Script Transformation

with Iyvon E

SEPTEMBER 6 - 22, 2025

Where ideas become impactful stories

Embark on a transformative 16-day journey designed for writers ready to elevate their scripts or screenplays. Whether you have a nascent idea or a complete first draft, this intensive residency offers the tools and guidance to reimagine and refine your work.

Led by award-winning Nigerian-American dramaturg and creative producer Iyvon E.—Artistic Director of The Parsnip Ship and former Signature Theatre dramaturg—participants will engage in rigorous workshops, personalized mentorship, and collaborative sessions aimed at deepening narrative structure, character development, and thematic resonance.

Set against the serene backdrop of Pezzolo, a historic Sicilian village nestled in the Peloritani mountains, writers will find inspiration in the region's rich cultural tapestry and tranquil landscapes. This immersive experience not only fosters artistic growth but also encourages meaningful connections among a diverse cohort of international creatives.

Open to writers at all levels, applications are now open for September 2025.

About the Lead Practitioner:

Iyvon E. (she/her), an award-winning Nigerian-American creative producer, dramaturg, and freelance arts professional, formerly at Signature Theatre in NYC, leads The Parsnip Ship as its dedicated Artistic Director. She initiated LaunchPad—an early career playwrights residency—and launched SigSpace, dynamic public programming. Under Iyvon's leadership, The Parsnip Ship was named by The New York Times as one of "5 Podcasts to Bring Theater Into Your Home." With accolades like the Fulbright International Scholarship and the 2019 Mark O’Donnell Prize, she advances the arts globally, having worked in off-Broadway, regional, and international theaters. As a freelance dramaturg, arts administrator, and live events curator, Iyvon brings a dynamic approach to her work in the arts. Connect with her on social media: @iamiyvon and @theparsnipshipNY.

Important Details

What We’re Looking For: 

  • Passionate Storyteller: You have a script, screenplay, or a powerful idea that you’re eager to bring to life.

  • Open to Growth: You are willing to embrace constructive feedback and explore new approaches to your writing.

  • Committed and Focused: You are prepared to dedicate 16 days to intense creative work, engaging fully in the transformation process.

  • Curious and Collaborative: You thrive in a community of like-minded creatives, ready to exchange ideas and learn from peers.

  • Ready for Transformation: Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned creator, you are eager to elevate your work to the next level.

What to Expect:

Schedule: This is an intensive experience with extended working hours to help you make the most of your time in Sicily. We structure our day to follow the local custom of a larger mid-day meal and rest in the afternoon, during the hottest part of the day. Below is what a sample daily schedule may look like:

  • 9am - 10am: Breakfast on your own (self-serve)

  • 10am - 10:30am: Daily goal setting

  • 10:30 - 1pm: Individual work time or 1:1 dramaturgy meeting

  • 1 - 3pm: Lunch

  • 3pm - 7pm: Individual work time or 1:1 dramaturgy meeting

  • 7pm - 8pm: Break

  • 8pm: Dinner and rest

Excursion: There will be an excursion day to Taormina to help participants not only soak in the local culture, but also gain inspiration for their creative work.

Everything else: For all other expectations about the location, housing, work spaces, meals, accessibility, transportation, language, technology, etc. please visit this page.

Key Dates:

  • September 5: Departure from home, if traveling from North/Central/South America

  • September 6: Arrival in Sicily and welcome dinner

  • September 7: Orientation/tour of Pezzolo and group sharing of ideas

  • September 8 - 13: Daily goal setting, individual writing time, and 1:1 dramaturgical meetings with Iyvon

  • September 14: Excursion day to Taormina

  • September 15 - 20: Continuation of work on scripts, dramaturgical meetings with Iyvon, and creation of final roadmap

  • September 21: Departure day

What’s Included:

  • 15 overnight stays in shared accommodation in Casa Trinacria

    • Rooms in Casa Trinacria are shared. Each room has 2 twin beds, meaning participants will share with 1 other roommate.

    • Participants may request a single room at an additional cost of +€40/night.

  • 3 meals per day (excluding during the excursion day)

  • All local transportation, including to/from airport and excursions

  • 6 one-to-one dramaturgical meetings with Iyvon

  • Access to workspaces throughout the village

  • Guided community engagement opportunities

  • Emergency health & medical insurance* 

*Trinacria’s emergency health & medical insurance provider does not offer coverage to residents of Australia, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), Gambia, Ghana, Islamic Republic of Iran, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Syrian Arab Republic, and U.S. Virgin Islands, or to travelers who are not leaving their home country (i.e. Italy). If any of these apply to you, you will be responsible for securing your own emergency health and medical insurance policy for your travels to Sicily.

What’s Not Included:

  • Airfare

  • Travel insurance

  • Any applicable visa or passport fees for entry

  • Sightseeing, souvenirs, and meals during the excursion day to Taormina

How to apply

Basic Eligibility:

  • The fee to participate is €1,900. Once accepted, there will be a €250 nonrefundable deposit to hold your place. Final payment is due no later than 1 week prior to arrival.

  • For local Messina participants who wish to participate but do not require housing, the fee for the course is €850. The local participation fee does not include meals (except lunch), local transportation, or emergency health & medical insurance.

  • Participants must be 18 or older at the time of the program. There is no upper age limit on participation.

  • The residency will primarily be conducted in English. Good working knowledge of English is necessary for all participants.

  • Candidates advancing to the next stage of the application will be contacted to schedule a short, informal interview.

Deadline:

Applications will be considered and accepted on a rolling basis. A very limited number of spots are available and will fill up. Final cutoff for applications will be July 15 or once all spots have been filled, whichever occurs first.

Instructions:

Candidates may submit either a written or video application. For a written application, use the form below. Please note you will not be able to save your progress on this form; we recommend you save work in a Word Doc. Those who wish to submit responses via video, please upload as a private or unlisted video on YouTube and send us the link at residency@trinacriatheatre.com.

Should candidates have any questions or personal access needs for completing the application (Braille, audio captioned interview, etc.), please email info@trinacriatheatre.com. We can make large print and inverted color PDFs available by request.

We are particularly eager to hear from BIPOC applicants and others who are underrepresented in the professional arts industry. To help ensure our company is meeting our organizational goals, we ask you to also please fill out this Equality & Diversity monitoring form. Please be aware that completing the form is optional and will not affect your application. The answers to this form are anonymous and will be held separately to your application.