How does one maintain stability even when everything around them is constantly changing? Do inherited traits determine who one is, or does one have agency in who they become? These are some of the questions at the intersection of theatre and science that you’ll explore through Young Playwrights Lab. This fall, MTC is offering NYC-area high school students the opportunity to get paid for:

  • Attending and participating in a 10-session writing workshop where you’ll develop and share drafts of your original 10- to 15-minute plays while receiving feedback from seasoned MTC teaching artist Ashley M. Thomas.
  • Learning about science concepts that can be applied to your dramatic writing from science educator Jonathan Rosado-Gonalez.

The experience culminates in a staged reading of your new work performed by professional actors. Program participants who attend at least 9 workshop sessions and complete a play will receive a stipend of $200.00* at the conclusion of the program.

Apply below by October 2 for your chance to be part of the second cohort!

Young Playwrights Lab

Who’s Eligible?

All currently enrolled high school or high school equivalency students in the NYC Metro area are eligible to participate in the Young Playwrights Lab.

Lab Process and Dates

Application period: Now – October 2

Cohort Meetings:

October 13 (4:30-6:30PM), 15 (4:30-6:30PM), 20 (4:30-6:30PM), 22 (4:30-6:30PM), 27 (4:30-6:30PM), 29 (4:30-6:30PM), November 5 (4:30-6:30PM), 10 (4:30-6:30PM), 12 (4:30-6:30PM), 17 (4:30-6:30PM)

Live Reading: November 19 (3:00-8:45PM)

Stipend

Students who attend a minimum of 9 workshop sessions and complete a play will receive a stipend of $200.00 at the conclusion of the program. In order to be eligible for the stipend, you must be able to provide a social security number or TIN as this is taxable and reportable income.

Meet the Facilitators

Ashley M. Thomas

Ashley M. Thomas, she/her(s)/herself, is a writer and dramaturg born and raised in Harlem, New York. Previously, Ashley has worked as an arts administrator for organizations such as Classical Theatre of Harlem, Bret Adams Ltd., Roundabout Theatre Company, and Manhattan Theatre Club. She has dramaturged classical works, plays in development, and solo shows. She has been published in Theater magazine, Jabberwock Review, and 3Views Theater. Ashley has also been a teaching artist for elementary and high school-aged students, and a teaching fellow for college-aged students. She is a proud alumna of the First Wave Urban Arts Scholarship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work. She has her MFA in Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism from Yale School of Drama.

Jonathan Rosado-Gonzalez

Jonathan Rosado-Gonzalez is a middle school science teacher with eight years of classroom experience, currently teaching at York Preparatory School in New York City. He holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with a strong focus on designing meaningful and engaging learning experiences for students. Jonathan is passionate about teaching science in new and innovative ways that spark curiosity and deepen understanding. He enjoys blending creativity, inquiry, and real-world connections to help students see science as both relevant and exciting.

How to Participate

Apply for Young Playwrights Lab: Stem to Stage

Applications for Young Playwrights Lab: Stem to Stage will remain open until October 2 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

 

 

Questions?

Please email any questions or inquiries to Sheldon Skoboloff at [email protected] by October 1.