DLR Mill Theatre is delighted to announce the launch of the Evolution Residency, a bold new initiative designed to support a mid-career playwright in the development of an ambitious new work. Funded by the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office, this inaugural residency offers a dynamic platform for creative exploration, and professional growth.
Building on the legacy of The Mill’s previous playwright development programmes, including The Mavens, the Evolution Residency provides a unique combination of time, space, financial support, and professional mentorship to empower a playwright to deepen their practice and pursue a project of real creative risk and vision.
Artistic Director Kate Canning welcomed the announcement, saying:
“The Evolution Residency marks an exciting new chapter in The Mill’s commitment to supporting mid-career playwrights. I’m proud to see The Mill continue investing in ambitious playwrights and long-term development.”
The residency begins in October 2025 with participation in Next Stage, the prestigious professional development programme run during the Dublin Theatre Festival, offering intensive engagement with world-class theatre and peer collaboration. From there, the selected playwright will embark on a creative journey that includes hybrid writing weeks, dramaturgical support from Pamela McQueen, and the development of a new play leading to a public work-in-progress reading in June 2026 at DLR Mill Theatre.
Residency Highlights:
-
€8,000 fee for the selected playwright
-
€3,500 artistic collaboration and workshop budget
-
Full participation in the Next Stage programme
-
Professional dramaturgy and mentorship
The Evolution Residency is open to mid-career playwrights who have had at least two fully staged professional productions. Applicants are invited to submit a proposal for a new play that demonstrates artistic ambition and potential for significant creative growth.
Deadline for applications: 5pm, August 22, 2025 LEARN MORE HERE
The Mill extends sincere thanks to the DLR Arts Office for recognising and supporting the theatre’s ambition to champion artistic development in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and beyond.
