DLR Mill Announces Evolution Residency
DLR Mill Theatre is delighted to announce the launch of the Evolution Residency, a bold new initiative designed to support a mid-career playwright in the development of an ambitious new work. Funded by the DĂşn Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office, this inaugural residency offers a dynamic platform for creative exploration, and professional growth.
Building on the legacy of The Mill’s previous playwright development programmes, including The Mavens, the Evolution Residency provides a unique combination of time, space, financial support, and professional mentorship to empower a playwright to deepen their practice and pursue a project of real creative risk and vision.
Artistic Director Kate Canning welcomed the announcement, saying:
“The Evolution Residency marks an exciting new chapter in The Mill’s commitment to supporting mid-career playwrights. I’m proud to see The Mill continue investing in ambitious playwrights and long-term development.”
The residency begins in October 2025 with participation in Next Stage, the prestigious professional development programme run during the Dublin Theatre Festival, offering intensive engagement with world-class theatre and peer collaboration. From there, the selected playwright will embark on a creative journey that includes hybrid writing weeks, dramaturgical support from Pamela McQueen, and the development of a new play leading to a public work-in-progress reading in June 2026 at DLR Mill Theatre.
Residency Highlights:
€8,000 fee for the selected playwright
€3,500 artistic collaboration and workshop budget
Full participation in the Next Stage programme
Professional dramaturgy and mentorship
The Evolution Residency is open to mid-career playwrights who have had at least two fully staged professional productions. Applicants are invited to submit a proposal for a new play that demonstrates artistic ambition and potential for significant creative growth.
Deadline for applications: 5pm, August 22, 2025. Learn more and apply here.
The Mill extends sincere thanks to the DLR Arts Office for recognising and supporting the theatre’s ambition to champion artistic development in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and beyond.