The Writers' Room Overview

A group for Los Angeles-based playwrights, The Writers’ Room is a product of the Geffen’s deep commitment to supporting new plays and specifically to fostering bold, relevant work by the vibrant artistic community of this city.

For twelve months running from September–August, a cohort of six selected playwrights/writing teams will attend monthly meetings at the Geffen (on Monday evenings) as they generate the first draft of a new play or musical. Two playwrights share work at each meeting and receive feedback from their cohort in a forum facilitated by the Geffen’s Literary Manager & Dramaturg.

Over the following four months (September–December), playwrights will participate in a robust period of meetings and shares at the Geffen, including full-draft cold reads, a tool share with Artistic Director Tarell Alvin McCraney, a week of rehearsals for their own reading, and open rehearsals and presentations of their peers’ readings.

Additionally, playwrights will be invited to participate in optional studio hours at the Geffen on a quarterly basis. Studio hours (quiet writing time in the Geffen building) are open to all current and past Writers’ Room members.

Applicants for The Writers' Room must be full-time residents of Los Angeles County and must be available to attend all meetings, shares, and readings in person at the Geffen.

Writers’ Room playwrights receive a $5,000 stipend for their participation in the program, as well as a $1,000 fee during their reading week. A meal and parking are provided at each meeting. Playwrights will also receive complimentary tickets to all Gil Cates Theater shows (and to Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater shows, subject to availability) at the Geffen during their Writers’ Room tenure.

The Writers' Room program runs biannually, with the next cohort selected in 2028. To be notified of when submissions reopen, please complete the form at the bottom of this page.