Lark Theatre Company

The Lark Theatre Company, also known as Lark Play Development Center, was a nonprofit organization based in New York City, dedicated to supporting playwrights in the American theater scene. It was classified as a 501(c)(3) organization under the category of Arts, Culture, and Humanities, specifically in theater development[1][3].

History

Founded in 1994 by John Clinton Eisner, the Lark's mission was to discover and develop new voices for American theater. Initially, it produced plays, but by 1997, the organization shifted its focus to play development. It supported around 100 playwrights annually with hundreds of readings and introduced several programs to foster international collaboration and talent growth[2].

Programs and Achievements

One of the notable programs was Playwrights' Week, an annual festival showcasing five chosen playwrights' work through an open-submission process. The Lark also established international exchange programs, translating works and bringing playwrights from regions like Russia, Mexico, Romania, and the Middle East to share their experiences[2].

The organization was recognized for its contributions, receiving awards such as the Obie Award and the Lucille Lortel Award. Over 100 plays developed at the Lark were presented in multiple venues worldwide. Playwrights like Rajiv Joseph have credited the Lark with helping them develop successful works[2].

Closure

The Lark announced its closure in October 2021 after facing financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization stated that despite efforts to find a sustainable path forward, it could no longer continue operations. The board of directors initiated an orderly wind-down process, seeking to transfer existing programs to peer institutions[5].

Legacy

The Lark's legacy remains significant in the theater community for its role in fostering new talent and promoting innovative plays through its international and domestic programs. Despite its closure, the impact of its work continues to be felt in the theater world[5].