Overview
Step away for five days and four nights to leave deadlines and distractions behind. The Green Mountain Playwright Retreat offers dedicated time to begin new work, revisit projects in progress, and rediscover the joy of writing theater. The focus is on inspiration over output, curiosity over completion, and community over isolation.
Each day includes 4–6 hours of uninterrupted writing time, along with generative workshops, shared meals, and optional evening gatherings that encourage conversation, reflection, and play. The retreat welcomes playwrights at all stages of their careers—from emerging writers to established artists seeking space, time, and community to support their creative work.
Space is intentionally limited to 25 participants to preserve the retreat’s quiet and collaborative atmosphere.
Daily Rhythm
Mornings: Quiet, open time to write, walk, think, or simply be.
Afternoons: One hands-on workshop per day.
Evenings: Optional gatherings - salons, live music, performances, bonfire & s'mores, and other spontaneous activities.
Writers have access to private rooms, shared community spaces, dorm lounges, the cafeteria, and outdoor areas. Hidden gardens, a 1920s maze, and other magical campus spots provide inspiration around every corner.
Why Vermont? Why Goddard?
Vermont’s landscape and creative culture have long nurtured groundbreaking theater. Works like Hadestown began here as community projects, while artists such as Annie Baker and Alison Bechdel have drawn on the state’s quiet intensity to create internationally celebrated work.
At the center of this creative ecosystem is Goddard College — a historic home for experimental art, interdisciplinary thinking, and bold theatrical ideas. The Creative Campus at Goddard continues that tradition, offering a place where writers can step away from daily life and reconnect with their creative practice.
Martin Manor: The Creative Hub
All retreat activities will take place in Martin Manor, a historic 1920s Vermont estate at the campus heart. Its mix of private and shared spaces makes it ideal for playwrights. Whimsical gardens, and hidden corners provide both inspiration and sanctuary for deep work. Writing here means being steeped in creative energy, surrounded by architecture, landscapes, and spaces that encourage curiosity, risk-taking, and play. Vermont’s artistic heritage and Goddard’s unique campus create an unmatched setting for reflection, experimentation, and growth.
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Conference Room: Central space for readings, workshops, and collaboration.
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10 Upstairs Rooms: Available hourly for private writing, rehearsal, or one-on-one mentoring.
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Open Writing Spaces: Dorm lounges, cafeteria tables, and outdoor nooks for spontaneous work.
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Magical Campus Spots: Gardens, the maze, and hidden corners perfect for reflection or outdoor writing.
This blend of historic charm, functional spaces, and immersive natural surroundings supports quiet focus, creative exploration, and collaborative energy.
Kilpatrick Dorms - Simple, Comfortable Campus Living
Participants will stay in Kilpatrick Dormitory, part of the campus residential community. Rooms are simple and comfortable, surrounded by gardens, lawns, and wooded paths — perfect for focused writing or quiet reflection. Dorm lounges and common areas encourage spontaneous conversations, and everything is just steps from Martin Manor and retreat activities. Lodging at the Kilpatrick dorms offers a simple, "back-to-basics" campus experience. The classic campus-style rooms are designed for comfort and quiet focus and the dorm, tucked into the woods, stays naturally cool thanks to the surrounding shade. Clean, shared bathrooms are located down the hall, and common areas include refrigerators for storing your own food and drinks. All bedding is provided, but please remember to bring your own towels. It is a quiet, unpretentious place to stay that keeps the focus on the work and the landscape.
On-Campus Dining - Creative Meals in Community
Meals are served in the Creative Campus cafeteria, where Chef Zak Fugazy and his team prepare hearty, seasonal dishes highlighting local Vermont ingredients. Breakfast fuels early writing sessions, lunch is a moment to reconnect mid-day, and dinner becomes a lively gathering for sharing ideas and laughter. Of course… coffee, tea, and snacks provided throughout for fuel and inspiration!
Adjacent to the cafeteria, the Haybarn Restaurant & Lounge, also guided by Chef Zak, offers elevated, inventive menus that reflect his commitment to craft, seasonality, and community. Meals with Chef Zak are more than nourishment—they are a flavorful part of the retreat experience. As an added bonus, nights at the Haybarn Restaurant & Lounge have live music and performances… the perfect spot to unwind after a long day of creativity and conversation.
Workshops & Practices
Workshops rotate daily and may include:
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Dramaturgy
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Bread & Puppet: Radical Puppet Theater - History, Practice, and Creative Pedagogy
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Generative writing & process-focused workshopping
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Yoga & mindfulness
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Nature walks & site-based creative exploration
Workshop Leaders
Please stay tuned as we fine-tune our list of workshop leaders, guest artists, lecturers, and teachers.
Special Experiences
Optional Sunday Trip to Bread & Puppet Theater
($75 per person)
Includes guided tour, entry, and optional circus participation. Transportation is provided.
Evening Events: Salon gatherings, café-style conversations, live music and theater, bonfire & s’mores, and other spontaneous happenings. Tickets for some events may be purchased separately on the Creative Campus website.
On-Campus Amenities: Three cafeteria-style meals daily, restaurant and bar, walking trails, gardens, and quiet nooks across 200 acres.
Included in the Retreat
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4 nights dorm lodging (single or shared)
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
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Coffee, tea, beverages, and snacks daily
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Dedicated writing time
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Daily workshops and gatherings
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Indoor and outdoor writing spaces, plus magical campus spots
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Access to trails and gardens
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Free on-site parking & Wi-Fi
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A 40 hour Professional Development certificate available for teachers. Please contact egalliganbaldwin@gmail.com for more information on how to access this resource.
Registration, Tuition, and Deadline
Space is limited to 25 participants. All packages include workshops, events, facilities, and meals. Register early for savings!
Early Bird (register before May 15)
General Admission (register after May 15, before June 12)
Final Call (register after June 12, before June 26)
Private Room
Early Bird: $1000
General Admission: $1100
Final Call: $1200
Shared Room*
Early Bird: $880
General Admission: $980
Final Call: $1080
Day Pass (No Lodging)
Early Bird: $750
General Admission: $850
Final Call: $950
*The Comfort Package is exclusively for participants attending with a friend or partner; no random roommates assigned.
How to Apply
Apply and submit your payment by filling out the application form.
If you’re ready to write, wander, and reconnect in a place shaped by decades of creative exploration, we would love to have you join us.
Questions? greenmountainplaywrightretreat@gmail.com
Policies
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Full tuition required; unpaid spots will not be held.
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The day pass rate is for all four days of the festival. If you would like a single day pass please email: greenmountainplaywrightretreat@gmail.com. Depending on space we may be able to accommodate your request.
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Alcohol not provided (BYO allowed; campus pub anticipated). Campus is drug-free.
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Payments are non-refundable unless the retreat is canceled.
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ADA-compliant accommodations available with advance notice; stair-free access cannot be guaranteed without request.