The Foundry is Playpenn’s three-year membership program supporting emerging playwrights in Philadelphia with professional development, networking opportunities, and exposure as they launch their playwriting careers.
Thank you for your applications to join The Foundry. 2023 Applications are now closed, and we are excited to announce PlayPenn’s newest members of The Foundry.
Meet our Lead Artists!
Foundry History
In the summer of 2012, Philadelphia-based playwrights and educators Michael Hollinger, Jacqueline Goldfinger, and Quinn D. Eli discovered that they were all losing promising playwriting students to other cities after college graduation because there was very little support for Philadelphia’s emerging playwrights: playwrights who are hovering between college graduation and their first or second professional production. In response, they founded The Foundry, a playwright support organization modeled on other successful development programs. In 2016, PlayPenn was thrilled to embrace The Foundry as a core program.
Present Day
Members of The Foundry have had their plays produced at theatres in Philadelphia, including InterAct, Azuka, Act II Playhouse and Simpatico, and at festivals and theatres across the country. Emerging artists in Philadelphia are encouraged to apply to this playwriting incubator, which includes writing retreats, exclusive master classes with leading industry playwrights, a micro-granting program for continued professional development, conference attendance and self-producing initiatives. Members develop their craft, build their knowledge about the business of theater, and receive ample opportunities to network with industry leaders. Upon “graduation,” playwrights will have written one or more plays, participated in a showcase for theatregoers and theatre professionals, and found connection and opportunity in their field.