Playwrights' Center 2019-20 Annual Report

2019-20 ANNUAL REPORT

2019-20 Jerome Fellow TyLie Shider introducing his play at the 2019 PlayLabs Playwriting Fellows Showcase. Photo by Paula Keller.

SUSTAIN

DEVELOP

CONNECT

Playwrights’ Center aims to provide full-circle support of playwrights and their work. We offer writers at all levels of their creative journey, from Pulitzer Prize–winners to beginners, the tools and resources they need to thrive. This includes stable and competitive compensation, generous fellowships, individually tailored development resources, professional growth opportunities, teaching experiences, and connections to our cohort of more than one hundred affiliated producing theaters across the country.

We reshape the theatrical landscape by championing a diverse group of playwrights, fostering their individual voices and craft, and connecting them with cultural organizations that showcase vibrant new work to audiences around the world. With the flexible, tailored support of Playwrights’ Center, writers are free to experiment boldly and dream without limits as they create thrilling work that celebrates our humanity and our shared future.

Core Writer Carlyle Brown performs his play The History of Religion. Photo by Paula Keller.

On the cover: Actor, playwright, and 2020–21 Many Voices Mentee Nora Montañez in rehearsal for Marisela Treviño Orta’s December, a part of the 2019–20 Ruth Easton New Play Series. Photo by Paula Keller.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission, Vision, and Values 5 Welcome Letter 6 Fellowships 8 Core Writers 10 Affiliated Writers 11 Year in Review

12–17

Afro-Atlantic Playwright Festival 13 PlayLabs Festival 14 Ruth Easton New Play Series 15 2020 Spring Season 16

The Regulars 19 Membership 20 University Programs and Partnerships

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Financial Review 22 Staff and Board of Directors

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Land Acknowledgement 25 Supporters 25

MISSION

VISION

VALUES

OUR MISSION Playwrights’ Center sustains, develops, and advocates for playwrights and their work to realize their full artistic potential.

OUR VISION Through the practice of inclusive theater-making, Playwrights’ Center fosters engagement towards an equitable, empathetic, and boundlessly imaginative world.

OUR VALUES Centering Artists We believe in the crucial role that playwrights and theatermakers play in witnessing the past, illuminating the present, and dreaming us forward. Our work is grounded in the needs, desires, and sustainability of the artists we support, prioritizing long-term artistic relationships.

Adaptability We recognize that playwriting processes are as diverse as the human beings pursuing them. We evolve our perspectives, practices, resources, and partnerships in order to stay relevant and responsive to artists’ needs.

Equity We continually interrogate our relationship to the word Equity. We support artists across all spectrums, with an emphasis on underrepresented and under-supported voices. We aim to uproot systemic inequities that inhibit creativity and focus on building new systems that center meaningful financial compensation. We understand this work to be intersectional and long-term, grounded in relationships and evolving anti-racist practices.

Inclusivity + Accessibility We proactively engage and welcome people of all abilities, ages, cultures, ethnicities, genders, incomes, races, religions, and sexual orientations. We intentionally engage artists locally, nationally, and internationally, working across a multitude of processes and aesthetics.

Advocacy We fight for a theater field in which playwrights and theatermakers not only survive but thrive. We are committed to modeling how institutions can authentically support the art of storytelling, and connect artists’ work to audiences around the globe.

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WELCOME

A letter from the Directors Playwrights’ Center was created as a refuge: an artistic home for playwrights to gather and share work. The spirit of our founding—serving a community of artists, embracing experimentation, and sharing stories that make a difference—guided us through 2020, a year like no other.

The 2019–20 season began by bringing us closer to a new community of writers through our first Afro-Atlantic Playwright Festival, created in partnership with Carlyle Brown & Company and the Camargo Foundation’s Cultural Diaspora Program. We also deepened our connection with artists through more than 55 developmental workshop readings, three PlayLabs presentations, and four Ruth Easton New Play Series readings. One additional Ruth Easton Series reading was on the slate until the COVID-19 pandemic shifted everyone’s plans. Among the new plays shared with audiences were Pan Genesis by Marvin González De León, a dark comedy that takes a piercing look at gender and tribe, and AUTHOR AUTHOR, a collaboration of veteran playwright and Core Writer Jeffrey Hatcher and actress and emerging writer Sandra Struthers.

