Applications for The 24 Hour Plays Nationals will open in February 2026.
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 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 June 2026 and one in Los Angeles in August 2026.
The 24 Hour Plays: Nationals NYC will run June 23 – 29, 2026 in partnership with Pace University. Dates for The 24 Hour Plays: Nationals LA are TBD.
See the FAQ below for more information on the program. If you have additional questions, please email nationals@24hourplays.com.
FAQs
WHERE DO THE 24 HOUR PLAYS NATIONALS TAKE PLACE?
Nationals NYC will take place at Pace University’s campus in Lower Manhattan, with a culminating performance at Classic Stage’s Lynn F. Angelson Theater.
Locations for Nationals LA is TBD.
WHEN DOES THE PROGRAM TAKE PLACE THIS CYCLE?
Nationals NYC will be June 23-29, 2026.
Nationals LA will be August 2026.
WHEN CAN I APPLY?
Applications for both programs will open February 2026.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Theater artists who are over 18 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.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, 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 NYC 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 9:30am – 5:30pm 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 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.com and we’re happy to answer any additional questions you might have.