Playwrights Struggle as TV and Film Opportunities Dwindle

Playwrights are expressing frustration as their financial safety net from film and television work diminishes, leaving them with suboptimal pay rates and working conditions. While many playwrights are members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), they do not have a union and are considered independent contractors. This has led to a crossover between theater and screenwriting, but playwrights fear that artificial intelligence and smaller room sizes could threaten their pipeline to screenwriting. Despite the challenges, playwrights are finding ways to continue their work and support each other, with some Hollywood showrunners returning to theater during the WGA strike.