Leah Ryan's Fund for Emerging Women Writers

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To Apply

All women who consider themselves emerging playwrights (as distinct from fledgling or mid-career playwrights) are eligible to apply for the FEWW Prize. Playwrights from all over the world are encouraged to apply, but the play must be written in English. Eligibility does not require that a submitted work adhere to the traditional three-act structure. One-acts, two-acts (even four-, five-, six- acts), monologues, adaptations, and any other wild (or deceptively tame) format will be considered with equal seriousness. The only absolute requirement is that the submitted text be a completed full-length work for theater.

The 2016 winner will be chosen by a committee selected by the board members of Leah Ryan's FEWW, and will be presented her award as part of the 2016 Lily Awards, which honors the work of women in American theater.

The winner will also receive a cash award of $2,500 as well as a staged reading of her play hosted by FEWW at a theater in New York City. In addition, a stipend of up to $700 for travel and accommodation may be provided by FEWW if necessary.

We will begin accepting applications for this year’s prize on November 15, 2016.

The deadline for submissions for the 2016 FEWW Prize is Monday, January 11th, 2016 at 5pm EST.
Applications must include the following:

1. Ten pages excerpted from a fully developed, completed script. Please note: finalists will be required to submit the complete script to the FEWW;

2. A cover letter of no more than 300 words describing yourself and your work.

3. Your resume or a bio;

4. The name, address, email and phone number of one reference. This person should know you well and be able to speak about your work if called to do so.

Finalists will be contacted in early March and will have one week within which to submit their full play.