2027 Gillespie House Retreat Call for Submissions

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Driftwood Theatre is now accepting applications for its 2027 Gillespie House Playwrights Retreat (GHPR) series.

The 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: Friday October 16 @ 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 2027: 

Now in its 5th 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’re looking for projects that are still in an ideation phase of development that explore uncharted creative territory for the applying artist. 

Successful applicants will be invited to attend a weeklong retreat period from April 4-9 2027. 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. 
  • Fire-side group discussions facilitated by Caitie with Artistic Director Jeremy Smith centering 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 completed Application Form, which will require applicants to share links to:

  • An Artist’s CV (max 3pgs)
  • An Expression of Interest – in the form of a Written Letter (max 2pgs) OR Applicant Video (max 5mins) that addresses the following: 
    • Tell us about yourself and your practice as a theatre maker,
    • Describe the project or idea you’d like to bring to the retreat and why you feel compelled to explore it.
    • What is new, risky, or creatively challenging about this project for you?
    • Share how this project engages with ideas of the epic or mythic – however you define those terms.
    • How would a self-directed residency support your process, and what do you hope to gain from this experience? 
  • An Artistic Sample – in the form of a Writing Sample (max 10pgs double spaced) OR Video Sample (one link, max 10mins). 
    • Samples may be from the project you are applying with, or from a previous work, and will be our way of getting to know you as an artist

It is important to note that the form will prompt applicants to list shareable links to each of the above materials (via file sharing platforms such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) Please ensure viewing permissions are set properly so that ‘anyone with the link’ can open the material. Before submitting, we strongly recommend testing your link in a private/incognito browser window to ensure it is accessible without logging in. 

All applicants will be contacted by mid November 2026 regarding the status of their application. For shortlisted applicants, the next step in the process will be a short virtual interview. 

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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 Jeremy at jsmith@driftwoodtheatre.com for accommodations.

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