As COVID-19 spread and theaters around the globe went dark, we quickly retooled for remote operations to meet the needs of our community. We launched a spring season within two weeks of closing our physical doors, providing more than 160 paid opportunities for theater artists from March through June 2020. Believing affordable healthcare for artists is crucial at any time, but especially critical during a worldwide pandemic, after years of planning, we offered health and wellness stipends for fellows for the first time. We also allocated dollars to support the health benefits of our other artistic collaborators like actors and directors during the pandemic.

The shift to online programming, while unexpected and abrupt, had notable silver linings: Playwrights’ Center events created opportunities for connection at an isolating time, and the events became accessible to geographically distant audiences.

The move to online operations contributed to growth in our membership. For the first time in the organization’s history, we served more than 2,200 members. It also allowed us to formalize Playwrights in Conversation programming and invite more people to hear playwrights’ thoughts about the craft and artistry that scaffolds their work. And we offered all of this programming to the public for free while paying the participating artists fair and equitable compensation.

After the murder of George Floyd in late May 2020, we joined our community in grieving and calling for change. As protestors took to the streets and businesses burned just blocks from our building, we postponed some events and created new ones that spoke directly to our immediate circumstances. We were proud to enter into a partnership with Tru Ruts and the incomparable local actor and director Shá Cage to commission an anthology of 50 Black Minnesota artists to reflect on the moment.

Through the generosity of foundations, corporate and government partners, and individual supporters like you, we can be nimble, resilient, and responsive—even through a year that demanded new, innovative strategies to fulfill our mission. You helped us strengthen our already 6

robust balance sheet—built on year-over-year surpluses—for the sixth consecutive season. You fueled our ability to best serve the Centers’ growing community of change-making artists. And even in this most challenging year, you committed to and contributed to our capacity campaign during the quiet phase. Your support has allowed us to plan with confidence as we envision what comes next.

Our future outlook is promising. We’re continuing to expand our local, national, and international impact, making the Playwrights’ Center—and the Twin Cities—a world-class leader in new-play development as the field reimagines itself post-pandemic.

With gratitude,

Jeremy B. Cohen Producing Artistic Director

Robert Chelimsky Managing Director

Tony Sarnicki and Mark Benninghofen perform in a reading of Betty Shamieh’s Malvolio, a part of the Ruth Easton New Play Series.

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FELLOWSHIPS In partnership with the McKnight Foundation and the Jerome Foundation, Playwrights’ Center fellowships provide more than $315,000 each year for residencies, commissions, and development funds. The competitive fellowships—which encompass a holistic constellation of financial and developmental support— illuminate the Center’s values. In 2019–20, twelve theater artists received fellowships.

Jerome Fellows and Many Voices Fellows spend a year living in the Twin Cities and working with the Playwrights’ Center artistic staff to build on their particular strengths and potential. They receive an $18,000 stipend and $2,500 in development funds to workshop new plays with professional directors, dramaturgs, and actors.

Many Voices Fellowships are awarded annually to earlycareer writers of color. The Many Voices Mentorships award Minnesota-based playwrights of color who are beginning their playwriting practice with individually curated writing and play development services and a $2,000 stipend.

The McKnight National Residency and Commission bolsters new work through a $15,000 commission, up to $12,250 in workshop funds, and travel and housing stipends. The McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting awards two Minnesota-based playwrights a $25,000 stipend, $2,500 to support play development and other professional expenses, and $1,400 in travel funds. The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship recognizes Minnesota theater artists (other than playwrights) whose work demonstrates exceptional artistic merit with a $25,000 award and access to $7,000 in development funds.

“Playwrights’ Center offers so much to young playwrights who are just learning about ourselves and our craft.

The exposure, the career counsel, and financial support that is offered is astounding and well-appreciated.”

