VSA Playwright Discovery Program
Scholarship Sponsored by Kennedy Center
Overview
Description: The Access/VSA Playwright Discovery Program invites young writers with disabilities who are enrolled in high school to submit an original ten-minute script. Submissions must be the work of an individual student and are reviewed by a panel of theater, film, and television professionals. Multiple winners gain access to a career development program that includes virtual and in-person workshops, mentorship, and networking with industry professionals. The program supports script development and career exploration in theater, film, and television.
- Open to high school students with documented disabilities.
- Ten-minute scripts only (individual work).
- Professional review and career-development opportunities for winners.
Eligibility
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in high school (generally ages 14–19) as of Thursday, November 19, 2026, and must have a documented disability. The competition accepts U.S. and international applicants, but all submissions must be in English or American Sign Language (ASL). Previous applicants may reapply until they either win or age out; an individual may win only once. Winners must attend all listed workshop dates to remain eligible for the award.
- Open to U.S. and international students, submissions in English or ASL only.
- Applicants must provide proof of age and disability if selected as finalists.
- U.S. finalists must also provide proof of Right to Work in the U.S.; learn more about I-9 eligible documents.
- Winners must be available for virtual and in-person workshop dates to accept the award.
Selection Process
Selection Process: An advisory panel composed of theater, film, and television professionals evaluates submissions and assists with selecting finalists and winners. The review emphasizes originality, craft, and the ability of a ten-minute script to present a complete dramatic arc. Winners are chosen based on artistic merit and fit for the career development opportunities offered. The program team may investigate submission provenance to enforce eligibility and original authorship rules.
- Reviewed by industry professionals with relevant experience.
- Selection focuses on originality and effective ten-minute storytelling.
- The program enforces rules regarding authorship and creation methods.
Submission Requirements
Submission Guidelines: All applications must be submitted through the program’s online application form and include a synopsis (up to 250 words or 2 minutes of video) and a personal narrative introduction (up to 300 words or 2 minutes of video). Applicants may submit the piece as a written script, video, or audio file, and only one script may be submitted per applicant. Entries must be original, unpublished, and unproduced for a paying audience; prior readings or workshops are acceptable. The program does not accept scripts created with generative AI; non-generative tools like spellcheck are permitted. For alternate application formats, email [email protected] by the stated October deadline.
- Submit via the online form with required synopsis and personal narrative.
- One entry per applicant; entries must be original and unproduced.
- Generative AI–created scripts are ineligible; non-generative tools are allowed.
- Follow formatting and anonymity requirements when preparing files.
Script Formatting and Legal Requirements
Formatting and Rights: Ten-minute scripts should be fully developed pieces with a clear beginning, middle, and end and typically run eight to ten pages when timed aloud. Include a cover sheet with the title and cast/character list, but do not include any identifying information (name, address, or other identifiers) on the cover or script pages. Use at least a 12-point sans serif font, portrait page layout, and rename your file to the title of the script before uploading. If your submission contains third-party copyrighted material, you must provide written permission to include that material.
- Ten-minute scripts should present a complete story arc and generally span eight to ten pages.
- Keep submissions anonymous; do not place identifying information on the script.
- Use a 12-point sans serif font and portrait layout; name the file with the script title.
- Obtain and provide permissions for any third-party copyrighted material.
Funding and Disclaimer
Funding: This program was developed under grant H421F240164 from the U.S. Department of Education. The Department does not mandate or endorse the practices, models, or activities described here, nor does it control or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of external resources cited. Examples, adaptations, or links to outside resources are provided for informational purposes only. Participants should consult primary sources for regulatory or legal guidance.
- Program developed with U.S. Department of Education grant support.
- The Department does not endorse or guarantee external resources.
- External examples and links are informational and should be independently verified.