call for Designers - 2025 VSA Playwright Discovery Program

We are currently seeking local theatrical designers (scenic, costume, lighting, sound) to participate in a one-day workshop with the 2025 Playwright Discovery Program, which offers professional development opportunities for high school playwrights with disabilities.

Designers will read 2 - 3 student written plays (each no more than 10 minutes in length) and provide an initial treatment and design concept for each piece which will be presented in a workshop style “first rehearsal read” with the playwrights. This is a process driven experience designed to provide insight into theatre ecology, and the process of new play development. There will be no public audience or implementation of designs.

Designers need to be available to attend the presentation day on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 10AM – 6PM at the Kennedy Center. This is a non-union contract. Compensation is $500 for the total project.

All interest is welcome. We especially encourage submissions from designers who have lived experience with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities. Disability is a broad umbrella that covers a variety of lived experiences which include visible, physical, and/or sensory conditions, as well as less visible conditions like anxiety, ADHD, depression, chronic illness/pain, PTSD, OCD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, neurodivergence, and more. Experience working with youth artists is a plus.

Interested parties can find more information and submit materials using this online form. Materials must be received no later than 5:00 PM on Friday March 21.

Diane Nutting / Talleri McRae

talleri.a.mcrae@gmail.com

Co-Facilitators, 2025 Playwright Discovery Program

Office of Accessibility & VSA – John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts