Playwrights Horizons, Inc.

Playwrights Horizons, Inc., is a nonprofit American Off-Broadway theater organization dedicated to the support and development of contemporary American playwrights, composers, and lyricists, and to the production of their new works.

Mission

The core mission of Playwrights Horizons is centered on advancing the voice of the playwright, recognizing playwrights as the great storytellers of our time. The organization values the diversity and unique voices of American writers, providing them support through every stage of their development. This includes script and score evaluations, commissions, readings, musical theater workshops, and stage productions[2][3].

Programs

Playwrights Horizons offers various developmental programs to nurture writers:

• New Works Lab: Provides critical time, space, and resources for playwrights to develop new work.
• PoP Master Class series: Offers educational opportunities for writers.
• Soundstage audio program: Focuses on audio production.
• The Lighthouse Project: Engages writers in special projects.
• Almanac: A digital magazine featuring the works of emerging and established writers[2].

History

Founded in 1971 by Robert Moss, Playwrights Horizons has played a pivotal role in the development of new American theater. It has been the starting point for numerous Pulitzer Prize-winning works and has worked with over 375 writers[3]. The organization is known for its leadership in fostering new talent while supporting established artists. Past notable productions include works by Stephen Sondheim, Wendy Wasserstein, and Annie Baker[3].

Theaters and Capacity

Playwrights Horizons operates two stages: the Mainstage, with a capacity of 198, and the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, with a capacity of 128[3].

Artistic Leadership

Adam Greenfield serves as the current Artistic Director of Playwrights Horizons, taking over the position in July 2020. The organization's former leaders include Tim Sanford, who served from 1996 to July 2020, and André Bishop, who served from 1981 to 1991[3].

Playwrights Horizons Theater School

In partnership with NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Playwrights Horizons offers an undergraduate theater program. This innovative multidisciplinary training focuses on nurturing the whole artist, offering courses for actors, directors, designers, choreographers, playwrights, and creators of devised work[2].

Awards and Recognition

Playwrights Horizons has received numerous awards and honors for its productions. It was recognized with part of a $20 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation in 2005, reflecting its significant contribution to American theater[3].

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The organization is committed to anti-racism, striving to build a more just future for all, particularly in historically oppressed communities. It aims to expand the US theater canon and positions itself as an anti-racist center for ideas and dialogue[2].