Developmental Program
CAROLINA
PLAYWRIGHTS LAB
A professional new works lab for playwrights in North & South Carolina
Developmental Program
CAROLINA
PLAYWRIGHTS LAB
A professional new works lab for playwrights in North & South Carolina
A premiere, professional new works development program for playwrights residing in North and South Carolina. The Carolina Playwrights Lab provides a robust set of tools and space for playwrights to dig deep and develop their work in the journey toward to full production.
The 2026 CPL will develop two full-length, original plays over three weeks, with two staged-reading presentations of each play for public audiences.
“They’re gonna help you answer questions about your script that you have not been able to answer yet. When I got deep into the process they helped me realize which parts of my story had narrative gold I still hadn’t mined yet.”
– ALLAN MAULE, Playwright
Durham, NC
CPL ’22 – The Weight of Everything We Know
PROGRAM DETAILS
Selected plays are chosen through a multi-step reading and scoring process by a seasoned reading committee, and receive the following:
Rehearsal Process
Two weeks of in-person rehearsal facilities with printers available for live edits
Creative team
A seasoned Director, Dramaturg, Stage manager, and qualified cast
Technical Support
Basic technical capabilities, with a sound designer and a lighting designer
Public Readings
Two staged readings for the public at The Studio, Theatre Raleigh Arts Center
Industry Feedback
Three panelists provide moderated critique after each presentation and provide guidance in script editing
Compensation
$500, plus housing
2026 Festival
CAROLINA PLAYWRIGHTS LAB
September 7 – 26, 2026
Raleigh, North Carolina
Applications Open April 13
TESTIMONIALS
SUBMISSION INFORMATION
The Submission Window will be open from April 13 – May 10.
SUBMISSION WINDOW
April 13 – May 10, 2026
Eligibility
Playwrights based in North or South Carolina
Submission Type
Full-length plays only
Submission Format
Blind submissions
Fee
Pay What You Can (first week) – then $15
Eligibility & Playwright Requirements
- Playwright must be from NC or SC and have a valid, current address
- Selected playwrights from the previous year may not submit – must wait 1 cycle before submitting again
- Non-Selected playwrights who have previously applied must skip 1 submission cycle before reapplying and must have completed new work on the piece since the first application
- You must be the sole author of the play you are submitting to CPL, and the exclusive owner of all rights to the play. You may submit an original or adapted work, provided that the rights to any material not in the public domain have been granted in writing and a copy of the release is submitted with your script.
Submission Requirements
- Blind submissions only. Please remove any identification, contact information, and credits from your script
- Only 1 piece by a playwright will be accepted – multiple submissions are not allowed
- Only complete applications will be accepted. If we discover an error or omission in your application, then CTW will contact you by email. You will have 48 hours to correct your materials. If your application is not corrected, it will be withdrawn from consideration and your fee will not be refunded.
Script Rules
- Play must be written in correct format – View Example
- “First Drafts” will not be accepted – play must be mature in development
- Minimum page count of around 60 pages or 90 minutes in duration
- Musicals are ineligible – please visit the National Music Theater Foundry page to learn about our musical development program!
- Screenplays are ineligible
Previous Development & Production
- Your play must not have had a full production, or be licensed or optioned to have a professional production, prior to July 1, 2026. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to the CPL Selections Process Manager, Kevin Aponte, at Kevin@carolinatheatreworkshop.com.
- If your play has previously received—or is scheduled to receive—a developmental workshop, reading, or staged reading prior to July 1, 2026, you must disclose that information in your CPL application. Failure to disclose additional development could affect your application’s standing.
Fees & Deadlines
- Late submissions will not be accepted
- The administrative fee for CPL 2026 is “Pay What You Can” from April 13th to 20th; from April 20th to May 10th the fee is $15 per script submission. This helps offset the costs of the application process itself: its organization, staffing, administration, and submission platform.
Questions / Contact
- Your play must not have had a full production, or be licensed or optioned to have a professional production, prior to July 1, 2026. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to the CPL Selections Process Manager, Kevin Aponte, at Kevin@carolinatheatreworkshop.com.
PAST FESTIVALS
Explore past Carolina Playwrights Lab festivals and the exciting new works developed each year.
