Introducing the Gellard Award for Environmental Playwriting presented by Neworld Theatre & Pippa Mackie

Created by playwright Pippa Mackie in honour of her former teacher, John Gellard (1940–2025), this award supports local playwrights writing about the environment and climate change.

John was a dedicated teacher who encouraged his students to find their voices, and an environmental activist who continued to champion young writers long after they left his classroom.

The award will support one Metro Vancouver-based playwright each year during Neworld Theatre’s 2026–27 and 2027–28 seasons, with $3,000 for the playwright and a professional public reading of their new play produced by Neworld Theatre.
Submissions are now open!

Open to emerging and established playwrights based in Metro Vancouver.
Submit 5–10 pages of your script, an outline if available, and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages).
Deadline: December 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST
Email your PDF submission to [email protected] with the subject line: GELLARD AWARD SUBMISSION - YOUR NAME & LAST NAME.

Neworld is grateful to Pippa Mackie for creating this award and helping carry forward John’s legacy of encouraging writers and caring for our environment.