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Introduction to The Barn

What exactly does the Barn provide?

The Barn hosts an annual summer residency program designed to offer space to five creative persons every month for four months between the first day of June and the last day of September. Writers receive a large bedroom equipped with a desk, bed and dresser; visual artists receive a slightly smaller room (with a bed and dresser) and a rather large studio space (forty foot ceilings).

Do you provide stipends or grants?

Sadly, no, not yet. We are working on eventually offering stipends to our Fellows to mitigate costs of staying with us, but we're not quite there yet.

Are there any fees to stay at The Barn?

No. We wouldn't dream of asking creative people for money to spend time at what is ostensibly meant to help them get their own careers moving forward at a time when they likely can't afford to pay any extra fees for anything at all.

How long are the residencies?

Entire calendar months (June 1 - 30; July 1 - 31; August 1 - 31; September 1 - 30).

Can a Fellow stay for a shorter residency?

No. We ask that Fellows make totally sure they can stay for the entire duration of their residency months.

What if I have to leave early?

While circumstances may arise that a Fellow must leave before his or her month is up, we deeply frown upon this and, if it seems less like an emergency and more like a casual choice to go somewhere else, we may choose never to invite that Fellow to return.

Why so harsh?

Because there are other artists who would love to have the space for 30 or 31 days and it would be a terrible shame to waste any of that time.

Can a Fellow stay longer than a month?

Not really. We are scheduled down to the day. But if someone suddenly can't make it out for their month, and no one on our Wait List can take the slot, we would probably be only too happy to let an interested Fellow stay out the course of the next month.

Who will I be sharing my month with?

Usually we have two visual artists and three writers every month. There are cases when a composer will be accepted and take the place of a writer.

Applying

Note: Most questions are very clearly answered in the guidelines page.

My printer doesn't work. Will you mail me an application?

Yes. Please just call 212-226-2020 to request an application be sent by mail. Leave your name and address on the machine very, very clearly, spelling out anything that might not be obvious. Fax is also an option, so leave a fax number if you have that at your disposal.

Is there an application fee?

Happily, no! Edward Albee doesn't believe in charging creative people money to try to move their careers forward. (If they could afford the fee, they'd probably not need the time and space we offer.)

What is the application deadline?

We accept applications between January 1st and March 1st of each calendar year. All applications must be postmarked by March 1st and must be in-house by March 7th. Applications postmarked after March 1st will be discarded. Applications postmarked before March 1st but arriving after March 7th will also be discarded. Note: we strongly recommend you not choose Media Mail or Book Rate or any other option that might slow your application down. In fact, we strongly suggest you send in your application well ahead of the deadline date.

Wasn't the deadline in April?

We changed that. It's March now. An increase in applications has made it necessary to narrow the window for submissions and widen the window of consideration.

Can I send my application by courier (FedEx / UPS / Etc)?

No. We can not accept applications that arrive with need for signature, as there is not always someone at our office to personally receive the package. And there is no place for a courier to leave packages otherwise.  Use regular mail only, please.

I noticed that there are two addresses, NYC and Montauk. Where do I send my application?

Send all applications to our NYC office: 14 Harrison St. NYC 10013. The Montauk address is the physical address of The Barn, and anything sent there will bounce back to you.

Hey, I live three blocks from your office, can I just walk my application over there?

Congratulations, it's a nice area to live in, I wish I did. But to answer your question, no. We do not have any drop-in hours and can not meet you to receive your application. We don't even have a lobby that you can enter, or a doorman you can bribe, or neighbors who would be interested in playing middlemen. As absurd as it may feel to place your application packet into the mailbox around the corner, that's what you need to do.

Is there an application form or do I just send a script/slides without even a cover letter or a return address?

Very glad you asked. There is, indeed, a form, and other required materials, which can all be found on our guidelines page. Please remember that there are two application forms and that both must be filled out and included. Any work samples sent without the other necessary materials will be discarded.

I am a playwright / screenwriter. Can I send an incomplete script?

No, playwrights and screenwriters should send only complete scripts, not partial scripts.

I am a writer who has written quite a few pieces. Can I just pack an envelope full of my work and let you decide what to read?

Please don't. Your application will have a stronger chance of success if you limit the work samples to exactly what we ask for. And only send one copy of each piece.

I am a writer working on a novel where each chapter comes in at about 156 pages, should I still send in two chapters? / I'm a poet that only writes epic sagas on 20' scrolls, do you still want 12 poems? / I'm a screenwriter adapting the Mahabharata and think Peter Brooks made the experience 6 hours too short. Etc.

Please try to find a reasonable number of pages to send in. We recommend that writers send in work samples that fall roughly within these guidelines:

Fiction / Non-fiction: Under 40 pages

Playwriting / Screenwriting: Under 130 pages.

