National Playwrights Retreat

The National Playwrights Retreat, led by Dramaturg Vicki Stroich, is an opportunity for theatre artists to write and connect with other creators during their creative process.

We believe in the positive impact of the rural landscape and lifestyle on the creative process; the value of fellowship in the creative process; and that Caravan Farm Theatre as an established arts organization with a unique rural venue, can be a resource for all Canadian Theatre Artists.

We have seen artists surprise themselves with how much they can accomplish with some space and time to think, test and refine. We have seen intergenerational artists discussing their work and the work of building the Canadian Theatre in a way that inspires their way forward. We have seen tired artists coming off busy periods of production restored through short naps in a hammock or caring for kittens found in the barn.

Vicki Stroich

The care, the care given, the care taken in terms of our needs was impressive. The fact that there was structure -meals, activities, the offer of a dramaturg/reader/outside eye – and yet enough space to do your own work made the experience hugely nurturing.

Yvette Nolan

I LOVE the “retreat” aspect of the Retreat — that the work is not shared with everyone but stays private, between the writer and the page, and dramaturge when desired. It avoids the inevitable (for me, at any rate) dreaded comparisons one makes with other work, and keeps the Retreat about connecting with playwrights on a deeper philosophical level.

Peter Anderson

Thank you so much. It was an experience I will not soon forget. It is no wonder to me why the Caravan has such a stunning reputation – it is 100% deserved. I am so grateful. Merci! Merci! Merci!

Jenna Turk

I expected some quiet time away from the day to day tasks of being at home but could not foresee how nourishing it was to be able to spend time with playwrights from across the country. I was left feeling very proud to be a part of the playwriting community. The discussions that crops spontaneously over coffees and meals were meaningful and reflective.

Meg Bream

I encourage you to continue to select playwrights of a variety of backgrounds – it is so important for artists of colour and Indigenous artists to be able to work in solidarity with one another to combat the loneliness that can come from that.

Christine Quintana

Who should apply:

Playwrights and theatre creators who have had at least one professional production who are looking for time and space to focus on conceiving and/or writing an upcoming project.

What is provided:

  • A room of one’s own.  Each participant will get a cabin to live in during the retreat week.  There are washroom and shower facilities on the Farm and the Cookshack is a great meeting place with wi-fi.
  • Food to fuel the imagination. A cook will create delicious and healthy lunches and dinners for us. The Okanagan is a wonderful place for food! Basic fixings will be available for breakfast and there will always be coffee ready. 
  • Time and space for you to write and create. In addition to the cabins we will find places on the Farm for you to work with views and fresh air. 
  • Dramaturgical support, if requested, from dramaturg Vicki Stroich. Vicki has over 18 years experience as a dramaturg working with various styles of project and process.  She can read and respond to your work or lend an ear to listen. She can also help you stay accountable to your goals for the retreat or just give you a pat on the back when you need it. 
  • Daily gatherings with formal and informal exchanges and discussions about the work and what is inspiring/challenging us. 
  • A couple of optional excursions off the Farm during the week to explore the area.

What is required of the playwright:

  • To be available to attend the Retreat the week of May 8-16, 2020.
  • Travel to the Farm or Kelowna airport would be the participant’s responsibility. 
  • Any materials needed to create the project (i.e. computers, portable music instruments, etc.) 
  • A $100 contribution to the costs of the Retreat.
  • Participants will be asked to acknowledge the involvement of the Caravan Farm Theatre National Playwrights Retreat in the development of their project in subsequent production materials and published plays. 

How to apply:

Please submit an application no more than three pages in length including:

  • Your bio (approx. 250 words)
  • A description of your project and what its development history and trajectory is.  A project that is still in its idea form is perfectly acceptable. We just want to know where you plan to be with your project as of the retreat.
  • Why do you want to come to the Caravan Farm Theatre?
  • How would this retreat contribute to the development of your project?

Application deadline: Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. PST.

Email: Please email applications to: [email protected]

Applications will be reviewed by Artistic & Managing Director Estelle Shook and National Playwrights Retreat Director and Dramaturg Vicki Stroich.  

Applicants will be informed of the results of their application by January 31, 2020

Our Major Sponsors

Canada Council for the Arts
BC Arts Council
BC Government

Our Annual Sponsors

Wayside Printing