Are you an aspiring screenwriter, avid storyteller, film student or simply a lover of cinema? The Wisconsin Screenwriters’ Symposium is an annual convening of industry professionals, and area screenwriters, designed to nurture stories and storytellers from the Badger State.

Hosted on the campus of University of Wisconsin – Madison by the Department of Communication Arts, with support from the International Screenwriters’ Association, the next Symposium will take place Friday, April 9 through Sunday, April 11, 2027 and includes:

• Wisconsin’s Own Screenplay Contest – selecting and rewarding the best feature length, short, television, and student-written scripts in 2026. NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS.
• Wisconsin’s Own Pitch Contest – selecting 5 writers to pitch their projects live to industry experts at the 2027 Wisconsin Screenwriters Symposium, with support and consultation from industry experts. SUBMISSIONS OPEN IN JANUARY.
• TV Writers’ Room Workshop with Jason Rothenberg (The 100) – 10 writers join showrunner Jason Rothenberg for a hands-on TV writers’ room experience. APPLICATIONS OPEN IN JANUARY.
• Presentations, workshops and panels with industry experts
• Table read of the Best Overall Screenplay with professional actors
• Networking events 
• … and more

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