Poetry: 12-20 Pages (12 poems averaging between 1-2 pages each; or two poems at 8 pages each, etc.).

If I am a playwright and fiction writer, can I submit more than one application during the same year? One for plays, one for fiction?

Excellent question (thanks, Zachary!).  The answer is yes.  If you truly feely that you wear both hats equally well, you may apply to both categories. Just make sure that you indicate, on both application forms (top right corner would work best), which category or sub-category you're applying under (this way we can keep track of your multiple personality disorder).

NB: This applies to Poets who are also Composers; Painters who are also Playwrights; Translators who are also Sculptors (etc., use your imagination...)

I am a visual artist, can I send digital images instead of slides?

No. If you can not send slides, you may send prints or high-quality photocopies. All digital media (CDs, DVDs, etc.) will be discarded (except in cases where the medium is meant to be in these formats; e.g.--video installation work, audio files, etc.)

Should I submit my most recent work, or the work I feel is the strongest?

We hope that's the same thing! But as far as what you should submit: we prefer to see your most recent work.

My work is done in collaboration with another artist / writer. Can I submit this as my work sample?

We ask that you only submit work that you can take 100% credit for. If you submit a collaborative work, you must apply as a collaborative team. If you apply as a collaborative team, you must send in separate application materials for all collaborators.

Not only is my resume impressive, but I've received a smattering of great reviews. Should I send a packet of promotional materials as well?

Congrats on the great reviews! Please don't include them. We only need to see a resume to get a sense of where you stand in your career. We look forward to reading more about you once you're a Fellow and can boast about how your month at The Barn springboarded you into fame. Until then, though, keep it simple!

What should I say in my Artist's Statement? And how long should it be?

Please don't sweat too hard over this. It's an important introduction to who you are as a writer or artist, but you don't have to kill yourself trying to impress us. Just let us know who you are, what you've done, what you hope to do, and why the Barn sounds like it would be useful to you at this point in your career. Please keep it to a page, with a reasonably readable font and reasonably distanced margins. To recap: this does not need to read like a full proposal of what you would work on at the Barn (we know that it's highly improbable what you say you will work on is really what you'll be inspired to accomplish once you're out there.)

What does it mean to include two adhesive labels with my name only?

These labels should be identical and contain only the name of the applicant (not the address), with the last name first. So if the applicant's name is John Q. Applicant, the label should look something like this: APPLICANT, JOHN Q.

Oh, and they should be sticky on one side.

What if I can't get any recommendation letters from people who know my work and/or me at all?

You shouldn't have that much trouble getting letters from two people (who aren't your relatives). These can include peers in your field; mentors; teachers; gallerists; literary managers; artistic directors; etc. If you really can't find anyone to write you a letter of recommendation, call us and we will work with you to find a solution (if possible). Until then, though, keep meeting people who respond to you and your work!

I applied last year, do you still have my recommendation letters on file?

Yes.

I applied in 1976, do you still have my recommendation letters on file?

No. Please get and submit new recommendation letters every five years (at the outset).

Should my recommendation letters be current and specific?

Yes. Please do not send aged photocopies of recommendation letters written on your behalf, for a different organization, a decade ago. We don't like them, and we can bet that your recommenders would be bothered if they found out you were recycling their opinions without notifying them. Each letter should be written reasonably recently and specifically about your application to our foundation.

Can I have my recommenders send letters directly to you?

No. All materials, including letters of recommendation, must be included in your packet.

What if my recommenders refuse to send them directly to me?

Pick recommenders who trust you more than that.

I have a bevvy of recommenders. Can I send more than two recommendation letters ?

No. Two will be plenty, thanks.

Do you favor certain types of artists / writers?

While the Barn would love to extend a hand to all creative people, we can't. So, we make certain choices based mostly on talent and need.

Talent?

It's a subjective experience. Hopefully we subjectively find you talented.

Need?

This does not only mean financial need, necessarily, but that is one of the considerations. If you are a famous sculptor who has a large summer cottage in East Hampton but would love to "slum it" in Montauk for a month, you are much less likely to get in than a painter who holds a terrible day job and lives in Brooklyn with her three roommates. If you have never been seen in print before you are more likely to get in than a novelist who is about to enjoy his 3rd major contract with a large publisher. Basically: we look for people who are earlier on in their careers (not necessarily younger by age, just younger by obvious measures of success.)

Mostly?

Well, there are other subtle points. For instance, being that the Foundation was started by a playwright who also has a great love for fiction and poetry, we tend to focus mostly on playwriting, fiction, and poetry when it comes to writing. As for what sort of visual artists tend to get attention here...soon enough we will have a page featuring links to the visual artists who have stayed with us, and you can judge for yourself. If you're curious about who's on for this year, you can find them here.

