Play Development Program

Dedicated to the Development and Nurturing of Canadian Comedic Plays

Lighthouse Festival’s Play Development Program champions the creation of new Canadian comedic plays through year-round support for emerging and established playwrights. From script readings and feedback to staged workshops and one-on-one collaboration with theatre professionals, this program helps develop bold, funny, and uniquely Canadian stories for the stage. By nurturing original voices and fostering creativity, Lighthouse remains committed to building the next generation of theatrical hits. Many works developed through this program go on to full productions at Lighthouse Festival and beyond, enriching the national theatre landscape with fresh, homegrown talent and laughter-filled storytelling.

How It Works

Step 1 – The Big Idea
A writer will submit their big idea to Artistic Director Jane Spence for selection into the program.
Step 2 – First Draft
A writer will submit their big idea to Artistic Director Jane Spence for selection into the program.
Step 3 – Revise, Rinse & Repeat
Feedback and direction are given, and workshops might take place to fine-tune the script.
Step 4 – Show Production
At Lighthouse or beyond.

The play development process can take up to 3 years to complete and not every idea makes it all the way to production, but many do.

Lighthouse is currently open to accepting play submissions for our Play Development Program

Support the Next Generation of Canadian Playwrights

Every great play starts with a single word. At Lighthouse Festival, we’re nurturing the next generation of Canadian theatrical voices through our comprehensive Play Development Program. You can be part of this creative journey.

Our development process transforms promising scripts into polished productions through:

  • Professional workshop sessions with actors
  • Collaborative feedback and refinement
  • Expert creative guidance
  • Essential technical support

    *Donations of $20+ will receive a tax-deductible receipt for the applicable tax year.

Plays Produced by Lighthouse Festival

Below are shows that have received funding and/or their world premieres on the Lighthouse stage and have gone on to successful incarnations.

  • PINKERTON COMES TO PROSPECT by Jamie Williams
  • LAKEFRONT by Norm Foster
  • A PACK OF THIEVES by Norm Foster
  • ON THE AIR by Ephraim Ellis
  • TIP OF THE ICEBERG by Chris Rait, Mark Williams and Jeannine Bouw
  • THE REAL SHERLOCK HOLMES by Peter Colley
  • BEYOND THE SEA by Kristen Da Silva
  • HURRY HARD by Kristen Da Silva
  • THE GHOST ISLAND LIGHT by Peter Colley
  • THE GENTLEMAN CLOTHIER by Norm Foster
  • SOMETHING FISHY by Marcia Kash and Douglas Hughes
  • FAIR AND SQUARE by Derek Ritschel
  • STRANGER IN OUR HOUSE by Maryjane Cruise
  • BUZZ GEM BLUES by Drew Hayden Taylor
  • RUM RUNNERS by Derek Ritschel and Steve Thomas
  • DADS! THE MUSICAL by Robert More
  • MINI PUTT by Simon Joynes
  • FITZ HAPPENS by Mark Weatherley
  • SITTING PRETTY by Norm Foster
  • TOO MANY COOKS by Marcia Kash and Douglas Hughes