New Play Lab 2026
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
We have reached our limit of 150 submissions. Finalists will be announced in January. Please check this time next year for another chance to submit to the New Play Lab.
The New Play Lab at the annual William Inge Theatre Festival is a partnership between the Kansas Arts Commission of the Kansas Department of Commerce and the William Inge Center for the Arts at Independence Community College, Kansas
The 9th Annual New Play Lab seeks to connect national established and emerging playwrights to participate at the 43rd William Inge Theatre Festival, April 23-25, 2026. Each year, 12 to 14 Playwrights are connected with professional playwrights, directors, dramaturgs and actors. For a peek at our last Festival’s New Play Lab Recipients and Guest Artists please visit www.ingecenter.org
Selected New Play Lab playwrights receive:
- A professional staged reading of their play before an audience on the main stage of the William Inge Theatre
- Feedback on their play facilitated by national theatre professionals.
- Additional playwriting classes and seminars exclusive to New Play Lab participants, including a masterclass with William Inge Theater Festival guest playwrights.
- Networking opportunities to meet with theater professionals from across the country.
- Entry to all festival events, including two meal events.
- Meal vouchers to enjoy local restaurants in William Inge’s Hometown of Independence, Kansas.
Applications Period
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
Those chosen will be notified in January 2026. Note: the receipt of applications will be limited to the first 150 to apply. Only the first 150 applications will be reviewed. Therefore, applicants are urged to submit early, as the number of applicants may reach its limit before the final due date.
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