What is FOREWORD?

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• FOREWORD, which started in 2020, is our annual program devoted to the development of new works of theatre.

• There have been different formats of the program through the years, and this year we are returning to an open call format which means any interested playwright (18 or older), who is available to work with us here in Arlington, VA during February/March of 2026, can submit their script for consideration.

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How does the process work?

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• Each of the submitted scripts will be evaluated by members of our review team and up to three new plays will be selected to be part of the 2026 cohort.

• Selected playwrights will be paid to spend two weeks working on their script with us - plus a paid team of a director and performers.

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I'm not a playwright. How can I participate?

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• You can be a sponsor! We believe that investing time and resources in new works is an important part of continually developing theatre as an art form. It's an investment in the theatre ecosystem and in playwrights specifically. Our sponsors help to make these paid opportunities possible.

• You can attend the readings in February & March. Audience feedback is another critical part of the development process for any new play. Reservations will open once the plays have been selected. Attending readings is a way to show support to the artists and also to offer your thoughts and ideas about each new work.