PARC

💻 UNO A UNO - WRITING CONSULTATIONS 📢 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR IBPOC PLAYWRIGHTS 📢 “Uno a Uno: Writing Consultations” are one-on-one brainstorming feedback or dramaturgy sessions open for early-in-craft playwrights. Writers have a one-on-one session with PARC’s Interim Artistic Director Santiago Guzmán about a particular piece in development. Their first session is open to non-members, PARC membership is required for subsequent sessions. To request a one-on-one meeting with Santiago Guzmán, please fill out the form on our bio!

The final reading of the 2026 PARC Playwrights’ Retreat is here! We’re closing out our week of development with ‘Holiday Special’ by Lindsay Kyte (NS), with support from PARC AD Santiago Guzmán. This reading features the talented Nora Barker, Jennifer Obiekwe, and PARC Member GaRRy Williams. Script support provided by Senior Retreat Coordinator Laura Torriero. ABOUT THE PLAY ‘Holiday Special’ captures the magic of a bygone era, celebrating iconic holiday TV specials of the past and inviting audiences to create new traditions of their own. This theatrical experience with music is about coming together in community to explore what’s special about the holidays — special food, special drinks, special outfits, special songs. ‘Holiday Special’ is for audiences of all different identities, generations, and belief systems to gather their own memories, sing together in harmony, and find new ways to explore what’s beautiful, special, sad, blue, and hopeful about the holidays.

The fifth day of readings at the 2026 PARC Playwrights Retreat kicked off this morning, when Cole Hayley (NL) had another chance to hear his play ‘& They All Melt into the Carpet,’ with dramaturgy by PARC Lifetime Member Don Hannah. This afternoon, continues with ‘Powerplay’ by Jena McLean (NB), with dramaturgy by PARC Artistic Associate Lara Lewis. This reading features the talented Nora Barker, Burgandy Code, PARC Board Member Eva Lucas, Maya Nöelle, Jennifer Obiekwe, Ella Rogerson, and Alora Simon. Script support provided by Senior Retreat Coordinator Laura Torriero. ABOUT THE PLAY ‘Powerplay’ is a play that honours the complexity and skill of women’s hockey while celebrating the past, present and future of the sport. This ensemble show follows a fictional university women’s hockey team on the hunt for glory. As the new head coach attempts to rebuild the program after a disastrous season, six players contend with inner demons, external societal forces, and the privilege of pressure.

Today’s readings continue with ‘Seeing You’ by PARC Student Playwright-in-Residence Brianna Lyttle (NB), with dramaturgy by PARC AD Santiago Guzmán. This reading features the talented Jennifer Obiekwe, Alora Simon, and Akshay Shirke. Script support provided by Apprentice Retreat Coordinator Benjamin Blue. ABOUT THE PLAY In an age where intimacy and connection amongst young adults are guarded by games made of dating apps, curated Instagram pictures, and "lol" bookending each message, what happens when you get a glimpse into the life of the people who you never took the time to notice? Raymond is in his third year of university. He has his circle of friends and that's that—until one night, when he is visited by the sardonic spirit Angel (on the nose, they know). Angel has been sent on a mission to show him all that he doesn't see beyond the cheery façades on the outskirts of his inner circle. Through reliving the moments he never realized he made oversights in, and confronting his own struggles, Raymond is shown the importance of taking the time to see someone and be seen.

The fourth day of readings is underway at the 2026 PARC Playwrights’ Retreat! This morning, Dan Bray (NS) and GaRRy Williams (NS) had another chance to hear ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ with dramaturgy by PARC Artistic Associate Lara Lewis. This afternoon continues with ‘Waiting for Her’ by Brynn Cutcliffe (PEI), with dramaturgy by PARC Lifetime Member Don Hannah. This reading features the talented Nora Barker, Burgandy Code, and Ella Rogerson. Script support provided by Senior Retreat Coordinator Laura Torriero. ABOUT THE PLAY A woman wakes up in a grey tower, to realize that she has misplaced her identity. She needs to find it, because her daughter is coming to see her - to rescue her - and if that "her" isn’t there when her daughter comes… the woman might just be trapped here forever. Meanwhile, the woman’s nurse navigates the demands (and burnout) of working in long term care, and the woman’s daughter struggles to show up for a mother she barely recognizes, grappling with feelings of family obligation despite years of distance. All three women are feeling the pressure of who they need to be for other people. Can they fill the spaces between them with enough meaning to keep going?

Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre (PARC) recently held a special ceremony at Motyer-Fancy Theatre during the 2026 Playwrights’ Retreat, to present the Shortlist for the Third Annual Jenny Munday Atlantic Canadian Play Award. This award honours Jenny Munday, PARC’s former Artistic Director who dedicated 20 years of service to the organization, celebrating her legacy while providing vital support and recognition to playwrights from Atlantic Canada. Shortlisted Plays & Playwrights: ‘Ifrit’ by Jean-Michel Cliche (NB) ‘There’s Nothing You Can Do’ by Cole Hayley (NL) ‘The Final Recordings of an Almost Extinct Bird’ by Stewart Legere and Ben Stone (Zuppa) (NS) ‘SubHuman’ by Natalie Meisner (NS) ‘From Stardust’ by Annie Valentina (NS) ‘333’ by Jay Whitehead (PEI) ‘Dying at the Discotheque’ by Bernardine Stapleton (NL) was also recognized by the Jury as an Honourable Mention for Newfoundland & Labrador. The Winner of the Third Annual Jenny Munday Atlantic Canadian Play Award will be announced soon in a special ceremony (details to come). The 2026 Award winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize and a PARC membership. Both runners-up will receive a $500 cash prize. Learn more about the shortlisted playwrights and read excerpts from their plays by visiting our website!

The week of readings at the 2026 PARC Playwrights’ Retreat continues. Today we'll hear ‘Where It's Too Deep to See’ by Kris Williams (PEI), with dramaturgy by PARC Artistic Associate Lara Lewis. This reading features the talented PARC Member Dan Bray Paul Brisk Jr., PARC Lifetime Member Charlie Rhindress, and Akshay Shirke. Script support provided by Senior Retreat Coordinator Laura Torriero. ABOUT THE PLAY After a murder at sea, three down and out Lobster Fishers, and a corrupt DFO agent, strike a deal with far reaching consequences. This play is loosely inspired by the burning of the Mi'kmaq lobster pound in Middle West Pubnico Nova Scotia. ‘Where It's Too Deep To See’ explores the dark side of the world's most dangerous job. Here corruption feeds a growing black market, and vigilante justice is settled on the waves far away from the eyes of authorities and nosy witnesses. The play drags the audience 25 fathoms below the rolling swell where a buried secret begins to bubble to the surface and the characters unravel like a tangled trawl line.

Today’s second reading is ‘Titania Presents: Oberon, The Good Husband and Other Myths’ by Marie Beath Badian (ON), with dramaturgy by Tara Beagan. This reading features Marie Beath Badian and PARC AD Santiago Guzmán. Script support provided by Apprentice Retreat Coordinator Benjamin Blue. ABOUT THE PLAY ‘Titania Presents Oberon, the Good Husband, and Other Myths’ is a two-hander comedy of reckoning. Oberon was married to Titania. And he did her dirty. In this radical reimagining, Titania is not a fairy. She is a Goddess in midlife: ancient, plural…and exploring modern dating to re-enter the world. Robin Goodfellow serves as her devoted companion and shape-shifter: part guide, part confessor, perpetually in her debt. This is a reclamation - of Titania's divinity, her story, her many identities and her sacred rage.

The second day of readings at the 2026 PARC Playwrights’ Retreat is underway! First up is ‘& They All Melt into the Carpet’ by Cole Hayley (NL), with dramaturgy by PARC Lifetime Member Don Hannah. This reading features the talented Morgan Grant, PARC Member Nancy Kenny, PARC Artistic Associate Lara Lewis, and Akshay Shirke. Script support provided by Senior Retreat Coordinator Laura Torriero and Apprentice Retreat Coordinator Benjamin Blue. ABOUT THE PLAY Four strangers are melting into the floor right in front of the audience; they can’t stop, and sometimes don’t even want to stop. A poetic exploration of giving up as an act of defiance, ‘& They All Melt into the Carpet’ is a lethargic lunge for the throat.

