Teen Writers Studio 2026

Where a young playwright’s voice meets professional collaboration.

Teen Writers Studio is a focused play development experience for one high school playwright, designed to nurture new voices through collaboration with professional theatre artists. Building on the spirit of Teen Writers Fest, the selected writer will work alongside an adult professional playwright and Spinning Tree producers in a supportive environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and growth.

Over a concentrated creative period, the playwright will develop an original script through guided conversation, revision, and artistic exploration. As the process evolves, a professional director and teen actors will join the studio to help bring the work to life.

The studio culminates in an invited reading for an audience of theatre enthusiasts. Applications are now open for Teen Writers Studio 2026 — high school–aged writers are invited to submit an original work sample and begin the process.

Apply Today

Who It’s For

Teen Writers Studio is designed for high school–aged playwrights (grades 9–12) interested in developing an original theatrical work in collaboration with professional artists. Applicants should be based in the Kansas City metro area and excited to explore storytelling through theatre.

Participation is tuition-free. We are committed to making this opportunity accessible to young writers regardless of financial circumstance.

Timeline

Applications Open: February 12, 2026
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Submissions Review & Finalist Conversations: April–May 2026
Selected Playwright Announced: June 2026
Studio Development Period: September 2026
Invited Reading Presentation: September 2026

Exact dates and schedule will be shared with the selected playwright.

What to Expect

Collaboration with a professional playwright mentor and Spinning Tree producers
Guided script development through conversation and revision
Participation from a professional director and teen actors later in the process
A culminating invited reading for an audience of theatre enthusiasts