The Match is DDP’s dramaturg–playwright matching and script development process used to pair up dramaturgs and playwrights for extended development work.
For our 2026 Cycle, The Match now has three distinct development tracks to which playwrights can apply.
These are 3-, 6-, and 12-month tracks, designed to best meet playwrights where they are in their writing process and artistic careers.
Matching System
Dramaturgs and Playwrights are matched based on multiple factors, including script, genre, capacity, and working styles.
Instead of selecting the “best play,” each dramaturg will offer 1-3 slots in one of our development tracks (listed below) and will choose the script or playwrights with whom they would like to collaborate in 2026.
2026 Cohort
Selected playwrights from all three tracks will form a 2026 cohort that will meet at set intervals throughout the year, offering opportunities for peer exchange, discussion, and community-building, as well as for sharing writing, successes, and opportunities.
Cohort sessions are designed to supplement, not replace, the development work happening within each Match.
Tracks & Eligibility
Playwrights are eligible for each developmental track based on prior selection by DDP and their self-identified professional experience.
The three tracks offer varying lengths and levels of commitment that playwrights can select during their application.
Playwrights can indicate their dramaturg preference during the application process and access profiles for each of the 2026 collaborators to inform their selections.
You can find more about eligibility and how DDP defines self-identified experience on the programming tab.
Programming details and eligibility are subject to change.
3-Month Match Development Track
Timeline:
3 Months; Dates TBA
Eligibility:
Open to all playwrights who were not selected in 2023 or 2024
Ideal for Developing and Early-Career playwrights
Not Eligible for 2026 Playshare Evolution
Meetings:
Three 1-hour developmental meetings between the playwright and dramaturg
6-Month Match Development Track
Timeline:
6 Months; Dates TBA
Eligibility:
Open to all playwrights; Returning playwrights prioritized.
Ideal for Emerging and Mid-Career playwrights
Eligible for inclusion in 2026 Playshare Evolution
Meetings:
Six 1-hour developmental meetings between the playwright and dramaturg, or the equivalent
12-Month Writer Fellowship Development Track
Timeline:
12 Months; beginning April 2026
Eligibility:
Eligibility TBA
Meetings:
TBA
PSE Eligibility:
Automatic inclusion in 2026 PlayShare Evolution
Application
2026 DDP Cycle applications will open on January 31st, 2026, and close on February 15th, or when we reach capacity (TBA).
Programming details and eligibility are subject to change.
3-Month and 6-Month Tracks Application Packets
Applicants for the 3- and 6-month tracks will need to prepare two PDF files.
PDF #1 should contain:
- A one-page cover letter explaining how The Match would benefit your script:
- What do you hope to gain from working with a new play dramaturg;
- Any previous experiences with a new play dramaturg/new play development;
- What you’re looking to develop in your script; and
- How would you like to work on that with a dramaturg in the allotted time.
PDF #2 should contain:
- A cover page with the play’s title, your name, and your contact information;
- A brief synopsis of your play;
- A complete production history;
- Including productions, readings, development workshops, etc.
- A ten-page script sample;
- Ten pages that are representative of your script/writing
- If desired, this can include one paragraph to contextualize your ten-page sample
- The script you’d like to develop;
- Numbered
- No musicals
- Less than 150 pages
- Incomplete scripts are eligible
The pages of your sample and your full script should be numbered separately
12-Month Writer Fellowship Application Packets
Applicants interested in developing an existing script for the 12-month fellowship must prepare three PDF files.
PDF #1 should contain:
- A one-page cover letter explaining how The Match would be beneficial to you and your script:
- What you hope to gain from working with a new play dramaturg;
- Any previous experiences with a new play dramaturg/new play development;
- What you’re looking to develop in your script; and
- How would you like to work on that with a dramaturg in the allotted time.
PDF #2 should contain:
- A one-page playwriting resume
PDF #3 should contain:
- A cover page with the play’s title, your name, and your contact information
- A brief synopsis of your play
- A complete production history
- A ten-page script sample:
- Ten pages that are representative of your script/writing
- If desired, this can include one paragraph to contextualize your ten-page sample
- The script you’d like to develop:
- Numbered
- No musicals
- Less than 150 pages
- Incomplete scripts are eligible
The pages of your sample and your full script should be numbered separately
Applicants interested in developing a new project for a 12-month fellowship must prepare four PDF files.
PDF #1 should contain:
- A one-page cover letter explaining how The Match would be beneficial to you and your script:
- What you hope to gain from working with a new play dramaturg;
- Any previous experiences with a new play dramaturg/new play development;
- What you’re looking to develop in your script; and
- How would you like to work on that with a dramaturg in the allotted time.
PDF #2 should contain:
- A one-page playwriting resume
PDF #3 should contain:
- A one-page proposal for the play or concept you’d like to develop with the support of a DDP dramaturg over the course of 12 months
PDF #4 should contain:
- A full script of your choice as a writing sample, not more than 150 pages, numbered