Apply for the Parity Development Award

 
Close-up of the “Stop-Motion” by Liz Kerin script, and a pencil.

Parity Productions champions women, trans, gender-expansive, and intersex writers at the intersection of race, economic status, age, ability, and other identities within our constituency.

Every year, Parity presents the Parity Development Award to one woman (cis or trans) and one trans, gender-expansive, or intersex playwright who have both demonstrated a dedication to the craft of playwriting and a singular talent for storytelling and whose work is in harmony with our artistic mission. The selected playwrights receive $2,500 each and extensive developmental support for their play, including one “closed door” reading with the Parity team, and at least one public reading, with an option for Parity to produce the Awarded work.

We believe the next great play can come from anywhere; we read all eligible applications and make no judgments based on a playwright’s education or age.

ANNUAL PARITY DEVELOPMENT AWARD APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Requirements

Before applying, please make sure plays adhere to the following requirements:

  • Full-length plays for consideration must be new and may not have had a previous professional production (either Equity or non-Equity). Plays that have been previously produced will not be read. However, we will consider works that have had prior readings or workshops.

  • Full-length plays for consideration may not be musicals. Parity loves musicals and recognizes the many talented book writers and lyricists and composers in our community, but doesn't currently have the resources for the proper development (and production) process of a musical.

  • All scripts must be neat and in an easily readable format. Some suggested formats are Sam French, Dramatists Guild, or Final Draft format.

  • If playwrights apply in multiple award years, Parity prefers them to apply with a new work every year. If playwrights do choose to reapply with the same piece, Parity strongly encourages playwrights to have developed the play considerably in between application periods.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2025 Parity Development Award will only be accepted through The Parity Database. In order to apply, please make sure to have a free profile. To create or update your profile, click here. Please note the Parity Database is currently in beta testing. Check back here for the opening date of the application period for the 2025 Parity Development Award.

Have a question not answered here?

In accordance with New York State Law, the New York State Office of the Attorney General requires that the website and telephone number for the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau be included on all solicitations. They are as follows: https://www.charitiesnys.com/ Phone: (212) 416-8401. A copy of Parity Productions' (EIN 13-4043424) latest annual report may be obtained, upon request, from the organization or from the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10005.