The Playwrights Program

Overview

Every year DVRF sponsors the development and presentation of exciting new works by playwrights in New York City. 

Beginning in 2023, we have shifted the focus of the Program away from a single 29-hour presentation into a series of smaller developmental readings. We view this as an expansion of our successful Round Table Series into our main programming. 

Given the expense and difficulty of both casting and booking space for readings, it can be prohibitive for young writers to hear their work out loud and to elicit feedback. Yet this is a crucial stage in the revision of new work and the generation of fresh ideas. It is our hope that, in removing this financial burden from the writer, and organizing presentations of their work, they will be able to continue polishing their scripts and bringing them closer to a state where they are ready to be produced and seen by a broader audience.

Structure

Readings will be organized into small cohorts, selected by our staff. All readings will take place at the DVRF loft, and will be structured according to the needs of the individual writer. Professional casting services will be offered for each script.

Please note that at the moment the Playwrights Program is by invitation only, and we are not accepting unsolicited submissions at this time.

Going forward we hope to continue adding to our developmental play programming, with the goal of assisting promising writers and works deserving of public notice.

2023 Readings: “Somebody’s Body” (C.A. Johnson); “Stable Folk” (Dan O’Neil)
2024 Readings: “Everything I Learned in America, I Learned on Grindr” (Yilong Liu); “SNORE” (Max Posner)

DVRF was also pleased to help develop and co-produce the initial run of the critically-acclaimed and 2024 Drama Desk nominated production of Uncle Vanya, directed by Jack Serio, as part of its play programming.

Previous works developed and presented for the Playwrights Program:
2019-22 - “In Sisters We Trust” by Justine Gelfman | Directed by Susanna Wolk
2018/19 - “Dirty Dirty” by Amy Gijsbers van Wijk | Directed by Sarah Krohn
2017/18 - "The Excavation of Mary Anning" by Ian August | Directed by Sammi Cannold
2016/17 - "Thirst" by C.A. Johnson | Directed by Danya Taymor
2015 - "The Third Rail" by Jacob Perkins | Directed by Mark Schneider