Following an intensive selection process, The New Harmony Project is thrilled to welcome writers and artists to our 2026 Annual Writers’ Residency. This year’s residency will feature an intimate community of 14 Artists In Residence, supported by a team of professional artists in theatre, film, and television. The residency, held in New Harmony, Indiana from May 21-31, will offer a creative and transformative community where artists can work, receive support from dramaturgs, mentors, and wellness providers, and build the relationships that will bolster their future artistic journeys.

A Celebration of Storytelling

This year, The New Harmony Project invites guests to step into the shoes of NHP’s Writers in Residence! Pop into the Bayou Room on Friday to hear writers deliver practice TV pitches, and get feedback from each other. On Saturday morning, listen in on a zoom conversation with a TV writer about the industry, then take a walk over to the Working Men’s Institute to try your hand at a Silent Write (we’ll share some writing prompts, and you’ll write in silence in the community of other writers). Later in the afternoon, join NHP’s own Phaedra Michelle Scott and Jenni Werner in a conversation about their work as dramaturgs - what they look for in a script, what questions they ask of writers, and their reflections on the residency’s shape this year. Join the NHP community for cocktails and dinner, followed by a presentation of The People v. Marion Barry. And finally celebrate the end of the 39th NHP residency with a glass of wine at Sara’s Wine Bar.

Schedule of Activities (all times central daylight)

Friday, May 29

Arrival at New Harmony in the Afternoon
3:30pm: Guest Orientation with NHP staff
4pm: NHP Writers in Residence Pitch Practice Presentations
DINNER ON YOUR OWN
7:30pm: Meet the 2026 Writers (Followed by informal reception and smores!)

Saturday, May 30

BREAKFAST IN TOWN
11am: Zoom industry discussion
LUNCH IN TOWN
1pm: Silent Write (with prompts)
2pm: All About Dramaturgy
5pm: Cocktails and Mocktails
5:30pm: Dinner with the Company
7:30pm: Presentation of The People v. Marion Barry
9pm: Closing reception - Sara’s Wine Bar

Reserve Your Tickets

PRODUCTION IN RESIDENCE

This year's Production in Residence is The People v. Marion Barry, a partnership with Moscaic Theater, Washington, D.C.

The People v. Marion Barry
By 24K (Psalmayene 24 and KOKAYI
Dramaturged by Chelsea Radigan

The People v. Marion Barry is a new musical by 24K (Helen Hayes Award winning theater artist Psalmayene 24 and Grammy-nominated artist KOKAYI). The project is a docu-musical based on interviews with Washingtonians who knew Marion Barry, the late mayor of Washington, DC. Exploring this complex and polarizing figure through the stories and insights of those most familiar with him, this unconventional musical will center the cultural, racial, and sociopolitical landscape Barry navigated while giving shape to the soulful and rhythmic way he moved through the world.