Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) 5th Annual Meet the Playwright (MTP2025) program

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Deadline: April 28, 2025

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Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) is pleased to open its application portal for the 5th AnnualMeet the Playwright (MTP2025) program. JCAL seeks four new, unpublished, unproduced plays by grassroots, early-career, and/or emerging playwrights for MTP2025.

MTP2025 spotlights emerging theatre writers identifying as BIIPOC (Black, Immigrant, Indigenous, People of Color), with an emphasis Queens-based playwrights. Each month, from November 2025 to February 2026, each of this year’s playwrights will present at least 25 minutes, and no more than 35 minutes, from their play as a professional staged reading for a live audience. The performance concludes with a moderated Q&A between the audience, playwright, director, and creative team.

In MTP2025, each selected playwright receives a $2,000 stipend. With this stipend, each playwright covers the cost of engaging directors, actors, and any other collaborators (e.g., dramaturgs, designers) they wish. Each playwright also receives at least one, but up to two, private readings of the play at JCAL, and will meet monthly with the MTP Program Manager.

While MTP prioritizes Queens-based writers identifying as BIIPOC, any NYC-based BIIPOC playwright is eligible to apply. Applicants will be selected by a jury of cultural leaders representing the diversity of NYC’s theatre community.

Application Process

After submitting Application Materials (see below), the jury will ask semifinalists by Monday, May 5, 2025,to submit their complete, full-length scripts. The jury will notify finalists for MTP2025 on Monday, May 26, 2025, after which interviews with the MTP Program Manager and JCAL leadership will take place during the week of May 26, 2025. Playwrights selected for MTP2025 will be formally notified on Monday, June 2, 2025.

Application Materials (PDF or Word Only)

A. Script Sample

Please upload a 10-page sample of the script from a full-length play. The pages don't have to come from the beginning of the play, but they must be 10 consecutive pages (the title page and character breakdown do not count toward the 10 pages).


B. Letter of Interest

Please answer the question, "How will MTP further the development of your play and advance your goals as a playwright?” in no more than 250 words. Use this opportunity to introduce yourself and your goals, writing, accomplishments, and anything else you'd like JCAL to know about you.


C. Bio

Please upload your approved bio.


D. Resume (Production History, If Applicable)

Please upload your professional resume and/or production history of your work, if applicable.


All applications and materials must be submitted via Submittable.com. Applications received by other methods will be disqualified.

Application deadline:  Monday, April 28, 2025

Selected artists announced: Monday, June 2, 2025

For questions about the application, please contact Program Associate David Smith, Dsmith@jcal.org.


MTP2025 is supported by the Mellon Foundation and Howard Gilman Foundation with additional support from New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, New York City Council Members Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers, and general operating support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs through the Mayor’s Office.

About JCAL

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), founded in 1972, is a multidisciplinary arts center based in the diverse community of Southeast Queens. Our mission is devoted to offering quality visual and performing arts, and to providing accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. JCAL is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm; closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. For additional information, call JCAL at 718-658-7400 or visit www.JCAL.org.