OUR 50th YEAR CELEBRATION
Reflecting Back. Looking Forward.
2021 marks Playwrights’ Center’s 50th year of driving forward the future of theater.
We are excited to share a season of new plays from Playwrights’ Center Fellows, Core and Affiliated writers Darren Canady, Kristoffer Diaz, Mathilde Dratwa, Gina Femia, Gracie Gardner, Rachel Jendrzejewski, JuCoby Johnson, Carson Kreitzer, Stacey Rose, TyLie Shider, and Ray Yamanouchi. It will also include excerpts from new plays by 2021–22 Fellows and Mentees Lucas Baisch, Zola Dee, Marvin González De León, Gethsemane Herron, JuCoby Johnson, Cristina Luzárraga, Lester Mayers, Nubia Monks, Atlese Robinson, James Anthony Tyler, P.C. Verrone, and James A. Williams. And it will feature partnerships with Minneapolis-based Trademark Theater and New York-based WaxFactory.
Building on the lessons learned over the previous season during the pandemic, the Center will return to live, in-person readings but also present recordings of the readings online. The hybrid approach will create greater access to the arts for the public and ensure these new, incredible works will reach the greatest number of people, anywhere in the world.
RUTH EASTON NEW PLAY SERIES
October 2021–February 2022
Now entering its 17th year, the Ruth Easton New Play Series is evolving, offering deeper development opportunities than ever before. The five featured Core and Affiliated Writers will work with teams of renowned artists, hand-selected by the playwright, to workshop their new plays over a 30-hour development process. Made possible by the support of the Ruth Easton Fund of the Edelstein Family Foundation, this year’s expanded program gives playwrights time, space, and support to radically experiment.
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TIMEBOMB by Carson Kreitzer
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THIS HAPPENED ONCE AT THE ROMANCE DEPOT OFF THE I-87 IN WESTCHESTER by Gina Femia
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WHITTIER by TyLie Shider
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DECOYS by Gracie Gardner
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THA CHINK-MART by Ray Yamanouchi
IN THE LAB
March 2022
In The Lab lets artists develop wildly experimental new works in a multitude of forms. Launched last season to meet the changing needs of artists exploring new works — and new ways of working — Playwrights’ Center stepped up support with this brand-new online development and performance project series.
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TRACES by Rachel Jendrzejewski
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THINGS WITH FRIENDS an audio experience by Kristoffer Diaz
PLAYLABS FESTIVAL
April–May 2022
PlayLabs is one of the nation’s most comprehensive new play festivals. This year marks the 38th PlayLabs festival. (Yes, you read that right: almost 40 years.) Partnering with a team of artistic collaborators of their choosing, playwrights receive 36 hours of rehearsal time as well as two public readings and time for rewrites in between. This year’s festival will also feature a showcase of scenes by our 2021—22 playwriting fellows.
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DIRTY LAUNDRY by Mathilde Dratwa
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THE PERCY MEACHAM DANCE EXPERIENCE by Darren Canady
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TRAPT by Stacey Rose
beats and lyrics by Zion “No!z” Rose
ARTISTS IN CONVERSATION
Artists in Conversation offers a uniquely intimate look at playwrights and their processes. Formally launched in 2020, this program is built on our sold-out Public Discussion series from years past. Artists in Conversation goes very much off-script, allowing audiences direct access to artists who share their behind-the-scenes thoughts on process, the craft, the field, and the world. Past conversations have featured acclaimed theater artists such as Migdalia Cruz, Heather Raffo, Daniel Alexander Jones, José Rivera, and Paula Vogel, among others.