Mark Plesent Commission Fund Applications

The Mark Plesent Commission Fund 2026

The Mark Plesent Commission Fund supports the annual commission and development of new plays by working people. The commission provides mentorship, as well as financial and developmental support. Up to two commissions will be awarded annually to promising writers from our constituency of working people, who have not had the privilege or the resources to self-identify or support themselves professionally as artists, but who have shown extraordinary talent, consistency of practice, and a commitment to writing within the mission of Working Theater.

Applications for the 2026-2027 Mark Plesent Commission Fund are now open through February 13th, 2026. Learn more about the program and application process below.

Apply Now

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

identify as a working person or working-class person;
have never been paid to write a play or earned a paycheck as a professional writer, though they may have writing experience;
love to write, but have not had the chance to develop their writing craft in a professional or university setting;
must reside in the NYC-metropolitan area.
If you have questions about your eligibility, we urge you to reach out to sanam@theworkingtheater.org

EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS MAY INCLUDE:

a full-time essential worker who’s always had a passion for storytelling;
a parent who has put writing on hold to balance work and childcare; or
a retiree who is just getting back to or discovering an old passion.

This is meant to be a safe and inclusive space that will offer mentorship, support, and community to those who are seeking to develop their voice. Whether you’ve secretly always loved writing, are discovering a new creative interest, or anything in between, we’re looking for undeveloped and undiscovered voices who need room to grow

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Recipients will be announced at Working Theater’s Annual Bridge Awards & Benefit in May 2026. Participants will receive a commission fee of $2,000 and be provided with a professional playwright mentor to advise and guide them in the process. The mentorship will begin in late spring 2026 and culminate in a developmental workshop with professional directors and actors in fall 2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Step 1: Application (January 21st – February 13th, 2026)

10-Page Writing Sample Submission: Let us get to know your work! Writing samples can include an excerpt from a full-length play*, short play*, screenplay*, short story, or other narrative story. (preferred*)
Cover Letter: Tell us a bit about yourself. You can speak about the kind of stories you want to tell, why you are drawn to storytelling, and how you think you may benefit from this opportunity . This can be a written paragraph or a 1-2 minute video.
If you are interested in applying and require any accommodations regarding the submission deadlines or requested materials, please reach out to sanam@theworkingtheater.org

Step 2: Finalist Interviews (March 2026 via zoom)

Step 3: Recipients Selected and Notified (April 2026)