The mission of The Missoula Colony is to foster great writing for the next generation of theatre and film in an atmosphere of generosity, creative fervor, breathtaking beauty, and laughter. The Colony convenes at The University of Montana in Missoula, where five gorgeous Rocky Mountain valleys and three stunning rivers converge. Missoula is a place blessed with incredible natural beauty—a place wh
ere writers from all over the world gather to celebrate the art and craft of writing for the stage and screen. For the past fifteen summers, new and emerging writers have worked alongside experienced professional writers whose work has earned Pulitzer Prizes and Emmy and Tony awards. This mix has proven to be an excellent model for the creative process. Professional writers see their works read in a supportive atmosphere, away from the bright lights and cynical eye of the big cities. They are refreshed and renewed by their time in the mountains—walking amid the splendor of the landscape, floating the rivers, or talking into the wee hours of the morning with fellow writers. Newer writers have the opportunity, in an informal, relaxed setting, to benefit from the knowledge of more experienced writers in an atmosphere of mutual assistance and generosity. Our idea is to support writers and writing. We do this by encouraging collaboration, creation, risk-taking, and having fun. It is this combination of ingredients that makes the Missoula Colony special.