Today's second reading is 'The "Perfect" Daughters' by Lydia Makaga (NL), with dramaturgy by PARC AD Santiago Guzmán. This reading features the talented isi bhakhomen, Jamie Robinson, Makambe K. Simamba, and Amaka Umeh, as well as script support from Jennifer Obiekwe. ABOUT THE PLAY: 'The “Perfect” Daughters' is a play set in contemporary Tanzania that follows three sisters: Natalia, Natasha, and Nadine, whose personal ambitions clash with their father’s expectations. As schemes are planned and secrets come to light, the sisters learn the true cost of putting their dreams first.

The first reading of the 2026 Playwrights' Retreat is upon us: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ by Dan Bray (NS) and GaRRy Williams (NS) with dramaturgy by PARC Artistic Associate Lara Lewis! This reading features the talented Nora Barker, Burgandy Code, Morgan Grant, PARC AD Santiago Guzmán, PARC Member Nancy Kenny, PARC Board Member Eva Lucas, PARC Member Lydia Makaga, Jennifer Obiekwe, and Ella Rogerson ABOUT THE PLAY: In this original, musical reimagining of the classic fairy tale, poor provincial production assistant Belle finds herself working on the most romantic reality show in all the kingdom: Beauty and the Bachelor! The prince - who has been magically transformed into (you guessed it) a beast - must find his true love before the clock runs out. Luckily, there’s an entire cast of prospective princesses fighting for his paw! Unluckily, fame and social media have turned the prince into a real (you guessed it) beast. Can Belle teach him to look past appearances? Can she help the princesses find validation beyond their fairy tale tropes? Will Beast find someone to accept his enchanted rose before he gets trapped in his monstrous form forever - and can he even become a person worth loving? Maybe! It’s 'Beauty and the Beast!' A hilarious, brand-new version written by Dan Bray with an original score composed by GaRRy Williams, this family-friendly adaptation breathes fresh life into a tale as old as time.

This May, we are excited to feature the writers attending the 2026 PARC Playwrights’ Retreat! Brianna Lyttle (NB) - ‘Seeing You’ Dramaturgy by Santiago Guzmán In an age where intimacy and connection amongst young adults are guarded by games made of dating apps, curated Instagram pictures, and "lol" bookending each message, what happens when you get a glimpse into the life of the people who you never took the time to notice? Raymond is in his third year of university. He has his circle of friends and that's that—until one night, when he is visited by the sardonic spirit Angel (on the nose, they know). Angel has been sent on a mission to show him all that he doesn't see beyond the cheery façades on the outskirts of his inner circle. Through reliving the moments he never realized he made oversights in, and confronting his own struggles, Raymond is shown the importance of taking the time to see someone and be seen. Brynn Cutcliffe (PEI) - ‘Waiting for Her’ Dramaturgy by Don Hannah A woman wakes up in a grey tower, to realize that she has misplaced her identity. She needs to find it, because her daughter is coming to see her - to rescue her - and if that "her" isn’t there when her daughter comes...the woman might just be trapped here forever. Meanwhile, the woman’s nurse navigates the demands (and burnout) of working in long term care, and the woman’s daughter struggles to show up for a mother she barely recognizes, grappling with feelings of family obligation despite years of distance. All three women are feeling the pressure of who they need to be for other people. Can they fill the spaces between them with enough meaning to keep going? Cole Hayley (NL) - ‘& They All Melt into the Carpet’ Dramaturgy by Don Hannah Four strangers are melting into the floor right in front of the audience; they can’t stop, and sometimes don’t even want to stop. A poetic exploration of giving up as an act of defiance, ‘& They All Melt into the Carpet’ is a lethargic lunge for the throat. Learn more about the Playwrights of the Week at our website!