Deadline: 16-Jun-2026
The Toronto Arts Council (TAC) Playwrights Program provides funding to support the development and writing of theatrical plays by playwrights in Toronto. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, with an additional up to $5,000 TAC Accessibility Grant available for Deaf artists and artists with disabilities.
What is the Toronto Arts Council Playwrights Program?
The Toronto Arts Council Playwrights Program supports playwrights creating new theatrical works.
It helps writers at different career stages by offering:
- Development funding for playwriting
- Support for both emerging and established playwrights
- Accessibility funding for inclusive participation
The program is designed to strengthen the creation of stage-based theatrical plays in Toronto.
Funding Amount
Level One
- $5,000
- For new or emerging playwrights
- Intended for applicants with little or no prior production history
Level Two
- $10,000
- For mid-career or senior playwrights
- Applicants must have at least one professionally produced or presented stage work
TAC Accessibility Grant
- Up to $5,000 additional support
- For projects involving Deaf artists and artists with disabilities
Accessibility funding may cover:
- Interpretation
- Captioning
- Support workers
- Equipment
- Other accessibility-related project costs
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be a professional artist
- Be applying to develop or write a theatrical play
- Be a:
- Canadian citizen
- Permanent resident
- Protected person
- Or someone with a pending permanent residency application
- Have lived in the City of Toronto for at least 1 year before the application deadline
- Meet residency rules, with limited exceptions for temporary absences
Important restriction for students
- Professional artists pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies cannot apply for work related to their academic programs
Who should apply?
This program is ideal for:
- Emerging playwrights developing an early-stage theatrical script
- Mid-career and senior playwrights working on new stage plays
- Toronto-based theatre writers
- Deaf playwrights and playwrights with disabilities
- Artists needing support for accessible creative development
Why this program matters
This grant matters because it:
- Supports the creation of new theatrical writing
- Provides funding at different career stages
- Improves access for Deaf artists and artists with disabilities
- Helps playwrights develop work before production
- Strengthens Toronto’s theatre and performing arts ecosystem
Tips for Applicants
- Choose the correct funding level based on your production history
- Clearly explain the play concept and development goals
- Show that the project is for theatrical stage writing
- If relevant, budget accessibility needs carefully for the TAC Accessibility Grant
- Make sure your Toronto residency is clearly documented
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to the wrong funding level
- Submitting work tied directly to an academic program
- Not proving professional artist status
- Weak explanation of the theatrical project
- Missing accessibility cost details when requesting extra support
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding is available?
- Level One: $5,000
- Level Two: $10,000
- Accessibility Grant: up to $5,000 extra
2. Who can apply?
Professional artists who are:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents
- Protected persons
- Or have a pending permanent residency application
They must also have lived in Toronto for at least one year before the deadline.
3. What is the difference between Level One and Level Two?
- Level One is for new or emerging playwrights
- Level Two is for mid-career or senior playwrights with at least one professionally produced or presented stage work
4. Can students apply?
Professional artists who are studying may apply, but not for work related to their undergraduate or graduate academic programs.
5. What does the Accessibility Grant cover?
It can support:
- Interpretation
- Captioning
- Support workers
- Equipment
- Other accessibility-related costs for Deaf artists and artists with disabilities
6. Is this for all types of writing?
No. This program is specifically for the development and writing of theatrical plays.
Conclusion
The Toronto Arts Council Playwrights Program is a valuable funding opportunity for Toronto-based playwrights creating new theatrical stage works. With $5,000 to $10,000 in core funding and up to $5,000 in accessibility support, it offers meaningful help for both emerging and established playwrights, while promoting a more inclusive theatre sector.
For more information, visit Toronto Arts Council.