Friends of PEN receive invitations to PEN events, programs, and receptions. PEN Center USA West, an organization of more than one thousand professional writers, strives to protect freedom of expression around the world and mounts campaigns for the release of imprisoned writers. Through a wide range of ongoing programs PEN West fosters a vital literary community in the Western United States by showcasing contemporary literature in public programs, honoring western writers with annual literary awards, introducing culturally diverse authors and their work to high school students, and mentoring writers of promise from underserved communities. Programs include a Newsletter, Job Bank, workshops, Ovation Awards, internships, and more. Associate Membership helps to familiarize a playwright with the theater community.
Members receive a monthly newsletter and other privileges.
Artists interested in applying for a residency should contact the Theatre of Hearts office and send a resume. Residencies are part-time and are designed to supplement the artist's own artistic endeavors. The Writers' Program offers the highest quality courses from Introduction to Playwriting to Advanced Playwriting with a broad-based and culturally diverse student body. Most classes meet in the evening and some are available for UCLA undergraduate degree credit. Character, dialogue and screenwriting courses are also available.