Supporting playwrights

Watermark Theatre is supporting three projects by PEI playwrights, funded by Innovation PEI’s Encore! The Prince Edward Island Theatre Revitalization Program. The company is commissioning a new play, providing dramaturgical support for another, and hosting its first-ever Playwright in Residence.

Playwrights Melissa Mullen and Rob MacLean have been commissioned to write a new play based on Making it Home, the memoir of J. Angus MacLean, a decorated World War II veteran, politician, federal cabinet minister, and provincial premier.

 Playwright Jack King will receive dramaturgical support for his musical The Yankee Gale, set during the 1851 storm that became the worst maritime disaster to hit Prince Edward Island’s shores. He will collaborate with dramaturge Pamela Halstead and musician Greg Simm. 

Brynn Cutcliffe will join the theatre as its first-ever Playwright in Residence. They will work on their new play Waiting for Her and receive dramaturgical support from Watermark’s artistic director. The residency is also supported by a PEI Arts Grant.

“I’m honoured to be Watermark’s first ever Playwright in Residence,” says Brynn. “As an Island writer, it’s an incredible opportunity to focus on developing my work right here at home. It means a lot that Watermark wants to nurture my growth as an artist through this residency, and it’s so exciting to have Island theatres supporting new work creation.”