2026 Celebration of Storytelling

This year, we’re thrilled to introduce a new approach to the final weekend of the Annual Writers’ Residency. We’re keeping the tradition of creating both formal and informal opportunities to engage with NHP’s Writers in Residence, and inviting our guests to explore and support New Harmony’s businesses.

In 2026, 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.

If you're planning to stay overnight in New Harmony, you'll make your own hotel reservations at the New Harmony Inn or be adventurous and explore one of the bed and breakfast options in town! To get the NHP rate at the New Harmony Inn, call 812-682-4431 and tell them you're part of the New Harmony Project community.

The reading of The People v. Marion Barry is free, but to attend the other events below, add the Mini-Residency Package to your free reading tickets. We’d love to have you!

For your other meals during the weekend, we recommend visiting one of the restaurants in town. We’ll provide a list of options in a confirmation email closer to the final weekend.

Schedule of Events (all times Central Daylight Time)

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 (Add the Mini-Residency Package to join)
7pm: Meet the 2026 Writers Program
Following: Reception (Add the Mini-Residency Package to join the reception)

Saturday, May 30

11am: Zoom industry discussion (Add the Mini-Residency Package to join)
1pm: Silent Write (Add the Writers' Shoes Package to join)
2pm: All About Dramaturgy with Phaedra Michelle Scott and Jenni Werner 
5pm: Cocktails and Mocktails (Add the Mini-Residency Package to join)
5:30pm: Dinner with the Company (Add the Mini-Residency Package to join)
7:30pm: Presentation of The People v. Marion Barry
9pm: Closing reception (Add the Mini-Residency Package to join)