National Theater Restarts Playwriting Contest with Largest Prize and Three-Year Incubation
Creatrip Team
10 days ago
The National Theater of Korea is reopening its ‘2026 National Theater New Play Competition’ with submissions accepted June 1–15 via its website. Open to both emerging and established writers (including collaborations), the contest seeks full-length plays of 90 minutes or more for mid-to-large theaters; previously published, adapted, or award-winning works are excluded. A blind jury will judge entries on artistic quality, stageability, and creativity, and winners will be announced in early October. Prizes total 50 million won, including a grand prize of 30 million won. The three winning plays will be presented in a reading series at Myeongdong Arts Theater in 2027 and published; the grand prize will receive a professional development workshop and a full production on Myeongdong Arts Theater’s main stage in 2028. Originally launched in 1957, the competition has historically launched major Korean playwrights and is being revived after 15 years with an institutional three-year incubator to support new drama from text to stage.
