Chicago Dramatists

Where writers gain the support they need to take their ideas from the page to the stage.

Realize Your Creative Potential Here

Explore your vision, develop your craft, build your community, hear your words come to life. 

About Chicago Dramatists

Since 1979, Chicago Dramatists has been a creative home for playwrights, screenwriters, lyricists, and storytellers seeking to explore their artistic vision and realize their creative potential.

Upcoming Readings

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UPCOMING CLASSES


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On Craft

Q&A: On Writing Across Genres

October 24, 2025
Dana Formby takes a detour through prose and discovers a stronger voice

Q&A: Not So Jolly England

October 24, 2025
Catherine Yu probes religious persecution in the time of Shakespeare

Q&A: On Characters that Bleed

October 24, 2025
Dana Lynn Formby is back to shine a light on grief, structure and the onstage manifestation

Q&A: Finding the Funny

October 24, 2025
Joe Janes on where to find humor and how to get it into your writing

Q&A: Haunting Me Over The Window

October 24, 2025
Ruth Margraff on the writing of “Locket Arias”

Q&A: On the Dramatic Conflict

October 24, 2025
Reginald Edmund shares the formula

Q&A: On Politics and Plays

October 24, 2025
Toccara Castleman and Stefan Brün share insights on plays that go “Pow!”

News & Updates

Developed Here

What happens to a show after it’s developed at Chicago Dramatists?


A sampling of our successes—the people and shows that got their start at Chicago Dramatists.

Support

Time, Talent & Treasure!

Support our mission by volunteering your time and talents or by making a financial contribution! This vibrant and vital community takes all of us to keep the lights on – literally!