Lifeline Theatre is interested and invested in bringing new and diverse voices to its stage. As a new work company specializing in literary adaptation, we believe playwrights and those who adapt books and other literary works to the stage need dramatists to bounce ideas off of, professional actors to read it out loud, and experienced theatre makers and artistic directors to engage in discussion with the work. Also, writers need TIME to digest and incorporate the results of those experiences into their play.
As part of the 2025-2026 season, Lifeline is hosting our BIPOC-focused adaptation workshop and showcase to support writers of color.
CONCEPT
To apply Lifeline’s organizational knowledge about new adaptation development to support BIPOC playwrights/writers who are adapting works for the stage, culminating in a public showcase and the potential to be included in future Lifeline seasons.
SUBMISSIONS
Submissions should outline the writer’s intent to develop a stage adaptation of a book or other literary work (e.g., short story, article, memoir, tale, poem, etc.). Proposals can be for traditional adaptations or “inspired by” approaches where the literature serves as a jumping off point. The source material should be in the public domain. Only one proposal per writer will be accepted. Interested individuals are asked to complete the submission form by the submission deadline of November 15, 2025.
If chosen, writers will be expected to:
- Either reside in the Chicago area, or call Chicago home for substantive amounts of time throughout the year;
- Be available for up to six developmental/feedback sessions between January and June, 2026;
- Devote time to write between sessions;
- Invite like-minded artist friends/colleagues to feedback sessions to provide additional points of view;
- Be available to attend the final showcase, and its rehearsals to provide rewrites.
If chosen, writers will receive:
- A $500 stipend;
- A process-oriented, writer-focused, developmental experience;
- A director and a dramaturg;
- Regular readings of new or rewritten material with feedback from experienced Lifeline ensemble members and playwright-invited artists;
- Administrative and casting support;
- A final reading for an invited audience.
SELECTION TIMELINE
- November 15, 2025: Application form closes
- Early-January: Finalists informed and interviewed
- Late-January: Workshop playwright(s) announced
Please email workshop@lifelinetheatre.com with any questions.
DEVELOPMENT
The development process will be in service of the playwright and the script. Writers will choose the frequency, level, and style of feedback they want and the facilitators will coach, guide, and facilitate it in action. Support will ideally include a development team consisting of: Lifeline ensemble members, playwright-invited artists, and a Lifeline workshop facilitator. The process will culminate in a final showcase reading for a public audience in July 2026, exact dates and times TBD.
REHEARSAL
There will be approximately 5 rehearsals and a short tech immediately prior to the showcase date. It is likely there will still be small script changes needed at this point, but the focus will move from playwright/script to director/performance. Some small furniture, props, and costume pieces could be utilized, with simple lighting and sound.
SHOWCASE
The showcase will be produced during July 2026. It will be script-in-hand and may or may not include staging. The number of showcase performances is TBD. Tickets for the showcase will be open to the public.
If you have any additional questions, please email workshop@lifelinetheatre.com.