—Candrice Jones, 2019-20 Many Voices Fellow

BY THE NUMBERS 356

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Total Fellows, Core Writers, and Affiliated Playwrights

$315,000+

Direct Financial Support to Fellows

Sun Mee Chomet

W. David Hancock

Morgan Holmes

McKnight Theater Artist Fellow

McKnight Fellow in Playwriting

Many Voices Mentee

Candrice Jones

Jim Lichtscheidl

Cristina Luzárraga

Many Voices Fellow

McKnight Theater Artist Fellow

Jerome Fellow

Courtney Meaker

Heather Raffo

Stacey Rose

Jerome Fellow

McKnight National Residency and Commission

McKnight Fellow in Playwriting

TyLie Shider

Kate Sutton-Johnson

Kit Yan

Jerome Fellow

McKnight Theater Artist Fellow

Many Voices Fellow

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CORE WRITERS The Core Writers program is open to emerging and established writers who demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment and commitment to playwriting. During the course of the three-year program, these 27 participants receive play development workshops at the Center, connections to producing theaters and universities, and potential opportunities to share their work in our public season.

Lee Blessing

Carlyle Brown

Gina Femia

Barbara Field

Rachel Jendrzejewski

Jake Jeppson

Marion McClinton

Daaimah Mubashshir

Ariel Stess

Andrea Stolowitz

AFFILIATED WRITERS Affiliated Writers represent some of the most esteemed writers to participate in our Fellowship and Core programs. These 314 playwrights remain closely allied with the Center’s community of artists.

We continually work to connect them to each other and the larger North American theatrical field.

Affiliated Writers are encouraged to take advantage of the resources we provide throughout their careers, including reapplying for fellowships and other programs.

IN MEMORIUM: MARION McCLINTON Marion McClinton passed away on November 28, 2019. As an actor, director, playwright, and mentor, Marion’s devotion to the art of theater was absolute. Helming productions for over 20 years, nationally and internationally, he was an Obie-award winner and a Broadway legend, nominated for a Tony, winning an Olivier and an Audelco. He was considered the premiere August Wilson director, directing several of August’s plays, from regional premieres to Broadway runs. His work later in life in Minnesota was heralded. He would often say it was his best work. He was hugely important to the Playwrights’ Center, one of only seven artists in the Center’s close to fifty-year history to receive lifetime support as a legacy Core Writer. “Legacy” is an apt term when talking about Marion, who had an immeasurable impact on the American and Twin Cities theater landscape.

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Darren Canady

Erin Courtney

Kim Euell

Emily Feldman

Marvin González De León

Allison Gregory

Dipika Guha

Jeffrey Hatcher

C.A. Johnson

Carson Kreitzer

Sofya Levitsky-Weitz

“Being in rehearsal, especially during this uncertain time, was an inspiring, energizing experience for me. I’m so grateful to Playwrights’ Center for running headfirst into the crisis. Knowing that I was not only going to be able to have a workshop but to be compensated gave me an incredible sigh of relief. I am so grateful they are my artistic home.”

—Gina Femia, Core Writer on her April 2020 online workshop and reading of THE VIOLET SISTERS

Kira Obolensky

John Olive

Marisela Treviño Orta

BY THE NUMBERS

$22,059 Direct Financial Support to Core and Affiliated Writers James Anthony Tyler

Ray Yamanouchi

Stefanie Zadravec

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2019-20 YEAR IN REVIEW

The 2019–20 season was filled with new endeavors to support artists and their work. The season began with the first Afro-Atlantic Playwright Festival. It continued with the 36th annual PlayLabs festival and the 15th Ruth Easton New Play series. As theaters shut down due to the global pandemic, Playwrights’ Center retooled its plans and developed additional programming; launching a 2020 spring season to support and connect artists during a most challenging time.

C Michael Menge, Shá Cage, and Thomasina Petrus perform in Femi Osofisan’s Not All Canoes Sail Back Home, as part of the first Afro-Atlantic Playwright Festival.

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2019-20 YEAR IN REVIEW

AFRO-ATLANTIC PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL July 2019 Presented by Playwrights’ Center in partnership with the Carlyle Brown & Company and Camargo Foundation’s Cultural Diaspora Program, the Afro-Atlantic Playwright Festival was curated by Core Writer Carlyle Brown and theater director Chuck Mike.

