First Kiss Theatre Company’s Summer Residency Program is the heart of our company’s season. FKT is passionate about supporting our fellow emerging and pre-emerging artists in the development of bold, experimental, joyful, accessible, magical new work, all shook up and baked in a supportive, collaborative community. The Summer Residency is a [mostly] virtual annual program that runs from June through August for emerging and pre-emerging artists to develop a new theatrical work, culminating in a series of in-person staged readings of the pieces in New York City.    

Four artists are selected each summer, and the group meets once a week over Zoom from June through August. Weekly meetings include opportunities to share pages and receive feedback, as well as discussing existing plays “book club-style.” We invite guest speakers throughout the summer (i.e., fellow writers and artists, theatrical experts, marketing specialists, etc.) to speak with our residents and provide helpful insights on the world of professional theater beyond the residency.

Each summer also includes an in-person Residency Retreat, usually held in nature outside of the busy cities our cohort members might come from. The retreat is all about sharing art, generative exercises, games, meals, and space. We welcome artists from any location across the country to apply for our residency, although we do prioritize artists who are available to join us for the in-person retreat on the East Coast (we do provide travel stipends as needed).