Na-Pl-What?

 National Playwrighting Month (Naplwrimo) is a free web-based event whose mission is to nurture playwrights of all levels while fostering community and the creation of new theatrical works on a global level.

Nap-ple-wri-mo.

It stands for National Playwriting Month. Write a play in November. That’s what it’s all about. And community. A lovely community springs up around the event - people offering advice and support.

Naplwrimo was founded in 2006 by Seattle-based theatre artist, Dorothy Lemoult, who felt there ought to be an event for playwrighting similar to National Novel Writing Month. Encouraged by her friend, she jumped in and started Naplwrimo. That's the kind of initiative and creative spirit we like around here.

Our first edition of Naplwrimo (2006) had 20 participants. Everyone had a blast and 13 won. In 2007, twice as many people showed up online on November 1st. Alas, the site crashed on that day leading to much confusion for the participants and much sleep deprivation for Dorothy, whose web skills only went so far. In the end, Naplwrimo 2007 ran successfully, even though its grassroots web ways tried everyone's patience.

Shortly after that, Naplwrimo became a partner artist project of Shunpike. Shunpike provided a 501c3 umbrella for Naplwrimo, which, in plain English, means that money could be raised and donations tax deductible.

In October 2008, Naplwrimo launched its new website on a much improved platform: Drupal. Thanks to many kind donors and a fabulous web designer, Naplwrimo kicked off its 3rd edition in style.

What more do you need to know?
You know you want to play with us...
So go ahead... Sign up, familiarize yourself with the Rules of The Rhino , and we'll see you in the starting blocks come November 1!