WRITERS' BLOCK A
Plot, Structure, Character, and Dialogue are explored in Writers' Block A, one of Playwrights Theatre Centre's most popular and longest running programs. Block A is a basic class for beginning playwrights. The goal of the program is to hone the playwrights' abilities by isolating and focusing on the fundamentals of playwriting through discussion, critiques, and writing exercises.

WHEN: One evening a week throughout Sept, Oct, Nov, and Dec. Please check our "News" section for application deadlines in late summer.

DRAMATURGS' BLOCK D
Block D is aimed at creating a core group of new career dramaturgs to work with emerging playwrights. During regular meetings with PTC's Dramaturg, Heidi Taylor, the basics of practical dramaturgy will be reviewed while new alternative models for a variety of new forms of plays, performance, and dramaturgy will be explored.

WHEN: January to April. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: By Invitation Only.

WRITERS' BLOCK M
This popular program explores the art and technique of writing monologues and plays for solo performers. Led by award-winning poet and playwright Aaron Bushkowsky, participants meet one day a week for six weeks in the summer. The program divides time equally between writing exercises, criticism, and discussion. The emphasis is on helping playwrights emerge with an improved solo script and a deeper understanding of the monologue.

WHEN: One evening a week between June and August.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Check our "News" section in late spring for application deadlines.

THE NEWS
A launching pad for young playwrights, The News is a unique commissioned program and event within the Vancouver New Play Festival. Representing our commitment to young playwrights with new visions of the contemporary world, PTC annually commissions one-act plays from two exceptional early career playwrights. The playwrights are challenged to write timely, daring, and engaged plays that reflect the reality of living in the world at this particular time

WHEN: Part of the Vancouver New Play Festival.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: By directed search. Playwrights must be under 30 years of age.

THE PTC COLONY
The PTC Colony is an annual play development intensive. We provide a group of playwrights-in-residence with a dedicated creative context, dramaturgical resources and a company of actors to read their new plays at intervals throughout the colony. The focus is on the individual development of each playwright's work as well as the creation of a supportive and productive community of playwrights, directors, dramaturgs and actors.

WHEN: November
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Please see our home page under "News" for the current PTC Colony application and deadline requirements.

PLUNCH
A series of lunchtime conversations and panel discussions, Plunch is an opportunity for theatre artists and audiences to meet, make connections and expand their understanding of theatre practises in a casual, lunchtime environment.

WHEN: year-round