Our Women+ Playwrights Circle (WPC) is a year-long development program that brings together a diverse group of women-identifying playwrights to write, share, and strengthen their work in a supportive creative community. Selected writers meet weekly to share pages, exchange feedback, and develop new plays, culminating in readings of full-length works. WPC welcomes women playwrights of diverse identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, with a particular focus on supporting writers in the NJ/NY/PA/CT/DE region. Click here for FAQs.
2025-2026 Playwrights Circle Members (Click on picture for artist's bio)
NEXT UP...
Dykes of Hoboken
by Rosemary McLaughlin
directed by Sara Farrington
SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 at 7 PM
A developmental reading and talk-back with the playwright
$10 suggested donation. Reservations required; seating limited
Set in Hoboken in the early 1980’s, Dykes of Hoboken is a comedy about KD, a theatre director who returns to her Hudson County roots looking for an apartment, a job and to mend her broken heart. Her long-time girlfriend has dumped her, her best friend, Peter, isn’t well and the rapid real estate development in her home town is being expedited through arson. In the throes of gentrification and the AIDS epidemic KD finds a home in the growing gay and arts community.
- JC Fridays: Dykes of Hoboken8 days to the event
Museum of Jersey City History
at THE APPLE TREE HOUSE
298 Academy Street, Jersey City
This event is part of JC Fridays, a free city-wide arts festival of Art House Productions www.jcfridays.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Women-identified playwrights who reside in the United States are welcome to apply. Preference is given to playwrights living in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware.
Who is included in the Women+ Playwrights Circle?
Speranza welcomes and encourages applications from BIPOC, trans, cis, and gender-fluid women. The Circle is committed to creating a diverse group of writers representing a range of races, gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, abilities, educational experiences, and life experiences.
How many playwrights are selected?
The Circle selects 8–10 playwrights from the applications received. The first 100 applications will be considered.
What does participation involve?
Participants attend up to 36 mostly weekly meetings over the course of a year. Writers share pages, provide and receive feedback, and develop their work within a supportive community of fellow playwrights.
When and where are meetings held?
Meetings are held on Zoom on Sundays from 2:00–5:00 p.m. Weekly attendance is mandatory, so applicants should only apply if they can commit to this schedule.
What happens during the summer session?
The summer session focuses on readings of participants’ full-length plays. Readings may be open to the public, depending on the playwright’s wishes and the program director’s determination.
Are applications currently open?
No. Applications are not currently being accepted. Check back for information about the next application cycle.
Who can I contact with questions?
Questions about the Women+ Playwrights Circle or the application process can be directed to speranzatheatre@gmail.com.