Cadence Pipeline New Works Fellowship
Retreat setting, photo by Melody Robbins
Cadence Pipeline New Works Fellowship Program
Pipeline's first class of Fellows (left to right) with David Lindsay-Abaire: Will Inman, Irene Ziegler, Sanam Laila Hashemi, Steven Burneson, Brittany Fisher. Photo courtesy of Chris Lindsay-Abaire.
The Cadence Pipeline New Works Fellowship Program, co-founded by Chris and David Lindsay-Abaire, is dedicated to supporting Virginia-based screenwriters and playwrights as they create and develop bold new works. David Lindsay-Abaire, the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, and Clay McLeod Chapman, an accomplished novelist and screenwriter, have mentored past cohorts of the fellowship. Their invaluable guidance has shaped numerous first drafts of plays and screenplays, laying the foundation for the program’s continued success.
As the program enters its third phase, we are excited to announce the Cadence Pipeline Retreat, a special opportunity for playwrights and screenwriters to immerse themselves in a 3 ½-day retreat in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. This retreat will offer a creative space for writers to work on specific developmental goals and sections of their works, guided by two extraordinary mentors: Jeni Mahoney and Bob Bartlett.
Photo by Sarah Jessup
Jeni Mahoney is a renowned dramaturg, director, and playwright, best known for her work in developing over 260 new American plays at the Seven Devils New Play Foundry. Her leadership and mentoring have earned her a respected place in the theatre community. Her plays, including Mercy Falls, Fata Morgana, and Kandahar, have been presented at prestigious venues across the U.S. and internationally. Jeni has taught at institutions like Stonecoast and NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and has contributed to the new play development field for over two decades. You can learn more about Jeni here.
Photo by C. Stanley Photography
Bob Bartlett is an award-winning playwright, founding member of The Welders, and an innovative storyteller whose works include The Regular (2022 O'Neill Finalist), Love and Vinyl, and Union. Bob is known for his unique approach to both content and form, pushing creative boundaries in his plays, which have been showcased in various prestigious theaters and festivals. He is also a founding member of The Welders, a producing playwrights collective, and an educator in playwriting and screenwriting. Learn more about Bob here.
Retreat setting, photo by Melody Robbins
The Cadence Pipeline Retreat will take place from April 10-13, 2025, in Afton, VA, just 1.5 hours from Richmond. This immersive experience offers four writers the opportunity to receive direct feedback and mentorship from Jeni and Bob while working in a supportive, collaborative environment. Writers will have access to housing, meals, and workshop space, all organized by Cadence. Selected participants will receive housing and the workshop free of charge, with a $150 meal fee and transportation costs being the writer’s responsibility.
The application period for the 2025 retreat has ended. Selected writers will be notified by February 28, 2025.
Proposed Schedule (Subject to change):
Day 1: Arrival, intros, warm-up, evening writing session, and optional one-on-ones
Day 2-3: Writing workshops, nature walks, free writing time, and “open mic” evening sessions
Day 4: Wrap-up with sharing, closing circle, and check-out
We look forward to receiving your applications and are excited to help foster the development of groundbreaking new works!
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