Call for Submissions!

Aflame: SkirtsAfire Playwright in Residence 2027


SkirtsAfire is now accepting applications for Aflame: our inaugural Playwright in Residence, whose work will premiere at our 2027 Festival. We invite applications from emerging, mid-career, and established women and non-binary playwrights based in Edmonton and surrounding areas. 

About the Residency:

The selected playwright will work with SkirtsAfire from February 2026 through March 2027, participating in workshops, collaborating with a creative team, and shaping the script from development to production. This year-long residency includes:

  • A $5,000 all-inclusive fee (commission + workshop + development)
  • One or two workshops (dependant on the play’s and playwright’s needs) with dates arranged around the playwright’s availability (first workshop anticipated summer 2026, with a second in fall 2026 if needed)
  • Artistic and production support from SkirtsAfire throughout the development process
  • A premiere production at the 2027 SkirtsAfire Festival

Eligibility and Requirements:

Applicants must:

  • Identify as a woman or non-binary person
  • Be 18+
  • Live in Edmonton or surrounding areas
  • Have written at least one full-length play that has been staged (Fringe productions are eligible; readings are not eligible)
  • Submit a script that:
    • Has never been fully produced (workshops and readings allowed)
    • Runs up to 85 minutes (one-act) or up to 105 minutes (two-act)
    • Can be performed with 2-8 actors
    • Has a women-led story. Characters of all genders are welcome, but women’s voices and experiences must be prioritized both in the storytelling and makeup of the cast.
    • Has never been developed OR is sufficiently developed for a workshop but remains open to revision (we do not accept works considered a “finished product”)
    • If the full script is not currently complete, the first draft must be complete by May 1st 2026

If a playwright already has collaborators in mind, their preferences will be taken into consideration, however, final decisions for the creative team rest with SkirtsAfire to ensure artistic and logistical alignment.

How to Apply:

Applications will be accepted by online form. Applicants will be asked for:

  • An artist statement that speaks to:
    • Your experience thus far
    • Your creative process as a playwright
    • Participation in any other playwright residency programs
    • What you hope to gain from this experience
  • A resume outlining:
    • Written work and any production/workshop history
    • Any relevant artistic or professional experience
  • A project description, including:
    • A brief synopsis of the play
    • History of the play
    • What inspired you to write this story, what audience you are writing for, and why this story matters now
    • A list of characters with brief character descriptions
    • The current stage of development (first draft, partial draft, etc.)
    • Any unique production elements or specific staging requirements
    • Whether you have a creative team in mind
    • Whether there are collaborators that have worked on this specific project whom you would like to be considered 
    • Why your project is a strong fit for SkirtsAfire’s mandate and programming
  • A minimum of 20 script pages from the proposed project (no maximum: if you have a full draft of your script, please submit it!)

We ask that playwrights familiarize themselves with SkirtsAfire’s mission and vision to ensure their proposed project is a good fit for us.  

Apply using the form below, which can also be found at this link. At the end of the form, you have the option to save a draft for later. Please email us at info@skirtsafire.com if you have any questions.

Deadline to Submit:

January 11th, 2026 at 11:59pm MST