PlayMakers Repertory Company Launched NC Folk Play Project
North Carolina writers are invited to submit original short plays for a chance to be featured in a upcoming statewide tour.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Children’s Theater
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The PlayMakers Repertory Company has invited North Carolina residents of all skill levels to submit short plays for the NC Folk Play Project. This initiative aims to redefine the concept of folk drama for the modern era while celebrating the theater company’s 50th season.
Why it matters
The project honors the history of the original Carolina Playmakers established in 1919 by providing a platform for contemporary local voices. It connects diverse writers with professional resources to foster storytelling across the state.
The project accepts submissions lasting 10 to 20 minutes from any North Carolina resident. The organization plans to hold public readings for approximately 30 works before narrowing the field to five or eight plays for a future development tour.
The players
PlayMakers Repertory Company
This is a professional theater company that transitioned from its roots as a university-based organization in 1976.
Frederick Koch
He was the founder who established the original Carolina Playmakers in 1919 to encourage local dramatic writing.
North Carolina Writers' Network
This organization is a partner in the project that provides resources and outreach to the state's literary community.
The details
The theater company is collaborating with universities, arts councils, and statewide organizations including the North Carolina Writers' Network to solicit submissions. Plays written in languages other than English are accepted, provided that a translation is included with the entry.
Timeline
Frederick Koch established the original Carolina Playmakers in 1919.
The organization became a professional company in 1976.
The deadline to submit plays for the NC Folk Play Project is November 15, 2026.
Public readings of the selected works will take place in February 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This project follows a pattern set by the Carolina Playmakers 1919 foundational charter. It represents a broader effort to revitalize regional identity in theater as organizations pivot to community-focused content strategies.
Local playwrights gain a formal pathway to professional development and potential statewide touring for their work. The public will gain access to these original stories during the festival readings scheduled for early 2027.
The takeaway
This project provides a rare opportunity for local writers to have their scripts developed by a professional theater company. Aspiring playwrights should focus on stories that reflect North Carolina themes to align with the goal of redefining folk drama.
What happens next
The submission period for the NC Folk Play Project closes on November 15, 2026, followed by the All. Together. Now. festival in February 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local performance opportunities in the Children’s Theater section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Tar Heel.
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