Our mission statement

The Playwrights' Center of San Francisco (PCSF) exists to encourage and develop local playwrights and to promote script writing, audience development, and meaningful partnerships with other local theatrical artists. The focus at PCSF is to help playwrights learn the critical skills necessary to hone their craft, while providing an open, semi-formal but relaxed and friendly environment to develop new local work.

Our organization welcomes all playwrights. We believe everyone must be given the freedom and the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Our organization values equity of opportunity. We welcome playwrights of all races, ages, religions, physical abilities, gender identities, sexual preferences and backgrounds. Having members, actors, directors and producers who represent a diversity of these groups makes us stronger, smarter and more effective in all we do.

PCSF stands in solidarity with those who demand that the theatre community stop harmful behaviors and practices and build a diverse, equitable and inclusive theatre industry. We are committed to confronting and dismantling oppression (including but not limited to racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, xenophobia, and religious intolerance) in everything we do.

We state unequivocally that no group of people will be systematically denied the opportunities afforded to others in our organization. No group of people will be marginalized or oppressed; by use of policy, violence or disrespectful/inequitable treatment.

Programs

PCSF's play development program comprises scene nights, developmental readings and staged readings:

Scene Night: Playwrights bring in a short selection of a work in progress, have it read by professional actors, and get feedback. Learn more about scene night.

Scene Swaps: Playwrights submit up to 10 pages of script for critique by two playwrights in exchange for critiquing two scripts. Learn more about scene swaps.

Developmental Readings: An unrehearsed seated "At the Table" reading of a complete work in progress by professional actors in front of an audience with facilitated feedback after the reading. Learn more about developmental readings.

Staged Readings: A rehearsed, directed, script-in-hand reading "On the Boards" of a completed work with facilitated feedback after the reading. Learn more about staged readings.

Or read the overview of PCSF's play development program

PCSF Best Short Plays: A full production of short plays chosen by audiences in the PlayOffs.

Education, Workshops, and Forums: Working with professionals and peers within the SF Bay Area community PCSF sponsors or hosts various playwriting workshops, panel/forum discussions, and workshops. PCSF also partners with other groups to offer members discounts to education opportunities. Learn more about these resources.

Weekly Newsletter: The weekly e-mail newsletter features PCSF events and news, as well as a listing of submission opportunities, member success stories and shout-outs, and education opportunities and discounts. The newsletter is open to all; only members can have success story and shout-out listings. Subscribe to the PCSF newsletter.

Updated 10/13/2020.