2026 Gillespie House Retreat Call for Submissions

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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.