What Starts Here Changes the World.

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For five days in January, three writers will work to develop their current passion projects. This new play conference offers the time, space, and collaborators with which to dig in and explore a piece in process. This week of work culminates in a marathon day of readings and conversation on Saturday, January 23, 2016.

By holding space for one current University of Texas MFA playwriting student, one UT faculty member, and one alum of the MFA program, the conference celebrates the unique voices found and forged at UT, showing how what starts here really is changing the world. Presented in collaboration with the UT Department of Theatre and Dance, this is the inaugural year of the groundswell playwrights conference.

​We hope to see you January 23, 2016.

Investing in the Writer

Writers are selected by the groundswell team and invited to bring whatever project they wish to this conference. Rather than asking them to submit a play for consideration, we invite writers we believe in to run away to Austin with their secret passion project – the play they want to live with for a week behind the play-they-should-be-writing’s back. ​

Uniquely UT

The culture of the UT Austin Department of Theatre and Dance is unique, and the MFA program in playwriting is known for its emphasis on collaboration, wild innovation, and generosity. This conference highlights the work of current students, faculty, and alumni, celebrating where we’ve been and where we’re headed as one of the most exciting MFA programs in the country. 

Collaboratively Focused

Each playwright will work with a director, dramaturg, actors, and designers to explore their pieces. For three hours a day for five days, rehearsals will form the core of the work, surrounded by conversations with collaborators, and plenty of time for revision and dreaming.

A Chance to Come on Home

In addition to our featured playwrights, we're inviting all Longhorns and the people who love them to attend our final marathon day of readings on January 23rd. Whether you attended UT Austin, have been made to feel at home as a guest artist, are part of the larger Austin community, or are a member of the national theater world curious about the cutting-edge work going on here, this conference is designed to make you feel at home. We aim to build on our shared vocabulary as theatre makers, supporting the work in a nurturing, challenging environment that reflects the values of the UT MFA programs. Come on home and
​Hook 'Em, y'all. 

2016 Conference Playwrights

Martín Zimmerman

UT Austin MFA Alumnus

Kirk Lynn

Head of Playwriting & Directing
​and UT Austin MFA Alumnus

Joanna Garner

Current UT Austin MFA Candidate

Join Us.

January 23, 2016

Beginning at 10am

​5 Days of Rehearsal
3 Creative Teams
1 Marathon Day of Readings

F. Loren Winship Drama Building
300 E. 23rd Street
​Austin, TX 78712
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