"Emerging playwrights" have less than two weeks left to apply for Manhattan Theatre Club's 2000 MTC Playwriting Fellowships, created for writers in the New York City area.

The program is intended for artists with demonstrated financial need. Writers of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Deadline is Dec. 31, 1999.

Fellows receive a commission for a new play and well as additional stipends. During a year in residence with MTC staff, writers work closely with the nonprofit's literary department to develop craft, identify career goals and deepen their knowledge of the field.

Past fellows whose works were produced or commissioned elsewhere include Kia Corthron, Anna Dolan, Lisa Jones, Dmitry Lipkin, Lynn Nottage, Lisa Reardon, Rachel Sheinkin, Judy Tate, Cary Wong, Jaye Austin Williams, Donna DiNovelli, Bridgette Wimberly, Adam Kraar, Julia Jordan and Dan O'Brien.

Two one-year fellowships (each totaling $10,000) are being offered, beginning September 2000. Applicants should have completed formal education by Sept. 1, 2000. For guidelines, call Maggie Malone at (212) 399-3000.

-- By Kenneth Jones