Submissions are open until
April 1st, 2026.
The Vault Creation Lab develops new works in their completed first draft phase. Our in-house development streams provide writers access to performers and other collaborators (designers, directors, intimacy & fight directors, dramaturges, choreographers and embodiment practitioners) to develop their work. Throughout development, The Vault provides multiple in-house readings or workshops, ranging from short one on one meetings to one-day table readings to multi-day and long-term exploration. These development phases are broken down into Seed Development and Pre-Lab Development. In Seed and Pre-Lab development creators and playwrights are encouraged to explore widely and deeply and prioritize the creation process and play’s priorities with support from the lab. Scripts coming through The Vault’s Seed Development and Pre-Lab Development programs have the opportunity to be considered for The Vault’s Public Lab Series. The Public Lab Series allows playwrights the chance to hear their works-in-progress, performed publicly and receive audience feedback in a way that is constructive for them and the development of their play.
SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES
The Vault Creation Lab accepts unsolicited manuscripts of full-length, original plays by living Canadian writers, local to Toronto, during the submissions window each year. As a writer’s lab, we believe there are many distinct voices and stories and we are open to a wide range of plays and perspectives. In our 2026 submissions process, we will be prioritizing applications from individuals who identify as belonging to groups that are historically underrepresented in Canada’s theatre sector. We are specifically interested in plays penned by individuals who are women, trans-gender and non-binary artists, and who identify as black, Indigenous and/or people of colour (BIPOC).
The below guidelines will help determine whether a play (or musical) is right for us to develop. As a rule we do not develop:
- Musical adaptations
- Translations
- Verbatim theatre
At this time we are not looking for plays that are historical in nature or biographical.
The Vault Creation Lab does not develop or workshop plays that have already received a professional Toronto production. We will consider plays that have been workshopped, but will not consider plays that already have another theatre attached in development or in future productions. If a play has had a production in a fringe festival or new works festival, we will consider it.
We respond primarily to plays that have a sure command of language and a clear dramatic action that uses the resource of theatre and theatricality (ie: why is this a play and not a novel or a movie?). We respond to plays that are 90-100 minutes in length and do not have an intermission. We are also accepting submissions for new musicals and childrens’ theatre, and holiday-specific family content.
The Vault Creation Lab does not develop or workshop plays that have already received a professional Toronto production. We will consider plays that have had a professional premiere elsewhere in Canada. We will consider plays that have been workshopped, but will not consider plays that already have another theatre attached in development or in future productions. Plays already commissioned by another theatre or producer are ineligible. If a play has had a production in a fringe festival or new works festival, we will consider it.
We respond primarily to plays that have a sure command of language and a clear dramatic action that uses the resource of theatre and theatricality (ie: why is this a play and not a novel or a movie?). We respond to plays that are 60-100 minutes in length and ideally do not have an intermission. We are also accepting submissions for children's theatre, and holiday-specific family content.
At this time we are accepting plays that:
- Involve 5 or fewer characters
- Are in complete first draft form (we are not accepting unfinished manuscripts or pitches)
We are only able to accept one script at a time from the same author. We cannot at this time consider resubmissions, including those which have been significantly revised.
If you wish to submit a play, please have the following prepared in PDF format, separated:
- A complete manuscript
- A bio (1 page max)
- A resume / CV (if you have one)
- A short history of the play (any prior workshops, readings; 1 page max)
- And any other print support materials (ie: reviews or press) that might help pique our interest in you and your work!
We would greatly appreciate it you could label your documents in this format:
LASTNAME, FIRST INITIAL._PLAY TITLE_DOCUMENT.pdf
(e.g., SMITH, J._DOGS AND CATS_SUPPORT DOCS.pdf)
You can submit your materials to the Vault by emailing us at submissions@thevaultcreationlab.ca with the title “LAST NAME - 2026 PLAY SUBMISSION”, and your documents attached to the email.
If you have any questions regarding the submissions process, you can email us at submissions@thevaultcreationlab.ca.
Due to the small size of our staff and that we are just starting out, we’re not able to respond personally to every play, or to offer feedback. If we’re interested in pursuing a conversation about your play after reading it, you’ll hear from us in approximately six to eight months. Depending on how many submissions we receive it could be longer and we appreciate your patience.
Due to the volume of submissions incomplete submissions will not be read.
Submissions close April 1st, 2026
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE VAULT CREATION LAB TEAM
We appreciate that submitting your work takes a great deal of trust and faith. We read every script with admiration, respect and care. We appreciate your trust and thank you for taking part in our submission process.