How to Apply
Playwrights who meet the eligibility guidelines are welcome to apply for the Award directly. (Please be sure you have carefully read the Eligibility Guidelines on the main webpage before applying.) The link below will take you to a Google Form which will allow you to complete the application. The application includes:
-Contact information and eligibility questions
-Full-length play script
Please be sure that your name and the play title appear on the cover page. A full-length play generally runs at least 45 minutes. If you are hoping to submit a script that is shorter than 45 minutes in length, please contact Julia at dominicorlandofund@gmail.com to discuss. Scripts for a musical may be submitted by the book writer only. Co-written work that does not have a clear division of who created which part will not be accepted—the evaluators need to be able to evaluate your work specifically.
NOTE: If you are planning to apply with a musical, please be aware that only text submissions are allowed. We do not accept any audio files or links to external websites, and evaluators will be instructed to not seek out any demos or audio tracks related to submitted scripts. We recommend that you consider the strength of just the text of your piece—separate from any music or other elements—as you select which piece to submit.
-1-2 page resume
This can be in any legible format. Please be sure to include any professional productions, grants, fellowships, awards, and residencies. We recommend including primarily your theatrical and playwriting experience, but feel free to include any information that would support your application. We want to get a sense of your career trajectory through all of your materials. Be sure to include your name on this document.
-1 page artistic statement
Please use this statement to explain to the evaluators why you are a good fit for this award. Look at the explanation above and tell us about who you are as an artist. What has made your career "unconventional"? How have you forged your own path and taken risks as a playwright? What obstacles have you faced in building your career, and how would this award aid you as you move forward? Please be sure to include your name in this document.
-Statement of support from a theater or arts organization.
If you were nominated for the Award you do not need to attach this, as your nominating theater has already provided it. If you were not nominated and are applying directly, please request a statement of support from a theater or other arts-related organization that details why you are a good fit for this Award. Please note: This does not need to be a formal letter of recommendation. This can be a simple e-mail from your nominator stating their support and why they love your work.
Click the button below to access the application in Google Forms. The application will close on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CT OR when we have received 50 applications, so we recommend submitting early if you are able to.
If any of your files do not attach for any reason, please email them to dominicorlandofund@gmail.com with your full name and play title.
Next Steps
There will be a two-round evaluation process, overseen by the Fund’s Advisory Board. Evaluators will score applications on the following rubric: the Script (Is this a high quality script? Is the play compelling in content and/or form? Has the playwright demonstrated a high level of craft?) - 50%. The Spirit of the Award (Does this writer embody the spirit of the award? The writer may fit one or more of the stated descriptions, based on their artistic statement, resume, and support statement.) - 50%.
The announcement of the award recipient will be made in spring 2026. Please contact fund administrator Julia Brown at dominicorlandofund@gmail.com with any questions.