The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award is an $8,000 cash grant to be awarded to one (1) New York State-based playwright or screenwriter who self-identifies as LGBTQ+.

WHO CAN APPLY

The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award is open to New York State playwrights and screenwriters, including those who live within the five boroughs of New York City.

Applicants must:

• Be a working playwright or screenwriter. Acceptable forms of playwriting or screenwriting include stageplays, screenplays, teleplays, libretti, radioplays, audiodramas, puppet plays, and experimental web series. While librettists may apply, audiotapes are not eligible.
• Self-identify as LGBTQ+.
• Be a current full-time resident of New York State for a minimum of 12 months at the time the application closes.
• Be the originators of the work, i.e. screenwriters or playwrights, not interpretive artists such as actors. Collaborations are not eligible.
• Be at least 25 years of age at the time the application closes.
• Not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program of any kind.
• Not have received The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award previously. Past recipients of other NYFA grant programs are eligible to apply.
• Not be a NYFA employee, members of the NYFA Board of Trustees or Artists’ Advisory Committee, and/or an immediate family member of any of the above.

GRANT TIMELINE

Applications Open: Friday, April 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET

Applications Close: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET*

Applicant Notifications: Fall 2026

For access to the application guidelines, FAQs, and more, please go to The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award homepage.  

Questions? Email [email protected]