About the opportunity
The Emerging Playwrights Fund by Audible invests in and nurtures self-identifying early-career playwrights to create original dramatic works written specifically with audio in mind. Seeking theatrical visionaries who craft immersive fictional experiences, the fund particularly welcomes action, adventure, mystery, thrillers, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and core fiction genres. Audible selects up to five applicants to receive a commission fee to write and develop an original audio play, supported by world-class performers, studio access, and potential distribution on the Audible service.
Funding and benefits
- A fee of $25,000 for each selected applicant to write and develop an original audio play.
- Potential development and production fees.
- Casting expertise and talent budget.
- Access to Audible's state-of-the-art studio and production equipment.
- Potential distribution of the developed submission on the Audible service.
Who can apply?
- Open to early-career theatrical writers and emerging playwrights.
- Applicants must be over the age of 18.
- Must be a resident of the United States or the United Kingdom.
- Employees, independent contractors, and immediate family members of Audible Inc. or its affiliates are generally ineligible unless cleared for no conflict of interest.
Required documents
- Playwright application form submitted via the Accubate platform.
- One full-length script for an original play written in English, submitted as a PDF or Word document.
- A professional biography of up to 300 words.
- A pitch or summary for an original audio play, with Action & Adventure or Core Fiction preferred.
When to apply
- Applications open on September 23, 2026.
- Application deadline is November 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
How to apply
- Prepare your original full-length script, professional biography, and pitch summary.
- Access the official application link hosted on Accubate via the Audible website.
- Complete the application form and upload all required documents before the deadline.
Additional information
- Submissions must be wholly original, unpublished, and 100% created by the applicant.
- Selected applicants must enter into Audible's standard commission agreement for development and potential distribution.
- Audible retains exclusive worldwide audio rights and an exclusive option for live stage productions under the commission agreement.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early-career playwrights looking to transition theatrical storytelling into the growing audio drama medium.
- Writers specializing in immersive genres such as sci-fi, fantasy, thrillers, mystery, and contemporary fiction.
- Artists seeking substantial financial support paired with professional production resources and global distribution potential.
What should you think carefully about?
- Eligibility is strictly restricted to residents of the United States and the United Kingdom.
- Selected writers must agree to Audible's commission terms, which grant exclusive worldwide audio rights and production options.
- Resubmissions or significantly revised rejected scripts are not accepted, and feedback is not provided for unsuccessful applications.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fund offers an exceptional platform for playwrights aiming to expand their creative portfolio into audio entertainment while securing professional backing and financial compensation. It is well-suited for dramatic writers eager to reach millions of listeners through a major digital storytelling platform without needing prior audio-specific publishing credits.
Our take
Emerging playwrights residing in the US or UK with a passion for audio-first storytelling should seriously consider applying. Those seeking complete retention of all secondary and audio rights or living outside the eligible countries will find this opportunity unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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