PlayCo Launches International Playwright residency Program to Foster Global Theater Exchange
PlayCo, a New York-based theatre company dedicated to developing and producing innovative work, is expanding its commitment to global artistic collaboration with a new international playwright residency program. This initiative aims to counter increasing isolationism and champion free expression by forging deeper connections between American playwrights and theatre communities abroad.
Addressing a Critical Need for Global Dialog
In a climate of eroding free speech and a retreat from global engagement, PlayCo recognizes the vital importance of cross-cultural exchange. As founding producer Kate Loewald explains, “Nothing can expand and enrich an artist’s practice like the fresh perspective and inspiration of immersion in new communities.” The program directly addresses what PlayCo sees as an insular tendency within American theatre, offering U.S. artists rare opportunities for international engagement.
Partnering with Leading International Theatres
PlayCo is launching this program with key partnerships with two highly respected international theatres:
* Sala Beckett in Barcelona, Spain – Known for its commitment to contemporary Catalan drama.
* Švanda Theatre in Prague,Czech Republic - A leading force in Czech theatre with a rich history.
These partnerships are reciprocal. Playwrights from both Sala Beckett and Švanda Theatre will participate in residencies with PlayCo in the U.S., fostering a two-way exchange of ideas and artistic practices.
What the residency Program Offers
The residencies are designed to provide immersive experiences within new theatre communities, sparking lasting connections and learning. Each residency will include:
* Travel and housing
* A per diem for living expenses
* Professional development opportunities
* Translation support for their work
* Workshop fees for public reading presentations
This complete support ensures artists can fully focus on their craft and engage with their host community.
A Natural Extension of PlayCo’s Existing Work
For nearly 25 years, PlayCo has been a champion of international voices, having developed and produced 46 plays from over 15 countries as its first full production in 2001. The company has a proven track record of launching and supporting the careers of artists from around the world.
Though, opportunities for U.S. artists to experiance theatre traditions abroad – and to see their own work translated and performed in different cultural contexts – remain scarce. This program directly addresses that gap.
Current Opportunities & Recent Successes
The first open call for applications is currently underway for a playwright residency with Sala Beckett in 2026. The deadline to apply is January 4th at 11:59 p.m. ET. You can find more information and apply here: https://www.playco.org/event/playco-and-sala-beckett-playwright-residency-exchange-2026
PlayCo’s partnership with Sala Beckett is already yielding exciting results.In October 2023, they hosted Catalan playwright Josep maria Miró for a public reading of The Nicest Body Ever Seen Around These Parts, with a U.S. premiere production currently in development. In 2024, U.S. playwright Yilong liu participated in a residency at Sala Beckett, where his play We Borrowed Brokenness was translated into Catalan and publicly read, and subsequently published.
This program represents a meaningful investment in a more innovative and globally inclusive American theatre ecosystem. By fostering these vital connections, PlayCo is helping to ensure a vibrant future for the art form.
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