APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN FEBRUARY 2025
Every year, The 24 Hour Plays bring together a group of talented early-career theater artists for a free professional intensive featuring workshops, master classes, panel discussions, career development, community building, and more. Each participant receives a modest stipend. The program culminates in a cohort production of The 24 Hour Plays in an Off-Broadway theater.
Eligible participants are over 18 and no more than seven years out of high school (class of ’18 or later) OR four years out of undergraduate or equivalent study (class of ’21 or later). Conservatory training after the completion of a separate undergraduate degree is generally not considered equivalent study.
This cycle, we are excited to announce an expansion of the Nationals program: we will accept TWO cohorts, one in New York City in July 2025 and one in Los Angeles in January 2026.
The 24 Hour Plays: Nationals NYC will run July 9 – 13, 2025 in partnership with Pace University, with a performance at Classic Stage’s Lynn F. Angelson Theater. The cohort will include 16 actors, 5 desginers, 4 playwrights, 4 directors, 4 stage managers, 2 producers, and 1 composer.
The 24 Hour Plays: Nationals LA will run January 2026, dates TBD in partnership with The Elysian Theater. The cohort will include 16 actors, 4 playwrights, 4 directors, 4 stage managers, and 2 producers.
There will be one application for both the NYC and LA cohorts. You may apply to be considered for one or both programs, but you may only participate in one. Acceptance is non-transferrable (i.e. if you apply to both and are offered a slot in NYC, you will only be able to participate in NYC).
Applications open February 2025. Finalists for both cohorts will be notified late April or early May.
See the FAQ below for more information on the program. If you have additional questions, please email nationals@24hourplays.com.
FAQs
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WHERE DOES THE PROGRAM TAKE PLACE?
Nationals NYC will take place at Pace University’s campus in Lower Manhattan. The culminating performance of The 24 Hour Plays will be at Classic Stage Company’s Lynn F. Angelson Theater.
Nationals LA will take place at The Elysian Theater in Los Angeles.
WHEN ARE NATIONALS THIS CYCLE?
Nationals NYC is July 9-13, 2025. Nationals LA is January 2026, dates TBD.
WHEN CAN I APPLY?
Applications will open February ??, 2025 and close March ??, 2025 at 11:59 PM, ET.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Theater artists who are over 18 and no more than seven years out of high school (class of ‘18 or later) OR four years out of undergraduate or equivalent study (class of ‘21 or later). Conservatory training after the possible completion of a separate undergraduate degree is generally not considered equivalent study. Please email nationals@24hourplays.com if you have questions about eligibility.
If you have applied in the past but have not participated, you are welcome to apply again! Artists who have already participated in Nationals are not able to apply again.
HOW MANY ARTISTS WILL BE ACCEPTED INTO NATIONALS?
Nationals NYC includes tracks for 16 actors, 5 designers (lighting, sound, scenic, props, costume), 4 playwrights, 4 directors, 4 stage managers, 2 producers, and 1 composer (composers can apply as an individual or in teams of two).
Nationals LA includes tracks for 16 actors, 4 playwrights, 4 directors, 4 stage managers, and 2 producers (please note that designers and composers can ONLY be considered for NYC this cycle).
You may apply for both NYC and LA, or you may ask to be considered for only one program. You may apply for multiple tracks (i.e. as an actor and director) but may NOT be accepted in multiple tracks nor participate in the program more than once.
What is the Day-to-Day Schedule of the program like?
Nationals consists of three full days of intensive programming prior to performance. Participants should plan to be available from approximately 10am – 6pm for professional development, artistic workshops, community-building, and panels with working professionals in their fields. Much of your experience at The 24 Hour Plays will be spent together with your full cohort, but some of your time will be tailored specifically to your discipline (i.e. actors may have a movement class while directors have a fellowship application workshop, etc.). Participants will begin The 24 Hour Plays production process with a meet-and-greet the evening before the show, followed by an all-night writing session for writers, and a full day of rehearsal, tech, and performance.
How much does the program cost?
Nothing! It is completely free and all participants will receive a $150 stipend.
Do I have to live in NYC or LA to participate?
Applications are open to artists who are based anywhere! As long as you are able to join us in person July 7-13 2025 in NYC or January 2026 (TBD) in Los Angeles, you are welcome to apply. We are unfortunately unable to help with travel or lodging costs for out of town participants.
I have more questions!
Email us at nationals@24hourplays.com and we’re happy to answer any more questions you might have.