Calling all literary writers! Have you always wanted, but never got the chance, to write a play? Ever wondered if your poems, short stories, or graphic novels might translate as a theatre production?
Join The Necessary Stage’s Playwright’s Cove 2026: From Page to Stage!
In this special edition of Playwright’s Cove, four literary writers across all genres will go through a rigorous playwriting workshop from June to November 2026, where you will learn more about character, dialogue, structure and narrative. Each writer will write a brand-new play adapted from your chosen literary text. At the end of the programme, the participants’ plays will be given a public reading by professional actors.
This iteration of The Necessary Stage’s highly successful Playwright’s Cove will see Resident Playwright and Cultural Medallion recipient Haresh Sharma leading and mentoring a small group of literary artists.
We believe such a cross-genre collaboration promises to create exciting theatrical explorations, and we are excited to have you join us on this journey!
Requirements
1. Submit a statement of intent
a. Why you would like to participate in Playwright’s Cove 2026
b. What book /story/text you would like to adapt into a play, and why
2. Bio
3. Sample/s of writing: (about 10 pages)
a. Some scenes or a short play OR
b. The text you would like to adapt
Interested writers can view the full schedule of the workshops and showcase by accessing the application form at bit.ly/PC2026-appform. Do note that you will need to sign in to your Google account to access the form and upload the documents required as part of your application.
Playwrights' Cove 2026: From Page to Stage is an inclusive workshop! If you have specific accessibility needs or have any enquiries pertaining to the series, please drop us an email at admin@necessary.org.
Do note that submissions of interest should reach us by Friday 13 March 2026, 1200hrs Singapore time. Do note that late and/or incomplete submissions will not be entertained.
Background
In 2001, TNS launched Playwrights’ Cove, a development and mentorship programme aimed at nurturing, processing and platforming contemporary playwriting for Singapore theatre. Many of its participants are well-known practitioners and educators today, including Jean Tay, Ng Yi-sheng, Natalie Hennedige, Kenneth Kwok and Matthew Lyon.
We re-launched Playwrights' Cove in 2020 and subsequently had a second iteration in 2022. Both years saw 10 selected participants undergo training and mentorship by Resident Playwright Haresh Sharma. More information about previous editions of Playwrights' Cove can be found at the links below:
Playwrights Cove 2020
Playwrights' Cove 2022
Playwrights' Cove 2024