For the list of upcoming readings, visit the News section.
 
The Canada Council for the Arts
The Canada Council for the Arts
Playwrights' Readings Program
 
If you would like to bring a Canadian playwright to your community, fill out the Online Booking Form to make an official request. Please allow up to 2 weeks for a response.
 
In accordance with the Canada Council for the Arts Readings Program policies, the program is administered using the following guidelines:
 
Venue:
  • Venues must be open to the general public free of charge at the time of the reading.
  • Venues are obligated to advertise the reading to members of the general public.
  • Advertisements must clearly acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Playwrights Guild of Canada. Use of the Canada Council logo is required on all promotional materials. Logos for each organization are available on request.
 
Playwright:
  • Playwright must be a full member in good financial standing of Playwrights Guild of Canada.
  • A complete list of playwrights that are full PGC members is available on the Playwrights Guild of Canada website.
  • Each member is eligible for up to three readings per year. Playwrights are not guaranteed three readings, as there is limited space available.
 
Playwrights Guild of Canada will cover the following:
  • Readings Fees: $250 for an independent reading and $125 for a joint reading.
  • Travel funds: up to $400 per independent reading. Travel funds are limited and must be requested in advance of the reading. For travel to remote parts of Canada, travel expenses may be increased.
  • Travel funds must be used for the most economical form of travel.
 
Playwrights Guild of Canada will not:
  • Charge the host an administration fee.
  • Cover per diems or accommodation costs.
  • Book the travel arrangements on behalf of the playwrights.
  • Consider requests for the support of workshops, roundtable discussions, book launches and book prizes.
 
How to Book a Reading:
  • Contact the playwright and arrange a suitable date and location for the reading.
  • If you need help contacting the playwright please send an email to info@playwrightsguild.ca. Include details about the proposed reading and your contact information in the email. Your email will be forwarded to the playwright.
  • All booking requests must be submitted using our online bookings form.
  • Requests must be made at least one month in advance of the reading. However, we encourage hosts to apply earlier!
  • Every two weeks booking request forms will be reviewed. Hosts and playwrights will be notified via email at this time.
  • PGC will also mail out an evaluation form to both the host and the playwright. Playwrights who will be receiving funding for traveling will also receive an expense report.
 
After the Reading
  • Both the host and the playwright are required to submit evaluation forms to PGC (forms can be submitted via fax or email) and to the Canada Council.
  • The host should also submit promotional material associated with the event.
  • Playwrights who have applied for travel funds must also submit an expense report accompained by original receipts or travel tickets.
  • PGC will issue a cheque directly to the playwright.
 
Please keep in Mind
  • The PGC will pay the playwright directly. If you wish to make other payment arrangements, please notify PGC in advance.
  • Travel funds must be requested in advance of the readings.
  • If the time, date or location of the reading changes, please notify PGC so we may update our calendar.
  • Readings are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
 
Travel Arrangements
  • Playwrights may request travel funds, up to $400 per independent reading.
  • Travel funds are limited and must be requested in advance of the reading.
  • Playwrights are encouraged to book multiple readings in one region when requesting travel funds. In addition, the playwrights are required to use the most economical form of travel available.
  • Travel funds may be increased in special cases to accommodate readings in remote locations
  • Playwrights may select the following economical modes of travel:
  Plane and train:
  • Economy fare tickets may be booked through Trans-American Connection and PGC will pay directly for the ticket.
  • Telephone: (416) 322-8484
  • E-mail: trans-american@on.aira.com
  • Plane and train tickets may be booked elsewhere if a more economical solution exists.
  Personal vehicle:
  • The playwright will be reimbursed at a rate of $0.32/kilometre ($0.52/mile). This rate includes the use of a vehicle and gas expenses.
  Other forms of travel (bus/ferry):
  • The playwright must pay for the ticket and submit their receipt for reimbursement.