Application deadline EXTENDED to
Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 11:59pm EST / 8:59pm PST.
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.
Eligible participants are 18 or over and no more than seven years out of high school (class of ’19 or later) OR four years out of undergraduate or equivalent study (class of ’22 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 June 2026 and one in Los Angeles in August 2026.
The 24 Hour Plays Nationals in NY will run June 23 – 29, 2026 in partnership with Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts. The 24 Hour Plays Nationals in LA will run August 24 – 28, 2026 in partnership with Stella Adler’s Art of Acting Studios.
Click here to download a PDF of the application with all discipline requirements listed.
You can watch our virtual information session here, and see the FAQ below for more information on the program. If you have additional questions, please email nationals@24hourplays.org.
FAQs
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Theater artists who are 18 or over and no more than seven years out of high school (class of ‘19 or later) OR four years out of undergraduate or equivalent study (class of ‘22 or later). Conservatory training after the possible completion of a separate undergraduate degree is generally not considered equivalent study. Please email nationals@24hourplays.org 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?
The Nationals program will accept a total of 66 artists in 2026!
Nationals NY includes tracks for 16 actors, 4 playwrights, 4 directors, 4 stage managers, 5 designers, 2 producers, and 1 composer.
Nationals LA includes tracks for 16 actors, 4 playwrights, 4 directors, 4 stage managers, and 2 producers (please note that designers and composers will ONLY considered for the NY program this cycle).
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 (i.e. you may not participate in both the NY and LA programs).
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 9am – 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.).
The program is different every year, but examples from previous years include directing workshops, soundpainting, panels with literary manager, mock design workshops, contract literacy, grant writing, artist statements, casting director panels, anti-capitalism for artists, breakout conversations and more.
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. The entire process takes 24 hours, but no artist is expected to work for the full 24 hours!
What is the difference between the NY and LA programs?
The programs are largely the same!
While this may change in future years, we are not currently seeking composers in Los Angeles (in New York, the production consists of three short plays and one short musical; in Los Angeles, the production will consist of four short plays). We are also not seeking designers (the LA production will work with local designers).
The 24 Hour Plays will work with in local professionals from NY and LA for the workshops and panels in these respective programs, and therefore some additional emphasis may be placed on the professional ecosystems and creative communities in those cities. That said, Nationals artists have always come from all over and do not need to be based in NY or LA to benefit from the program!
How much does the program cost?
Nothing! It is completely free and all participants will receive a modest stipend.
Do I have to live in LA or NYC to participate?
Nope! Applications are open to artists who are based anywhere. As long as you are able to join us in person for the duration of the program, 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.org and we’re happy to answer any additional questions you might have.