It says I should pick three months, in the order of my preference. How likely is it that I will get my first choice?

We do our best to accommodate Fellows by giving them the months they want. Inevitably, most people want July or August, and so this makes it rather difficult to accomplish successfuly each time. What we do is judge how serious the need for a specific month is, then try to fit less dire requests in around those.

How do you know if my need for a certain month is "serious" or not?

That's what you should let us know. If you really need July because you teach in June and September and have to work at a supermarket throughout August, you are most likely to get July as your Fellowship month. If you just think July has the nicest weather for sunbathing, and can do any of the four months we offer, you might have to take what we can give you.

So, should I just say that I have to have July, even if I don't?

If everyone did that, we'd still have to fill those other months, so at that point we would offer first-choice months to the first Fellows we reach on the phone. The best bet is to be absolutely clear about which months you can do and which months you can't.

I can do any month you have to give me, what should I put down on the application?

You are wonderful. Please indicate this by writing just that in the space provided. This will help us schedule everyone who can't be so flexible.

Does this mean I am more likely to get in if I put down June or September?

No. We choose our Fellows before worrying about schedule conflicts and then just do the best we can. It won't change the likelihood of your acceptance, but it will make us thank the stars that we chose you once we do.

So, what's the deal--are June and September awful months to be in Montauk?

Not at all. In fact, some people find out they're even better than the mid-summer months, as there are fewer tourists, which mean more room on the beach, more room at the bars, etc. Of course, we hope that you spend less time at the beach and bars than at your desks and in your studios (which are two of the rare spots in Montauk we can guarantee you won't be crowded by tourists.)

After Applying

Do you officially notify applicants that their applications have been received?

No. But if you want to include a SASP (postcard) that reminds you that you applied, and is basic proof that someone with a pulse has received your application, we would be happy to drop it in a mailbox for you.

I applied but I've since moved. Should I remember to notify you that my information has changed?

That's a great idea!

When will I find out if I got in?

We do our best to notify applicants by April 15th (sometimes it's a few days later, but never more than that). Since we have moved our deadline up to March 1st (from April 1st of previous years) it will be much easier to notify applicants on time.

I did not get in. (Deep breath). But maybe if someone drops out...?

Sorry. We have a tiered system including a Wait List. If someone drops out, the first person on the Wait List is offered the spot and so on. Please do apply again, though!

I was placed on the Wait List. But the summer is now over. Does this mean that I will automatically be moved into next year's slots or do I have to reapply?

Sorry, you have to reapply. If we automatically moved people from the Wait List into the following year's slots, we could probably close down submissions for the next decade or so. No, everyone must try again.

Is there a better chance I'll get in next year if I was put on the Wait List?

Maybe. It's certainly a good sign. And it certainly means you should try again.

I was accepted but then couldn't come. Am I automatically moved into next year's slots?

No.

Are you mad at me for dropping out?

We're not mad, no. But we do want to know why you dropped out on us. If it's because of a job you had to take, or a terrible emergency, etc., we totally understand and are happy to have you apply again (see the "Wait List" question above to address likelihood of re-acceptance). But if you dropped because you got a residency with a more attractive program, we will remember that. Think of it like this: you don't ask someone for a date, wait for the "Yes", then say you found someone cuter, and then hope for a raincheck date after your new relationship ends.

Can a Fellow apply to come back again the next year?

Fellows may reapply after waiting one year (i.e.--if you got in for the 2008 season, you should reapply in 2010.)

I'm curious to meet and/or bribe you into slipping me into the Barn. Can I visit your offices?

Mmmmm....tempting as that may be, not really. The Foundation office does not host any drop-in hours.

I might be in Montauk next weekend and am just curious to see the Barn. Can I visit for a quick look?

Yes, that should be no problem. Please call Rex Lau to figure out a time: (631) 668-9520.

Living Conditions

What does the Barn look like?

It looks like a giant white barn. It looks exactly like the photograph on our Home Page, actually. The layout is like this:

Ground Floor:

You go in through the main doors; there is a kitchen on the left, and a small dining room / study on the right. Further in you have the laundry room on the left, and a writer's bedroom on the right (this is the only bedroom on the ground floor). Then there is a bathroom again on the left and a staircase leading to the upper floor on the right. Straight ahead there is a door leading to the two large artists studios.

Studios:

The studios are roughly the same size, and they differ only in that one of them abuts the rest of the Barn, while the other leads directly to the outside and has huge barn doors that can be slid open to get fresh air and a good deal of sunlight. Because only the front of the Barn has an upper floor, the studios have two floors worth of open vertical space.

