Ojai Playwrights Conference
2026 Internship Application

Ojai Playwrights Conference (OPC) offers internships to currently enrolled undergraduate students with an interest in the new play development process and theatre-making. If this sounds like you, please join us for two weeks in Ojai, California, to work alongside established and mid-career playwrights who are developing compelling new plays for the American theater.

This opportunity is suited for those eager to gain experience in producing and creative development. Candidates must be deeply interested in new play development and working directly with artists.

Each intern will be paired with an artistic team — including a playwright, a dramaturg, a director, a stage manager, and actors — to work together on developing one new play throughout the Conference and Festival.

During the first week, interns will have the opportunity to see readings of the full line-up of Festival plays as well as develop their own creative process through writing exercises and discussions with Festival playwrights, directors, and dramaturgs. During the second week, interns will work more closely with the creative team of a single play: shadowing and providing support during workshop rehearsals, and the culminating public performances. Interns will also have the opportunity to take daily workshops from Festival artists, resulting in the performance of a short piece during the Festival.

All interns will work closely with the Intern Manager, Company Manager, and the entire OPC staff to help build community and a successful two-week program. 

This is an unpaid internship/volunteer position, but participants will receive the following:

  • Free housing and meals

  • $300 to offset personal travel and incidental expenses (not intended as compensation)

  • Travel to the Los Angeles area is the responsibility of the intern, but transport from LA to Ojai will be provided.

  • Please note: as the program is not affiliated with a School of Record, no formal class credit can be issued. If letters of participation are needed for independent study or other such opportunities, interns may request them.

Requirements: 

  • Applicants must be 18 or older by the time of the Festival.

  • Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university, with an expected graduation date in 2026 or later to be considered.

  • Applicants must be available for the entire 17 days of the Conference and Festival: July 18 - August 3, 2026.

Application Process & Materials:

  • Deadline to Apply: Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:59 pm PT

  • 15-minute interviews with finalist candidates are expected to be scheduled between April 20 and May 1, 2026.

  • Candidates will be informed on or about Friday, May 8, 2026 of their acceptance into the program.

The application process is competitive, with only four intern positions available; applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early.

Interns are chosen based on a combination of factors, including experience, passion for the work, and investment in community values. OPC seeks interns who will benefit from the deep immersion offered, as interns are treated as full members of our artistic community. Applicants who are primarily interested in playwriting benefit most from this internship, as well as producing, directing, and dramaturging. This opportunity is not suited for those exclusively interested in performance/acting.

A completed application will include:

  • One-Page Letter of Interest (PDF Title Format: Last Name, First Name_LOI) that includes answers to the following:

    • What are your creative interests/pursuits?

    • What makes you excited to work on new plays?

    • What are you hoping to gain from this internship?

    • What producorial, creative, or administrative skills/interests do you have that feel aligned with this Internship?

  • A Resume (PDF Title Format: Last Name, First Name_Resume).

  • Two Academic or Professional References (no Letters of Recommendation).

    • Reference Email

    • Reference Professional Title

    • Relationship

Applications should be submitted using the following Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewUTl9LlbbBsmZZycl59cAJio1yxFibw8K03NKh_ebzGPNCg/viewform

Please direct any questions or accessibility needs to [email protected].