Apply now for the vAct Creation Lab

We at vAct are excited to announce the 2026 open call for our Creation Lab — a program dedicated to fostering the development of new theatrical works by emerging and mid-career Asian Canadian artists. This year, we are excited to continue our commitment to supporting the next generation of Asian Canadian creators by providing them with the space, resources, and community to deepen their craft, and share meaningful stories.

About vAct Creation Lab

The vAct Creation Lab focuses on the creative process, not the final product. We are looking for self-motivated artists who are passionate about exploration, experimentation, and the discovery of their unique artistic voices. This year’s Creation Lab will select two projects to receive mentorship from our dramaturgy team: Leslie Dos Remedios and Kamila Sediego. Through group and one-on-one sessions, 2 local writing residencies (non live-in), and artist-designed workshops, artists will receive tailored developmental support to propel their projects from initial drafts to more fully realized versions. It is important to note that independent work is expected to occur outside of these activities. The program culminates in a work-in-progress presentation for the community at the end of the year. 

Artists will receive:

• A $3500 stipend per project
• 16 hours of in-studio workshop time with actors and collaborators
• Approximately 60 hours of dramaturgical support (inclusive of residency, actor workshops, and a public presentation)
• In consultation with the dramaturg, each writer will have the opportunity to design a personalized writing/creation process that best serves their creative needs

Curatorial Values

We invite applicants to share projects that reflect their own unique artistic and cultural perspectives. We welcome a broad range of work—from experimental to narrative-driven, from individual storytelling to collaborative forms. What matters most is the artist’s desire to explore their own process, dive into self-discovery, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

We are seeking artists who are open to collaboration and working with other perspectives. The exchange of ideas and support among peers has been a key strength of the program, and we hope to continue building a community of artists who learn from and grow with one another. 

Program Timeline

• Extended Application Deadline:  February 13, 2026
• Adjudication Result by: end of March 2026
• Monthly Writers’ Seminars: April – October 2026 (exact dates and times dependent on cohort availability)
• Creation Residency (non live-in): 2 part-time weeks, late summer / early fall (exact dates dependent on cohort availability)
• Individual Project Workshops: Fall 2026 (exact dates dependent on cohort availability)
• Public Presentation: Week of December 14th 2026 at Roundhouse Community Centre

Eligibility

• Ideally be able to physically attend in-person sessions in Vancouver, BC (Must be available to attend the first cohort meeting in person, around early April 2026. Exact date/time dependent on cohort availability.)
• Identify as an emerging or mid-career Playwright / Theatre Maker
• Identify as Asian Canadian (does not have to be legally defined)
• Legally eligible to work in Canada
• *We are looking for engagements with a broad spectrum of Asian playwrights (including but not limited to Pan-Asia Pacific, South Asia, Western Asia and the Middle East, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Canadians of mixed ethnic/cultural backgrounds).

Submission Checklist

1. Ensure that you can commit to and are available for the outlined schedule and activities of the program
2. A cover letter (2 pages maximum) discussing the rationale behind your proposed project, answering: 
   • What is your project about? 
   • What is your vision for this project? 
   • Why this particular project now? 
   • Why the vAct Creation Lab? 
   • What are your needs and expectations of this process?
3. Curriculum vitae of the applicant (2 page maximum)
4. A brief work plan of the entire project, including development history (if applicable) OR a detailed outline of your creation process, and the feasibility of your project (1 page maximum)
5. The piece you wish to develop with the vAct Creation Lab. Submissions may include, but are not limited to: 
   • a current draft of a script (if submitting a full draft, please suggest 10 – 15 pages for the adjudication team to read)
   • a collection of scenes
   • a detailed sketch of the proposed project with numbered pages
   • a proposal for an experimental creation

Please assemble the cover letter, CV, and work plan in ONE PDF file. Please also submit your piece in a SEPARATE PDF for adjudication purposes. If you would like to submit a video application instead, please upload a five minute max video together with your CV.

Submit your completed application package to this form by February 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Adjudication

Submissions are read by a panel of curatorial staff led by vAct Resident Dramaturgs Leslie Dos Remedios, Kamila Sediego, and guest adjudicators.

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for a follow-up interview. Decisions will be made by the end of March 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, access needs/accommodations, or your eligibility, please contact Kamila Sediego at kamila@vact.ca. We look forward to receiving your submissions!