2026 Gillespie House Retreat Call for Submissions
Driftwood Theatre is now accepting applications for its 2026 Gillespie House Playwrights Retreat series.
The Gillespie House Retreat (GHPR) is an entirely self-directed, paid opportunity that offers time, space, and dramaturgical support to Ontario theatre makers who are developing new plays that are epic and mythic in nature.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Tuesday October 14th @ 11:59pm ET
About the GHPR:
Driftwood Theatre is an incubator for new plays by Ontario-based theatre creators, whose works respond to the world we live in today through epic and mythic storytelling. Like the driftwood which supports diverse ecosystems along Ontarian shores, Driftwood Theatre provides a framework for ideas to take root and thrive.
The Gillespie House is a 19th century home and B&B in the heart of Prince Edward County. With multiple private rooms, spacious communal workspaces, a full kitchen, and beautiful surrounding landscapes, The Gillespie House is the perfect place to zone in and create.
Our focus for 2026:
Now in its 4th year, the GHPR is looking to support emerging and/or established Ontario-based playwrights who are exploring bold new ideas for a theatrical work that is epic or mythic in nature (whatever that may mean to the applicant). We are looking for projects which are still in an ideation phase of development that explore uncharted creative territory for the applying artist.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend ONE of two available retreat periods in 2026; February 9-13 or April 13-17. Applicants will be asked in our submission form to indicate which retreat period(s) they would be interested in/available to attend. Up to three artists can stay at the Gillespie House at any given time.
What we’re offering:
- Travel stipend within Ontario, accommodation, and complimentary daily breakfast for the duration of your stay.
- Access to support from our on-site dramaturg Caitie Graham, if desired.
- Two fire-side group discussions facilitated by Caitie with Artistic Director Jeremy Smith centring craft, process, and fellowship among attendees
- Opportunities to enjoy optional group activities in and around Prince Edward County
- An honorarium of $750.00
**As lunches and dinners are not covered as part of the retreat, playwrights will be expected to participate in a grocery sharing/communal cooking schedule at their own expense.
What we need from you:
- A Complete Application Form
- An Artist’s CV (max 3pgs)
- An Expression of Interest – in the form of a Written Letter (max 1pg, PDF) OR Applicant Video (max 5mins) that addresses the following;
- A brief intro of who you are and what drives you as a theatre maker.
- A description of the project you’d like to bring to the retreat, and how you feel it connects to our mission of sharing epic and mythic stories.
- A description of why you’re applying for the Retreat and how you would like to use your time here.
- Whatever else you think is important for us to consider!
- An Artistic Sample – in the form of a Writing Sample (max 10pgs double spaced, PDF) OR Video Sample (one link, max 10mins).
- Samples should be from a previous work, and will be our way of getting to know you as an artist.
After completing the application form, you will be prompted to send your Artist’s CV, Expression of Interest and Artistic Sample to Caitie Graham at cgraham@driftwoodtheatre.com. Please include your full name in the title of ALL attached files. Video submissions will only be accepted as unlisted YouTube links.
All applicants will be contacted via email upon receipt of their materials, and again by the end of November 2025 regarding the status of their application.
Driftwood Theatre is deeply committed to supporting artists who reflect the rich diversity and many communities that make up the province of Ontario. We welcome and encourage applicants of all backgrounds and abilities to apply to the Gillespie House Playwrights Retreat.
Driftwood Theatre is also committed to providing an accessible and barrier-free environment for its staff and artists. However, The Gillespie House is not fully accessible. There are currently five steps up to its main floor from the street, and all guest rooms are located on the second floor, accessible by 23 steps.
If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of this application process or the retreat environment itself, please reach out to Caitie at cgraham@driftwoodtheatre.com for accommodations.
Driftwood Summer Jobs 2025
Driftwood Summer Job Posting: Props and Miniature D&D Terrain Builder for Driftwood’s Summer Camps
Driftwood Theatre is back again with another adventure-filled summer of improvisational story-building for kids. And this year, that means we need some extra-special props and miniature terrain to help immerse our young participants into the wonderful worlds of D&D.
Driftwood is on the lookout for a Props and Miniature D&D Terrain Builder to join Artistic Director Jeremy Smith, and Assistant DM/Camp Counselor Pen Tsin as they lead three epic summer Dungeons & Dragons camps in Prince Edward County.
Driftwood Theatre is committed to reflecting Canada’s rich diversity in all aspects of our work We encourage and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and will prioritize applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, Women, Gender minorities, 2SLGBTQ+, d/Deaf, Disabled/People with Disabilities, and/or Neurodiverse.
The following position is made possible with the generous support of Canada Summer Jobs. Candidates must be between 19-30 years of age and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Props and Miniature Terrain Builder
Reporting to the Artistic Director/Lead Dungeon Master, the Props and Miniature Terrain Builder will be responsible for realizing all program props and miniatures for Driftwood’s summer camps (July 28-August 1, August 5-8, August 25-29).
