Playwright Mentorship Program
Playwright Guidelines

NCPA proudly announces the continuation of our Playwright Mentorship Program. The purpose of this program is to fill a perceived need for guidance and assistance for writers new to the art of playwriting. (Please note: The scope of the program is limited to the development of dramatic scripts and not to the marketing of finished plays.) 

Program Goals 

• To nurture playwrights who are at the beginning of their careers, 

• To strengthen relationships and networking between playwrights in the state, 

• To enhance the quality of work produced by NC playwrights.

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in the Mentoring Program, playwrights must meet the following qualifications:

• Be a member of the North Carolina Playwrights Alliance ($20 per year; membership application form may be downloaded from NCPA website); 

• Have at least one completed play (a one-act, full-length, or two 10-minute plays).

Selection Process

Playwrights must submit a complete application (see details below). The NCPA Mentoring Committee will pair playwrights with mentors. If the number of applications exceeds the number of mentors, playwrights will be chosen at random to fill mentoring slots. (It is possible that all playwrights who apply may not be teamed with a mentor; please don't be discouraged - this an on-going program.)

Expectations

Once paired, playwrights and mentors are expected to work together for a period of three months. They may determine how they will work together (face-to-face, phone, fax, or by e-mail). The mentor will read one designated playwright's play before the first meeting. During the course of the relationship, they should have at least two discussions -- one to review the playwright's career needs, and one for the mentor to provide the playwright with comments on his/her play. In addition, the mentor is encouraged to provide feedback on any changes that the playwright chooses to make as a result of the mentor's comments. It is the expectation of the Mentoring Committee that mentor comments will not be destructive, but encouraging (i.e. comments made –whether positive or negative – will focus on nurturing the playwright). Both the mentor and playwright must agree to confidentiality (they will not discuss the works that they've shared with others).

Evaluation 

All mentors and playwrights will complete evaluation forms provided by NCPA at the end of their three months together. This will enable NCPA to assess the effectiveness of the program.

Application Process 

Deadline: Open Enrollment (applications accepted throughout the year)
Playwrights should submit to the NCPA Mentoring Committee:

• A brief biography;

• A cover letter with complete contact information; please include statement addressing why you wrote the submitted play and what you hope to get out of the mentoring program; and

• One complete play (one-act, full length, or two 10-minute plays) at least 20 pages in length. (Plays will not be returned.)

Send application materials to: NCPA Mentoring Committee, P.O. Box 10463, Raleigh, NC 27605. 

For further information, please contact Mark Smith Soto, Mentoring Committee Chair, mismiths@uncg.edu.