Upper Floor:

Once you get upstairs you walk into the commons area. There is a bathroom straight ahead. On the left is a hallway with the bulk of the bedrooms (which are quite close to each other and don't afford a great deal of privacy, noise-wise). Here you have two artists' bedrooms and two writers' bedrooms.

And that's pretty much it for the layout.

Is it fancy?

No. The Barn strives to maintain a very relaxed environment--one in which creative people can just get down to work without being intimidated (or too soothed) by extraneous pretentions.

Is that a sly way of suggesting it's filthy and dangerous?

I hope not. No, the Barn is a rustic but generally safe place. Of course, there are some circumstances that might make the Barn a less than hospitable environment for some people (allergies, disabilities, etc.) and we strongly recommend directing specific concerns to us so that we can assess your situation before you come out for your month.

It's near the beach, right?

Yes. You can get to the ocean within a few minutes by car and somewhat longer by walking or biking. Just remember that--as one former Fellow scribbled on our kitchen door as a caveat to all who reside with us--This Is Not A Vacation! Like Santa Claus before him, Edward Albee knows when you've been working and knows when you've been surfing.

Does the Barn provide sheets, towels, etc.?

Yes. We have an abundance of sheets, towels (both for bath and beach), toilet paper, etc.

Does the Barn provide laundry service?

No. But we do have laundry machines and dryers that you can use. They're free and we provide detergents, laundry baskets, etc.

What am I missing here, I know there's something I should be bringing that...?

Could it be bug spray? Sun block? Do bring those with you, or remember to pick some up at the local pharmacy (you will need to use both.)

Does the Barn provide meals?

No. While the Barn does have a fully equipped kitchen with two refrigerators, lots of pots, pans and skillets, plates, glasses, and silverware, a rather unusual looking but totally functional ice cream maker, spices, coffee and a working sink, it is up to the Fellows to stock their own food.

Is there a store nearby?

Yes. Several. There's the IGA (normal large supermarket), farmers markets, as well as fresh seafood available daily at the docks.

But nearby?

Oh, right, sorry, yes. Nearby-ish. You can take a nice 1.6 mile stroll, or a nicer 1.6 mile bike ride, or if you have a car you can take that, which is less nice but perhaps more useful.

Being that it's summer, can we--?

Were you going to say "Bar-B-Que"? Absolutely. We almost demand it. I don't think there's been a summer yet where Fellows have snubbed cookouts.

You did say that there are bathrooms, right?

Of course; we're spartan but we're not medieval. There are bathrooms on both floors of the barn. The upstairs bathroom has only a toilet and sink, and the downstairs bathroom has both of those plus a standing shower. There is also an outdoor shower, which most folks seem to love to use in the summer.

What about internet access?

Nope. We're not medieval but we are spartan. Okay, truth is, you can browse the internet at the Barn, but you remember dial-up? You will soon be reacquainted with that concept. The good news is that you can also use the free internet access at the Montauk Library (they have Wi-Fi, too, so you can just bring your laptop over there instead of waiting in line for a time-limited computer).

Does the Barn have any computers?

Not unless you bring them. Ditto printers.

What about a TV?

Yes. But we hope you won't be watching a lot of that. We have a TV which gets no reception at all, but can be used with our DVD-player and VCR in the upstairs commons area. We also have many, many books. And a treaure trove of LPs (yes, vinyl) of mostly classical music, and a turntable to play them on.

How do I get mail forwarded to me?

The Foundation maintains a PO Box to which you can have mail sent.

How do I access the box, do I get a key?

No. There is a rumor going that Edward Albee likes to pick up the mail each day and deliver it to the Fellows. Hilarious, I know. Except, it's not just a rumor.

Is there somewhere to park my car?

Yes. We have a large driveway / lawn.

Do you have any bicycles I can borrow?

Yes. We have several bikes on hand for Fellows to use.

Can I bring my spouse/children/drinking buddy/etc.?

Fellows may invite day-guests whenever they like. Guests who spend the night, however, are limited to weekends and must share the Fellows' rooms. We try to keep overnight weekend guests to a minimum, as well, so Fellows must inform Rex Lau, who lives on the premises year-round, and their fellow Fellows before guests arrive.

Can I bring my dog/cat/lizard/etc.?

Actually, this is often just fine. Fellows should speak with Rex about whether the Barn is suitable for their pets before their residency month begins. Also, Fellows must contact their fellow Fellows to make sure that no one has an allergy to--or fear of--their animal friends.

Miscellaneous

I've always wanted to write Edward Albee a letter. Would he get it if I sent it to you?

Absolutely. You can write him at the address listed on our contact page. And, yes, he will sign a book or photo if you'd like to send one to him.

Something else you would like to know? Don't be shy. Your inquiry would help alert us to the need for its presence here. Call 212-226-2020 or email info@albeefoundation.org