Apply for the Audible Emerging Playwrights Fund 2026 - up to five commissions of $25,000 each to write and develop an original audio play for Audible Theater.
Audible is seeking early-career theatrical writers who craft immersive fictional experiences for the intimate medium of audio drama. Since 2017, Audible Theater (including the Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City) has commissioned 50 projects through the Fund, connecting new voices with world-class performers and millions of listeners.
Submissions are open from 23 September 2026 through 18 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official Audible call. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Audible Emerging Playwrights Fund 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Audible Theater / Audible Inc. |
| Host Landmark | New York City skyline & Empire State Building, USA 🇺🇸 (Audible Theater / Minetta Lane Theatre) |
| Award | Up to 5 commissions of $25,000 each |
| Purpose | Write and develop an original audio play |
| Eligible residents | United States or United Kingdom, age 18+ |
| Preferred genres (this cycle) | Action & Adventure; Core Fiction |
| Submission window | 23 September - 18 November 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST) |
| Notification | Typically within ~3 months of submission (email) |
| Official Gateway | Apply on Accubate (Audible portal) · Official Audible Fund page |
What the Fund Provides
- $25,000 fee to write and develop an original audio play (up to five recipients)
- Possible creative and logistical support, including development and production fees
- Casting expertise and talent budget (as offered by Audible)
- Access to Audible’s studio and production equipment
- Potential path to distribution on the Audible service (subject to Audible’s commission agreement)
Selected applicants who proceed enter Audible’s standard commission agreement covering development and potential audio distribution. Read the official Terms carefully before applying.
Who Should Apply
Early-career theatrical writers who create immersive fiction for listening - work that uses language, sound, and narrative structure to push boundaries. Audible encourages submissions from emerging playwrights of all races, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and backgrounds.
Preferred genres for this cycle
- Action & Adventure - including Mystery, Thrillers, Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
- Core Fiction - including Contemporary Fiction, Romance, and Literary Companion Pieces
Eligibility
- Age 18 or older
- Resident of the United States or the United Kingdom
- Script must be a wholly original, unpublished English-language play owned/controlled by the applicant
- Not eligible (unless Audible determines no conflict): employees or independent contractors of Audible Inc. or affiliates; their immediate family members; people living in the same household as those employees/contractors; or anyone involved in administering the Fund
Only one submission at a time per applicant. Resubmissions (including heavily revised ones) are not considered. Audible does not provide feedback on unsuccessful submissions.
Required Application Materials
- Playwright application (Accubate form)
- One full-length original play script in English (PDF or Word) that represents your voice
- Professional biography (up to 300 words)
- Pitch or summary for an original audio play (Action & Adventure or Core Fiction preferred)
Applications cannot be edited after submission. Submitting redirects you to Accubate’s third-party portal under Audible and Accubate privacy notices.
How to Apply
- Read the full call and Terms on the official Audible Emerging Playwrights Fund page.
- Prepare your full-length English script, bio (≤300 words), and audio-play pitch.
- Submit via the Accubate application portal by 18 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST.
- Watch your email for status updates (typically within about three months of submission).
Official Links
Audible - The Emerging Playwrights Fund (official)
Apply on Accubate - Emerging Playwrights Fund 2026
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Global Changemakers Media Impact Academy 2026/2027
- CCAI Foster Youth Internship Program 2027
- Swedish Institute Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2027
- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the deadline?
18 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The window opened 23 September 2026.
How much is the award?
Up to five selected playwrights each receive a $25,000 commission fee, plus possible development, casting, and studio support from Audible.
Who can apply?
Applicants aged 18+ who reside in the US or UK, excluding Audible employees/contractors and certain household/family members (see official eligibility).
What do I submit?
The online playwright application, one full-length original English script (PDF/Word), a bio up to 300 words, and a pitch for an original audio play.
Where do I apply?
Through the Accubate portal linked from the official Audible page: audible.accubate.app/emerging-playwrights-fund-2026.