Made possible is part by the Venturous Theater Fund of the Tides Foundation, the festival examined conceptual and cultural facets of African diaspora studies and their impact on playwrights from around the world, including:

France-Luce Benson Deux Femmes On The Edge De La Revolution Part II July 12

Femi Osofisan Not All Canoes Sail Back Home: Maya, Maryse, And Efua In Nkrumah’s Ghana July 13

Zainabu Jallo We Take Care Of Our Own July 13

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2019-20 YEAR IN REVIEW PLAYLABS October 2019

PUBLIC READINGS AND WORKSHOPS BY THE NUMBERS

For more than 35 years, Playwrights’ Center’s PlayLabs Festival has been one of the nation’s most comprehensive new play development programs. Writers receive 30 workshop hours with a team of artistic collaborators of their choosing. Each play receives two public readings with days in between to revise and polish the work.

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NEW PLAY READINGS & WORKSHOPS

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PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

Dan O’Brien New Life October 21 & 26

Marvin González De León Pan Genesis October 23 & 26 “This workshop was pivotal to getting my play to its production-ready point.

The support from the Playwrights’ Center, from staff to artistic leaders to the entire community, is unrivaled in its true nurturing of the play and the playwright.”

Sofya Levitsky-Weitz Cannabis Passover October 22 & 25

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W. David Hancock, Candrice Jones, Cristina Luzárraga, Courtney Meaker, Heather Raffo, Tylie Shider, and Kit Yan Playwriting Fellows Showcase October 27

—Sofya Levitsky-Weitz on PlayLabs Workshop og Cannabis Passover

2019-20 YEAR IN REVIEW THE RUTH EASTON NEW PLAY SERIES December 2019 – April 2020 Honoring actress Ruth Easton and her commitment to theater, The Ruth Easton New Play Series, presented in partnership with the Ruth Easton Fund of the Edelstein Family Foundation, invites five selected playwrights to develop a new play with artistic collaborators. Each project has 20 hours of paid workshop time and is shared with audiences on two nights. Two public readings allows writers to make tweaks between presentations—and hear their play in the company of two different audiences.

PUBLIC READINGS AND WORKSHOPS BY THE NUMBERS

241

ACTOR CONTRACTS

Marisela Treviño Orta December December 9 & 10

Betty Shamieh Malvolio February 3 & 4

Jeffrey Hatcher & Sandra Struthers AUTHOR AUTHOR January 13 & 14

Darren Canady #ROYCE March 2 & 3

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DESIGNERS

3

COMPOSERS

2

MUSICIANS

Ray Yamanouchi Tha Chink-Mart April 6 & 7* *Due to COVID-19 restrictions, and in consultation with playwright Ray Yamanouchi, the public presentation of Tha Chink-Mart was canceled.

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2019-20 YEAR IN REVIEW THE SPRING SEASON March-June, 2020 When paid work for theater artists disappeared as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Playwrights’ Center took action to connect people with their communities and create income streams for theater artists who were out of work.

From March 30, 2020, through the end of the fiscal year, the Center created more than 160 paid opportunities for artists and brought programming to over 2,200 participants from across the country and around the world. The Center curated a new, all-online spring season that featured: •

regular weekly programming of new play readings

•

seminars, classes, and workshops taught by playwrights

•

weekly features written by playwrights

•

open conversations and panels with playwrights and theater practitioners

•

Member Open Play events, where writers read each others’ plays aloud and respond with constructive feedback

•

New Plays on Campus sessions for educators and students interested in playwriting

•

Writing Room Lunch Breaks for playwrights to connect and work together

•

open office hours with Playwrights’ Center artistic and membership staff, giving people a chance to connect, ask questions, and discuss best practices

Gina Femia The Violet Sisters April 3

Candrice Jones FLEX April 10

Erin Courtney Begin, Begin, Begin Again April 17 16

*After discussions with each artist, these events were postponed until the 2020–21 season, with the exception of Naomi Wallace’s One Flea Spare, which was cancelled.

