September 4 – 14, 2026

FEE: $2,500 

Read FAQ for more details.

 

20th Annual
La MaMa Umbria International Playwright Retreat

During the 10-day Program, playwrights will participate in workshops with a Master Playwright, have time to work on their own writing and share with other participants. Playwrights may visit Spoleto and other Umbrian cultural sites.

Accommodation, meals and local transport are included in the fee.

ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT RETREAT

Playwrights are welcome to spend their summer with La MaMa Umbria International in beautiful Spoleto, Italy. The selected group of playwrights will participate in writing workshops led by an award-winning playwright while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Italian countryside. Past workshop leaders include Branden Jacob-Jenkins, Mac Wellman, Lynn Nottage, and Lisa Kron.

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FROM DAEL: INTRODUCTION TO OUR TIME TOGETHER:

for me theater is about being a mental and emotional traveler. and that means digging into  ourselves to understand the  why and hows of what creates drama .. we may not like the people we write about  but we  must understand them… one of my favorite poets is Anne Sexton and she was asked ‘why do you write so personally?’.. her response was ‘ I have the right to invade  my own privacy’..  in  the workshop i want people TO  invade their own privacy and know it is NOT about JUDGEMENT ,, it will be about giving permission for one to be comfortable and uncomfortable as we work. 

in the words of philosopher Terence: ‘Nothing HUman is  alien to me ‘..

the work can be plays  /monologues / scenes – the emphasis is about bringing them to life and how these  characters respond to see the circumstances that the writer  has given them and creating a safe space where it can be done

La MaMa Umbria Symposium and Retreat FAQ

How is it decided who will be accepted into the Programs?

The applications are considered on the basis of the responses to the questions on your resume and the Application Form: why is this Program appropriate for you and what do you hope to get out of it? Once the Application has been vetted, and approved, the participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. If the Program is filled up, there is a Waiting List you can join.

How does the Waiting List work?

If a Program fills up, we will let you know and put you on the Wait List. If someone drops out, we will go to the next person on the List and offer them that spot. This could happen any time up to a week prior to the start of the Program. If you decide not to wait, please let us know and we will remove your name from the List. 

Should I wait until I have been accepted prior to sending in my deposit?

You can wait until you receive an acceptance letter, but we will not reserve your spot until we receive your deposit. If you send your deposit and are not accepted, you will receive a full refund (except for credit card fees.)

What is the Application deadline for the Playwright and Directing programs?

Please check with us to see if there is still space. We will have a waiting list for those who wish to wait to see if someone who applied decides not to attend.

If I pay the Deposit and find that I cannot attend, willI get a refund?

You will get a full refund if you cancel by May 15th, except for the credit card fee.

When is the Full Payment due?

Full payment is due by June 1st.

If I pay the Full Payment and then I find I cannot come, will I get a Refund?

You will get a Full Refund (except for Credit Card charges) if we have a Waiting List and we can find someone to take your spot. If not, you will get a 50% Refund if you let us know by June 15th. After June 15th, there are no Refunds.

Is there a way to pay where I won’t incur Credit Card charges?

Yes, you can pay by check, made out to La MaMa ETC and mailed to: La MaMa ETC, Umbria Programs, 66 East Fourth Street, New York, NY 10003, USA. There are no additional fees. You can also pay by bank transfer or Zelle. There are no additional fees to us, but your bank may charge you a fee. Speak to our Business Manager to arrange for a bank transfer: kiku@lamama.org.

Many of our international artists cannot afford to make the trip to Umbria. We offer limited financial assistance to disadvantaged artists from countries that have had little to no representation in our residency programs. It costs approximately $5,000 for the entire trip, which includes admission fee, accommodation, meals, workshops, and international travel for one participant. All donations will help us achieve this goal. In addition, we are continually upgrading our facilities to provide the best possible experience for the attendees. We need funds to cover the cost of maintaining La MaMa Umbria, a 700 year-old structure, while adding modern technology to allow more diverse performance creation.

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La Mama is a world-renowned New York cultural institution dedicated to the artist and all aspects of the theatre.