Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis is Gender Fucked’s new playwright residency.
This program is specifically focused on assisting in the early career development of trans/gnc playwrights in Chicago. Every year, a new playwright will be chosen to receive support from our production team in turning their pitched idea into a fully staged show. The 2025-2026 year will be our first ever playwright cycle. Join us in seeing the transformation!
Over the course of the year residency, there will be two staged readings of the work-in-progress as well as other events like fundraisers to help connect the playwright, the piece, and the Chicago community. In September 2026, the new work will be staged in its entirety for one weekend only!
We are currently accepting applications for both a playwright and a mentor for the 25-26 cycle.
The Playwright will be responsible for bringing an idea of a script into fruition. Responsibilities include attending monthly check ins with the selected mentor, attending monthly/bimonthly check ins with the production team, and having a finished script July 2026 to be produced September 2026.
Playwright applicants must be based in Chicago.
Playwright applicants must have no more than 5 years of professional playwright experience (collegiate play writing does not count towards time spent as a “professional”).
Only trans/gnc applicants will be considered.
*This is a paid position with a $800 program stipend.
The Mentor will be responsible for supporting the playwright over the course of the residency. Responsibilities include meeting monthly with the selected playwright to give professional feedback, attending and provide feedback on the staged readings and one of the final performances (in person/recorded).
Mentors can be based anywhere in the US.
We ask that you have 10 years or more of professional play writing/writing for the stage experience.
Only trans/gnc applicants will be considered.
Prior mentorship/teaching experience is not required, but a bonus.
*This is a paid position with a $400 program stipend.
Applications will close at 11:59pm on August 29th 2025 OR once the application reaches 75 submissions.
MEET THE TEAM
Harlow Bunten, PRODUCER
Harlow Bunten (they/them) is a producer, director, and writer based in Chicago. They graduated from The University of Missouri-Columbia with a BA in Theatre with an emphasis in playwriting. Since moving to the city in 2023, they have produced and directed a range of projects all across Chicago. This is their second year producing with Gender Fucked and they’re so excited for what the future holds for Metamorphosis and to be providing a space for trans playwrights to develop in a meaningful way.
Sil Rivera, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Sil Rivera (they/them) is a Chicago-based theater artist who graduated from NYU Tisch with a BFA in Drama with a focus in directing and performance. Born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago, Sil is passionate about community building, arts access, and education. They strive to cultivate work and spaces that center laughter and empathy at their core. If you can’t find them, they are probably helping kids make puppets, teaching dogs how to swim or constructing something strange out of cardboard.