Playwrights at Work: April 2024

New Dramatists Announces Support for Actors in Memory of Lynn & Ron Cohen

After receiving varied, constant, and numerous gifts from Ron and Lynn Cohen throughout decades of service, New Dramatists has once again been blessed by this extraordinary couple. We are humbled and grateful to announce a donation in their memory by their son, Laurence "Larry" Frazen, to help support actor fees over the next two years.

Congratulations to the New Members of the Resident Company

New Dramatists, an artistic home and developmental laboratory for professional playwrights, is proud to announce the addition of seven writers to its illustrious, dynamic resident playwright company, pictured from left to right: Jordan Seavey, Phillip Christian Smith, SM Shephard-Massat, Bryna Turner, Haruna Lee, Deepa Purohit, and Shayan Lotfi. They will be in-residence through June, 2030.

Jamila Ponton Bragg Joins the Board

New Dramatists is proud to announce the addition of new Board member, Jamila Ponton Bragg. The Board voted unanimously in favor of her membership at the fall Board meeting. Ms. Ponton Bragg’s first meeting as a full and official member was in December 2023.

2024 Annual Spring Luncheon to Honor Michael Greif

Join us on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 to honor Michael Greif, the acclaimed director of this season’s Days of Wine and Roses, The Notebook and Hell’s Kitchen. The Luncheon will return to the New York Marriott Marquis. All proceeds benefit New Dramatists' resident playwrights and their work.

New Leadership Partners

Christie Brown is named the new Executive Director of New Dramatists, beginning on July 1, 2023. She joins veteran Artistic Director Emily Morse to lead the organization. Brown’s cumulative service to New Dramatists spans 15 years in various leadership roles.

Kleban Prize in Musical Theatre

Congratulations to the winners of the 34th Annual Kleban Prize in Musical Theatre! Lisa Loomer, New Dramatists alumna is the 2024 Kleban Prize winner for most promising librettist and Rona Siddiqui is the 2024 Kleban Prize winner for most promising lyricist.

New Dramatists administers the Kleban Prize on behalf of the Kleban Foundation. Applications will be accepted for the 2025 Prize March 15-May 15, 2024. Click here for application information.

ND Staff: Familiar Faces in New Roles

We ring in 2024 with old friends fulfilling new roles on staff at New Dramatists. Jenna Spiwack joins us as Business Manager and Emily Bubeck is our new Development Associate. Current staff continue in new positions: Sofie Wasserman-Smith as our Development Director and Connie Hall as our Literary Services Manager.

The Princess Grace Award in Playwriting

Congratulations to Marissa Joyce Stamps, recipient of the Princess Grace Award in Playwriting/2023-2024 Fellowship at New Dramatists. 

New Dramatists administers the application process on behalf of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA. This year, we will accept open submissions beginning March 1, 2024 until March 15, 2024 OR UNTIL A CAP OF 35O SUBMISSIONS IS REACHED, whichever comes first.