Teen-in-Residence is an opportunity for one teen (13-19 years old) to write a play with the support and mentorship of Theatre Direct.

The selected teen will participate in an eight-month paid residency with biweekly sessions in which they learn about playwriting and receive guidance as they develop a full-length play–maybe their first ever! The residency culminates with a workshop and staged reading of the play by a professional director and actors for a public audience.

Since 2021 this program has supported a Teens-in-Residence each year, resulting in new plays with public performances and even a short film adaptation!

All levels of experience are welcome. A commission is paid to the Teen-in-Residence.

Be our next Teen-in-Residence to be a part of:

• An 8-month residency facilitated by a professional playwrights
• Playwriting exercises and mentorship to support and build on how you already approach writing
• Biweekly online sessions to support your chosen goals and deadlines
• Opportunities to network with professional theatre artists and learn about the theatre industry
• Creation of one full-length play
• A workshop of play with a professional director and actors
• A staged reading of play by a professional director and actors for a public audience

This program is by application and interview.

Teens can apply online or by filling out a hard copy of the application at select community organizations from October 2025. After the application deadline, select applicants will be chosen for an online interview.