Waterman’s Community Center’s Residencies for Female Playwrights
Waterman’s Community Center on North Haven Island in Maine is proud to offer two 10-day residential retreats to developing female playwrights in the early spring and fall of 2026. Designed to encourage new voices in theater, the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation grant will offer selected candidates time to create in a unique and beautiful setting and connect with the community there, sharing the power of theater to inspire.
The accepted playwrights will spend 10 days in April or October on North Haven with the goal of working on current and/or new writing projects. In addition, the playwrights will collaborate with Waterman’s staff and Drama Committee to plan one interactive activity with the community during their residency.
To apply, candidates must complete the application and submit it via email to programs@watermans.org. The application period will be open from Monday, January 5 to Friday, February 6 at 4:00pm.
Click HERE for the application
The 2026 residencies include:
A private efficiency apartment for the duration of the residency
Access to a private writing space, including internet access
Travel expenses covered up to $250
Stipend of $500
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and identify as female. The application will include a description of the writing project to be undertaken while in residence and the applicant’s vision for their community engagement project, which could include, for example, a table read of their work, a workshop at North Haven’s K-12 public school, or a playwriting workshop. Residents will spend the balance of their time writing and will work cooperatively with the Waterman’s staff for the duration of their residency.
Island life is a unique experience, and applicants must be self-sufficient and should be able to tolerate the challenges of island life which include occasional inconveniences, limited cell service, isolation, and cold weather.
Waterman’s Community Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization on the island of North Haven, ME located 12 miles out in Penobscot Bay. Waterman’s Community Center includes a 134-seat theater, state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, a large community room for events and art exhibits, a coffee shop, classrooms for the Laugh & Learn Preschool programs and meeting space. Waterman’s offers a wide range of programs and events for all ages including after school programs, concerts, art exhibits, theater/dance productions, presentations, film screenings, summer camps, adult and teen workshops, and much more.
Funding for the Waterman’s Community Center Residencies for Female Playwrights 2026 is generously provided by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.