With 2026 just around the corner, now is the perfect time to look at your playwriting goals with fresh eyes…and to come up with a smart strategy to help you reach those goals.
We often think of success as a “big break”—the one production or award that changes everything. But in my experience, success is usually the result of small, disciplined habits stacked on top of each other over month over month.
If you want to make 2026 your most productive year yet, here are my top 3 suggestions on how to set yourself up for success:
1. Set “Input” Goals (Not “Output” or “Success” Goals)
Many writers set goals like: “I want to get my first publication” or “I want to finish three plays.”
Well, the problem with the first goal is that getting published isn’t within your control, which means you could do everything right and still not hit this goal.
The second goal is better, but still problematic, because playwriting is a creative endeavor–which means sometimes it doesn’t like to cooperate. Sometimes, you may decide a page 1 rewrite is needed. In cases like that, you’re better off spending extra time to write the best play you possibly can.
That’s why I prefer setting goals like writing 500 words a day, or a half hour every morning, or two hours every weekend. Focus on what you can control: the habit that will help you to reach the achievements you ultimately want to someday achieve.
2. Read and See Theatre Often
As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing more inspiring for a playwright than seeing (and reading) great theatre. So get to the theatre when you can!
And here’s another tip: when you see a great play, try to find the script online and study how it works.
3. Organize Your Submission Assets
Spend the first week of the year gathering your updated bio, artist statement, and synopses. Having these items ready to go can help remove the friction that often stops playwrights from hitting the “submit” button.
4. Submit Your Work to New Opportunities Regularly
I’ve noticed that many playwrights give up on submitting their work to theatres far too easily. Remember: success comes with persistence!
My recommendation is to commit to a specific number of submissions every single month—perhaps 3 to 5 opportunities. This keeps your work in constant rotation and helps desensitize you to the inevitable “no,” making the “yes” that much sweeter when it arrives.
And don’t forget to keep submitting your old work, too!
5. Build Your Support System
Even with the best plan, playwriting can feel like a lonely marathon. It is much easier to stay disciplined when you have a community of writers running alongside you.
That’s why we’ve launched the Play Submissions Helper Email Group, our new members-only listserv.
When you upgrade your membership, you gain access to a private space where you can:
* Ask questions about specific theaters or submission guidelines
* Exchange advice on everything from formatting to finding an agent
* Offer support and celebrate wins with people who truly understand the craft
* Stay accountable to those writing and submission goals you’ve set for the year
Let’s make 2026 the year your work gets the stage it deserves.