Call for Submissions (Calgary): The Winter Stage One-derland Playwrights’ Unit – Lunchbox Theatre, Theater News

The Winter Stage One-derland Playwrights’ Unit is Lunchbox Theatre’s latest New Play Development Initiative. Historically, plays centred around the winter holidays have been the best sellers in Lunchbox Theatre’s season. We are eager to create a program that continues to centre our commitment to new play development, while also helping to develop a wealth of plays that fill this key slot in our programming.

The Winter Stage One-derland Playwrights’ Unit is an opportunity for local playwrights who are developing a one-act play centred around the winter holiday season to connect and support each other through the writing process. From March 2026 to November 2026, we will meet regularly to share our work and build community throughout our creative processes.

Members of The Winter Stage One-derland Unit will have access to experienced dramaturges, and will be given unique opportunities to consult with Bronwyn Steinberg, the Artistic Director of Lunchbox Theatre, about the development of their pieces. We are eager to support artists in whatever they need in their development process, whether that be structured feedback sessions, or simply hearing their words read aloud.

This opportunity does not currently include a full workshop element, however it will allow participants to thoughtfully develop scripts, with feedback from Lunchbox Theatre’s Artistic Director, just in time for 2027 Stage One Submissions.

There is currently no financial compensation for this unit, however we are actively seeking funding.

Depending on funding opportunities, we would love to culminate this unit in a free public showcase of excerpts from each of the unit member’s plays that were developed throughout the year. If we receive funding, this would take place in late November 2026 to kick off the winter holiday season.

APPLICATION DETAILS
There are 4 slots available in the unit.

Members of the Unit will receive:
Access to professional dramaturges and mentors.
Opportunities to connect with other playwrights working on similar projects.
Exclusive Feedback from Bronwyn Steinberg, Artistic Director of Lunchbox Theatre
Complimentary tickets to all shows in Lunchbox’s Season
Playwrights must reside in Calgary or the surrounding area.
Playwrights must be available for monthly in person meetings between March – November 2026. The date and time of meetings will be set based on mutual availability.
Deadline for Submission: Feb. 28th, 2026
Please have a project proposal in mind. Please keep in mind the parameters for Lunchbox Shows are as follows:
One-act plays must be 45-60 minutes in length.
Small cast (4 or fewer performers, including musicians for musicals).

Note that certain complex technical requirements and excessive use of foul language or nudity may limit a project’s viability at Lunchbox.

Please email [email protected] and include the following information:
Your Resume
A One Page description of the project you hope to work on
A brief note about why you are interested in the unit
You are welcome to include a writing sample no longer than 10 pages, but it is not required.

Representation matters—to our artists as well as our audiences and the larger community. We are inclusive in the stories that we tell and the people we represent on our stage, so that we can continually engage with new artists, audiences and communities, who are eager to see themselves reflected onstage. Lunchbox Theatre is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, can contribute fully, and have equal opportunities.