Signature Theatre
New York’s Signature Theatre was founded in 1991 and has at its heart an extended commitment to a living playwright’s body of work. In it’s inaugural year, it became the first theatre company to devote an entire season to the work of a single playwright, creating an immersive journey into their vision as a dramatist.
The Genesis Foundation began funding Signature Theatre’s innovative Residency Five programme in 2015, supporting nine playwrights over the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.
Residency Five
Signature Theatre launched its innovative Residency Five programme in 2012, guaranteeing a group of playwrights three new productions over the course of a five-year residency. The Genesis Foundation’s two-year grant will support these playwrights over two seasons enabling them to build a body of work. This is the first programme of its kind in American theatre, going beyond the traditional commissioning or workshop models. The Genesis Foundation’s partnership with Signature Theatre is a mirror of the support it gives its other theatrical partners, such as the Royal Court’s International Playwrights programme, which nurtures and mentors young playwrights across the world.
The current nine Residency Five playwrights are Annie Baker, Martha Clarke, Will Eno, Katori Hall, Quiara Alegría Hudes, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Lisa Kron, Kenneth Lonergan and Regina Taylor. Full details on each of the writers can be found here.
James Houghton, Founder of Signature Theatre commented:
“The Genesis Foundation has been changing lives since 2001 by nurturing young creatives with their vital and affirming support. Just as these budding artists are arriving on the scene John Studzinski and the Genesis Foundation provide the fundamental encouragement for them to dive fearlessly into their craft. This is a vision we at Signature share–to provide a home and the resources that allow our brave playwrights to challenge us all with their vital stories. We are indebted to John and the Foundation for providing such generous and essential support for our singular Residency Five program.”
For the latest news on the Genesis Foundation’s partnership with the Signature Theatre, click here.