PTE/MAP Playwrights Unit

Prairie Theatre Exchange has always been, and continues to strive to be, a “home” for theatre artists – a place where new ideas can be explored, and creativity can be supported and encouraged.

The first Playwrights Unit was formed by Kim McCaw in 1988. In 2007, it was re-established by Artistic Director Bob Metcalfe. PTE became a home for playwrights, setting aside a dedicated workspace where they can find a quiet place to write or think. The Unit also offers monthly meetings at PTE, provides readings and support of their playwright projects, acts as an advocate for the members’ work, and, most importantly, provides access to many resources at PTE, from invitations to performances and rehearsals, to printing and photocopying, to advice from staff.

In November of 2018, then-PTE Artistic Director Thomas Morgan Jones announced the creation of the PTE Emerging Playwrights Unit, in partnership with Manitoba Association of Playwrights (MAP) and their Executive Director Brian Drader. In 2023, the unit was renamed the PTE/MAP Playwrights Unit to honour the collaborative nature of the relationship between the two organizations and the support both offer the participating playwrights.

The 2026-28 Unit, led by Brian Drader and PTE’s current Artistic Director Ann Hodges, invites applications from both emerging and established playwrights. Previous members of the Playwrights Unit are welcome to apply. We value a diversity of experience, backgrounds and writing styles in the cohort. 

Playwrights are not confined to write only for PTE. Many alumni from the Playwrights Unit have had their works staged in Manitoba and nationwide. PTE sees this as beneficial for both parties: local playwrights receive support to develop their skills, and PTE advances its mission to create and support theatre and artists.

Supported by the Richardson Foundation

We are now accepting applications for the next PTE/MAP Playwrights Unit, which will launch in January 2026. See the link above to apply!