The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is now accepting applications for the Virgin Labfest (VLF) 19 Writing Fellowship Program. Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2024, 11:00 pm.

Organized by the CCP Artist Training Division, the VLF 19 Writing Fellowship Program is a two-week mentorship program on the study and practice of dramatic writing for the stage. Eight (8) selected Writing Fellows will take part in lectures, discussions, and workshops on playwriting, script critiquing, and other aspects of theater production.

As part of the Virgin Labfest, the festival of untried, untested and unstaged one-act plays, the fellowship program provides an opportunity for aspiring playwrights to watch this year’s featured plays and staged readings, as well as participate in various talkbacks and engage in conversations with established playwrights and directors.

This year, the VLF 19 Writing Fellowship Program will run from June 18 to 30, 2024 through blended learning, with some sessions to be held online via Zoom and some to be conducted onsite at the CCP Complex in Pasay City. The fellowship will culminate in a stage reading of the Writing Fellows’ works on June 30, 2024.

Interested applicants must be college students or young professionals, aged 29 years old or below. They must not have had any play produced by a professional theater company, not have had any play published in a literary journal, and not have won in any national and / or international playwriting / screenwriting competition.

Applications should include: (a) duly accomplished and signed Application Form (which may be downloaded from tinyurl.com/VLF19WFPFellowshipApplication); (b) one (1) to two (2) sample stage plays, full or excerpts, not exceeding ten (10) pages and written in either Filipino or English; and (3) proof of vaccination against COVID-19. For unvaccinated individuals, a negative RT-PCR test taken at least one (1) to two (2) days before June 18, 2024 will be required for accepted applicants.

All requirements must be submitted via email to ccp.vlfwfp@gmail.com.

Announcement of the eight (8) selected Writing Fellows will be on May 31, 2024. Selected applicants should be present for the entire duration of the program, rehearsals, and the culminating Showcase. A minimal registration fee of Php 2,500.00 will be required for all accepted Writing Fellows.

For inquiries on the Virgin Labfest 19 Writing Fellowship Program, interested individuals can reach the CCP Artist Training Division via landline at 8832 1125 local 1605 (look for Ms. AJ Jara) or via email at ccp.vlfwfp@gmail.com. Monitor the official CCP website and social media accounts on Facebook for more details.