Creative Careers South Africa has launched its 2025 Playwrights in Progress Playwriting Incubation Programme, addressing the urgent need for fresh voices in South African theatre. Running from 4 to 28 February 2025, this initiative is supported by the National Arts Council of South Africa and the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture through the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme.
The programme aims to nurture the next generation of playwrights capable of capturing the evolving narratives of the nation. South Africa’s theatre industry has long faced a shortage of emerging playwrights, particularly those representing the country’s rich cultural diversity and intricate societal realities. This programme seeks to bridge that gap by providing aspiring writers with essential skills, mentorship, and resources.
Young South Africans aged 18 to 35 are encouraged to apply, provided they have access to a laptop, a stable internet connection, and availability during the programme dates. Participants will work closely with seasoned theatre professionals and academics, including Philisiwe Twijnstra, Louise Buchler, Sizwe Zuma, Onthatile Matshidiso, Josias Moleele, and Mayuri Naidu.
According to Creative Careers South Africa Director, Stallone Santino, the programme is a chance to spotlight untapped talent. “Theatre is where stories come alive, and South Africa has so many vibrant, untold stories waiting to be heard. The challenge is that not everyone has the means or access to develop their skills and share their voice. This programme is about breaking down those barriers and giving aspiring playwrights the tools to bring their ideas to the stage,” he says.
Over four weeks, participants will delve into the art of playwriting, covering topics such as creating compelling characters, crafting engaging narratives, refining dialogue, and building dramatic tension. The programme combines foundational workshops with guided mentorship, leading to the completion of a polished one-act play by the end of the incubation period.
To ensure financial barriers don’t hinder participation, all successful applicants will receive a R5,000 stipend upon completing the programme.
Creative Careers South Africa has a proven track record of empowering young talents. Recent initiatives, such as the Young Theatre Producers Programme, have equipped participants with the skills to create and stage successful productions. The Playwrights in Progress programme builds on this legacy, reflecting CCSA’s broader mission to address critical gaps in the creative industries while fostering sustainable careers for the next generation of South African artists.
How to Apply
Applications are open until 20 January 2025. Click here submit an entry!
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3 replies on “Playwrights in Progress 2025: Entries Now Open”
I would love to be apart of the programme.
To the ‘Creative Careers South Africa’ team, these are just words of gratitude… We live in a world where many (particularly and more especially Blacks), can’t really chase and pursue their dreams and the most frequently asked question is; “Where do you think the film and entertainment industry will take you to?” Due to the changes that are taking place and robots slowly replacing people, the only thing that makes sense to people(parents), it’s seeing their child/children passing their matric and immediately go to varsity to study “Computer Science” or anything related to that.
I’m therefore grateful to read about, and witness you guys fight for this by presenting platforms and opportunities that will get people to continue chasing their dreams and reaching their goals
Ndibulela kakhulu.🙏🏽
Greetings sir/ Madam. I hope this message finds you and yours well. Please consider receiving and judging my application for the Playwrights in Progress 2025 programme. I received the advert for submissions on a drama club group and unfortunately the due date was not written but by some chance I completed my playscript today on what was the due date only to find the google form application submission closed. Please give me a chance to have my script at least read and considered as it’s still the 20th today, I have since a child been passionate about storytelling, theatre and film making and would be grieved to miss out on this awesome learning opportunity. Please assist, thank you. .
Best regards
Thembe