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. Playwrights must be present and involved in the project, and projects must have a producing team identified at the time of application, with a priority given for New England-based producing teams. A producing team can take many forms, but at minimum, includes the playwright(s) and a director or producer. Independent theatre companies are welcome to apply. 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 the next Incubator cohort are currently open. To apply, please submit this Google form. The following date ranges are currently under consideration for the Incubator program in 2027:

• March 15 - April 18, 2027

• May 17 - August 8, 2027

No dates outside these ranges are available. Applications for the dates above are due no later than July 31, 2026. All notifications will be made by September 8, 2026.

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.