NEW PLAY INCUBATOR

As part of our mission to support the creation of new plays, Boston Playwrights’ Theatre introduces The New Play Incubator at BPT.

The New Play Incubator is designed to lower barriers for the full production of new plays. Each year, BPT reserves 8-12 weeks of time on the Snodgrass Stage for Incubator productions. Each project receives a minimum of two weeks to a maximum of five weeks, depending on the needs of the project.

New plays of all types are considered, with a priority given for plays by New England writers. Playwrights must be living and involved in the project, and there must be a producing team attached to the production, i.e. an existing theatre company or a creative team assembled for this project. To be considered, the play may have had readings or developmental workshops, but may not have had more than one previous production (including academic productions).

As of 2025, The New Play Incubator is the only method to request use of BPT spaces for full productions. Production rental requests outside of the NPI will not be considered. Short-term rentals for classes, auditions, rehearsals and readings are still available. More information on rates and policies for short-term rentals can be found here.

Applications for Incubator slots are currently open and you can apply through this Google Form. The following windows of time for 2025-2026 are available:

• March 16 - April 5, 2026

• May 4 - 24, 2026

• June 29 - August 30, 2026

Please note that any dates outside of these windows will not be considered.

Participants in The New Play Incubator pay a subsidized flat-fee rate of $800/week for two to five weeks on the Snodgrass Stage, with no additional insurance or staffing costs, and receive:

• Full use of BPT’s lighting and sound equipment, as well as drapery and stock furniture

• Two dressing rooms and a shared green room

• Technical advice on best practices for our spaces 

• Assistance identifying and vetting technicians and creative staff (e.g. stage managers, designers, board operators, master electricians, carpenters, etc.)

• Assistance identifying and vetting Front of House staff (e.g., house managers, box office staff)

• Printer/copier access for script updates

• Inclusion in BPT’s public announcements and marketing materials, including press releases, social media channels, website, and email blasts. 

• Consultation from BPT Artistic Director 

Participants in The New Play Incubator do NOT receive:

• Build space or tools

• Any staff or creative team members - although we can assist in identifying individuals to reach out to (see above), we cannot guarantee their availability; companies must contact and hire their own staff

Do you have questions about the New Play Incubator program? We’re happy to discuss them with you. Please email Managing Director Darren Evans: darrene@bu.edu.