Hudson Valley Shakespeare Community Playwriting Workshop - Bake-Off 2026

Created by the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel, the Community Bake-Off is an annual, free writing event that invites people of all levels of experience to try their hand at writing a short play. Participants are provided with a set of creative “ingredients”, themes, ideas, characters, or other prompts, and use those as a jumping-off point for a supportive, hands-on two-hour workshop. Now in its eleventh year, the Hudson Valley Bake-Off has become a beloved tradition, welcoming first-time writers and seasoned playwrights alike.

No previous playwriting experience is necessary, and the goal is really to make writing for the theatre accessible, playful, and communal.

All workshop participants may submit short plays for consideration, and between 5 - 7 of these works will be performed by professional actors as part of the 11th Annual Community Bake-Off, hosted live and in person by HVS on November 14 & 15.

This year, the Bake-Off theme will be: Revolution

REVOLUTION asks writers to think beyond politics -- to cycles, upheaval, reinvention, return, transformation, and the moment when the wheel comes full circle. Inspired by America's 250th anniversary and HVS's 2026 season, this year's Bake-Off invites playwrights to take the word wherever their imaginations lead.

If you have any questions, please email: smcnall@hvshakespeare.org or adults@butterfieldlibrary.org