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The Third Colour by Ian Ross

Tracey Nepinak & Kathleen MacLean
Photo by Leif Norman

October 2 - 20, 2019

How the Heavens Go by Joseph Aragon

Ross McMillan & Debbie Patterson
Photo: Leif Norman

March 1 - 18, 2018

The Flats by Ginny Collins

Julie Lumsden, Alicia Johnston & Nyla Carpentier
Photo: Leif Norman

January 26 - February 12, 2017

Marriage: A Demolition in Two Acts by Rick Chafe

Erin McGrath, Justin Otto, Tom Anniko & Marina Stephenson Kerr
Photo: Leif Norman

March 16 - April 3, 2016

Social Studies by Trish Cooper

Alix Sobler & Richie Diggs
Photo: Leif Norman

November 20 - December 8, 2013

The Brink by Ellen Peterson

Evan Hall & RobYn Slade
Photo: Bruce Monk

The Secret Mask by Rick Chafe

John B. Lowe & Skye Brandon
Photo: Bruce Monk

November 16 - December 4, 2011

Burnin' Love by Sharon Bajer

Miriam Smith & Richard Waugh
Photo: Bruce Monk

March 2 -20, 2011

PTE/MAP Playwrights Unit

Supporting the artists that create the plays

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, welcomes both emerging and established playwrights. 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.

PTE/MAP Playwrights Unit

Welcoming the 2026-28 Playwrights Unit:

Prairie Theatre Exchange and the Manitoba Association of Playwrights are delighted to welcome a new cohort of playwrights to the PTE/MAP Playwrights Unit. The 2026-28 Playwrights Unit, led by Brian Drader and Ann Hodges, comprises eight playwrights: Philip Geller,Kinsey Hollis,Tanner Manson, Jordan McPeek, Gislina Patterson, Ryan Osodo, Ana Toumine, and Cory Wojcik. 

The PTE/MAP Playwrights Unit supports playwrights through dramaturgy, mentorship, workshops, readings, peer support and community-building. For the next two years, while developing their personal projects, the cohort will attend monthly meetings at Prairie Theatre Exchange and receive access to many of the theatre’s resources, up to and including backstage access, office supplies, invitations to performances, professional advocacy, and guidance from PTE production and administrative staff. 

 Put eight playwrights in a room and you will experience eight unique voices, visions, and world views. The Unit provides support for each playwright to strengthen and deepen their individual practice, but just as importantly it provides an environment where the playwrights can learn and grow from being exposed to voices that may be very different from their own. Having experienced the group chemistry, synergy, and growth in the two previous PTE/MAP Units, I look very forward to seeing what’s to come with this exciting and eclectic cohort.”  

– Brian Drader, Artistic Manager of the Manitoba Association of Playwrights 

Many alumni of the Playwrights Unit have had their works produced at PTE, across Manitoba and at theatres nationwide. Some former Unit members include Joseph Aragon, Sharon Bajer, Tricia Cooper, Rick Chafe, Ginny Collins, Tricia Cooper, Anika Dowsett, Debbie Patterson, Ellen Peterson, Scout Rexe, Ian Ross, and Andraea Sartison. 

Playwrights are at the heart of what PTE does. The PTE Playwrights Unit has a long history of developing playwrights whose plays have been produced not only on our stages, but stages all over Winnipeg and beyond. We are very excited to welcome these eight writers into our PTE community over the coming two years.” 

– Ann Hodges, Artistic Director of Prairie Theatre Exchange

The PTE/MAP Playwrights Unit is supported by: The Richardson Foundation