The Props Coordinator will be directly involved in interpreting design drawings and mood boards, purchasing materials, assembly and repairs. As this is a learning position, the Props Coordinator and Camp Assistant will also receive instruction in: time and financial planning in order to successfully bring a design to production on time and within budget; camp programming and execution, including storytelling-based activities; and outdoor summer safety.
Duties and Responsibilities include
- Working under the direction of the Artistic Director and Assistant DM to interpret designs, purchase materials, construct, paint and repair all miniature game props and pieces
- Ensuring timely delivery of all prop and miniature elements
- Ensure a safe, respectful and fun environment for all participants
- Attending and reporting at all pre-camp design and production meetings
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
- Experience in either scenic prop or miniature model design and construction
- Experience in playing table top games (like Dungeons and Dragons)
- Experience working with children/children’s programming an asset
- Excellent organization and time management skills
- Proficiency in Google Suite Applications an asset
Salary/Job Details
- Full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position with some flexibility in the schedule
- Contract dates: eight weeks, starting on either July 2 or July 9, 2025
- Salary: $20/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract
- This position will include primarily remote work, with regular meetings conducted via ZOOM
To Apply
- To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume (as a single PDF document) to Artistic Director, Jeremy Smith at jsmith@driftwoodtheatre.com with the subject line stating the position you’re applying for and your name, e.g. “DnD Job – Jeremy Smith”
Application Deadline: June 28, 2025 @ 5pm.
Gillespie House Playwrights Retreat Call for Submissions
Driftwood Theatre is now accepting applications for its 2025 Gillespie House Playwrights Retreat (GHPR) series. The GHPR is an entirely self-directed, paid opportunity that offers time and space to Ontario theatre makers who are developing new plays that are epic and mythic in nature.
In 2023, Driftwood Theatre launched a bold new artistic vision. Blending our history of touring Shakespeare’s works across the province, with our long-standing investment in the development of new plays, Driftwood Theatre is now an incubator for new plays by Ontario-based theatre creators, whose works respond to the world we live in today through epic and mythic storytelling. Like the driftwood which supports diverse ecosystems along Ontarian shores, Driftwood Theatre provides a framework for ideas and stories to take root and thrive.
Now in its 3rd year, the GHPR is looking to support emerging and/or established Ontario-based playwrights who are exploring bold new ideas for a theatrical work that is epic or mythic in nature (whatever that may mean to the applicant). We are looking for projects which are still in an ideation phase of development that explore uncharted creative territory for the applying artist.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend ONE of two available retreat periods in 2025; January 19th to 25th, 2025 OR April 6th to 12th, 2025. Applicants will be asked in our submission form to indicate which retreat period(s) they would be interested in/available to attend.
What we’re offering:
- Travel stipend within Ontario, accommodation, and complimentary daily breakfast for the duration of your stay.
- Access to support from our on-site dramaturg Caitie Graham, if desired.
- Two fire-side group discussions facilitated by Caitie with Artistic Director Jeremy Smith centring craft, process, and fellowship among attendees
- Opportunities to enjoy optional group activities in and around Prince Edward County
- An honorarium of $750.00
**As lunches and dinners are not covered as part of the retreat, playwrights will be expected to participate in a grocery sharing/communal cooking schedule at their own expense.
What we need from you:
- A Complete Application Form (click here)
- An Artist’s CV (max 3pgs)
- An Expression of Interest – in the form of a Written Letter (max 1pg, PDF) OR Applicant Video (max 5mins) that addresses the following;
- A brief intro of who you are and what drives you as a theatre maker.
- A description of the project you’d like to bring to the retreat, and how you feel it connects to our mission of sharing epic and mythic stories.
- A description of why you’re applying for the Retreat and how you would like to use your time here.
- Whatever else you think is important for us to consider!
- An Artistic Sample – in the form of a Writing Sample (max 10pgs double spaced, PDF) OR Video Sample (one link, max 10mins).
- Samples should be from a previous work, and will be our way of getting to know you as an artist.
Application Due Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024. 11:59pm.
After completing the application form, you will be prompted to send your Artist’s CV, Expression of Interest and Artistic Sample to Caitie Graham at cgraham@driftwoodtheatre.com. Please include your full name in the title of ALL attached files. Video submissions will only be accepted as unlisted YouTube links.
All applicants will be contacted via email upon receipt of their submission, and again by the end of December 2024 regarding the status of their application.
—
The Gillespie House Playwrights Retreat welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who reflect the many communities that make up the province of Ontario. In particular, we will prioritize applications from artists who identify as BIPOC and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Driftwood Theatre is also committed to providing an accessible and barrier-free environment for its staff and artists. However, The Gillespie House is not fully accessible. There are currently five steps up to its main floor from the street, and all guest rooms are located on the second floor, accessible by 23 steps.
If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of this application process or the retreat environment itself, please reach out to Caitie at cgraham@driftwoodtheatre.com for accommodations.
Gillespie House Information:
The Gillespie House Bed & Breakfast is a family-run B&B in the heart of Prince Edward County. In addition to 3 private bedrooms on the second floor, there are two large communal working spaces on the main floor that playwrights can share. There is lots of outdoor veranda space as well in weather-permitting months. For photographs and more information regarding The Gillespie House, please visit the website here.
