Lighthouse Festival’s Play Development Program champions the creation of new Canadian comedic plays. From script readings and feedback to staged workshops through our Play Development Festival, we aim to help 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.
If you have a script to submit for consideration for workshop or a general submission, please submit below.
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.
- SECRET SERVICE by Ephraim Ellis
- 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