Young Playwrights Inc, the playwriting study program for 14-21 year olds founded by Stephen Sondheim, will accept applications for their Urban Retreat program through June 1. The actual retreat takes place in New York City July 15-23.

Created to inspire and encourage young theatre writers, the Urban Retreat features lectures by prominent American playwrights (including Young Playwrights Inc. president Alfred Uhry and Wendy Wasserstein), one-on one sessions with YPI teaching artists, three daily workshops on creating, rewriting and collaborating, and performances of Broadway and Off Broadway plays. The week culminates in a staging of a work from each student, put together for the public with professional directors and actors.

The program tuition is $1,190 and includes meals, transportation to New York City, theater tickets and housing. Admission to the Urban Retreat is by application only with a $100 deposit applied to the cost of tuition.

To receive an application, call Steve Hauck at (212) 307-1140 or write to Young Playwrights INc. Urban Retreat, 321 West 44th Street, Suite 906, New York, NY 10036.

-- By Christine Ehren