2019-20 YEAR IN REVIEW SPRING SEASON: PUBLIC ONLINE PLAY READINGS

Stacey Rose Legacy Land April 24

Lee Blessing Hallow May 1

Carlyle Brown A Play by Barb and Carl May 8

Jake Jeppson No Cure May 15

C.A. Johnson I Know, I Know, I Know May 22

Allison Gregory The Loyals* May 28

Dipika Guha Getting There* May 29

Daaimah Mubashshir Room Enough (For Us All)* June 5

Naomi Wallace One Flea Spare* June 12

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2019-20 YEAR IN REVIEW SPRING SEASON: PLAYWRIGHTS IN CONVERSATION

Jessica Huang in the conversation The Art of the Note

Daniel Alexander Jones An Invitation to Your Practice April 2 Josh Wilder Breaking Down Structure and Rewriting Your Work April 7 & 14 Marvin González De León Will This Crisis Create Even More Inequity in the American Theater?

April 21 Jessica Huang The Art of the Note April 28

*After discussions with each artist, these events were postponed until the 2020–21 season.

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Seth Bockley, Mikhael Tara Garver, Laura Jacqmin, Drew Paryzer, David Israel Reynoso, and Jennine Willett Writing for Place and Space May 5 Kate Hamill, Rebuilding the American Theater May 12 José Rivera and Maíja Garcia in Conversation Presented in Partnership with FilmNorth and Dramatists Guild Foundation May 19 Sarah Gubbins, Jen Silverman, and Mfoniso Udofia Writing Across Mediums June 2* Jonatha Brooke Musical Musings and Rock ’n’ Roll June 16*

PARTNERSHIPS THE REGULARS Playwrights’ Center forges connections between playwrights and artistic leaders at over 110 producing organizations across the country.

These partnering theaters, known as The Regulars, collaborate with the Center to create invaluable opportunities for writers, including professional productions, commissions, residencies, and more—creating a vital path for new plays to move from page to stage.

BY THE NUMBERS

SELECTED PARTNERSHIPS IN THE 2019–20 SEASON 111 The Afro-Atlantic Festival with Carlyle Brown & Co. and Camargo Foundation

A Play by Barb and Carl

by Carlyle Brown with Illusion Theater

seven.years.of.shed.skin

by Haygen-Brice Walker with the University of Minnesota

FLEX by Candrice Jones with Actors Theater of Louisville

Legacy Land by Stacey Rose with Kansas City Rep

Untitled Lou Sullivan Play

by Basil Kreimendahl with Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Enrolled Regulars

13 Partner Projects

$40,138

A MOMENT OF SILENCE

Partnership Project Support

Following the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent uprising, and in converstion with our community, Playwrights’ Center felt it was critical to amplify artist responses to the moment. In partnership with local actor, director, and playwright Shá Cage and Twin Cities–based multidisciplinary art-making organization Tru Ruts, the Center helped launch A Moment of Silence: 50+ Black MN Voices in a Historical Moment of Transformation (BlackMNVoices.com). The anthology elevates and highlights Minnesota’s deeply talented and insightful community of Black artists and activists speaking up and speaking out when they’re needed most.

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MEMBERSHIP The Playwrights’ Center membership program—a worldwide network of more than 2,200 members— benefits the full spectrum of playwrights, from first-timers to experienced writers. Membership features a collection of robust resources that help members hone their skills, their stories, and their careers: seminars and classes, access to experienced actors for private new play development readings, one-onone dramaturgical support, member-centered play readings and feedback sessions, and connection to the world’s largest and most curated database of play submission opportunities.

Membership is $8 per month or $75 per year—and, in some cases, free for those without means. It’s an affordable, nurturing way for playwrights to access support, advance their craft, and build community.

During the pandemic, Playwrights’ Center offered free memberships to more artists than ever before.

The Center also removed the paywall for the Playwriting Toolkit, providing online access to invaluable resources with everyone.

2019–20 MEMBERSHIP BY THE NUMBERS

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2,229

660

7

23

224

MEMBERS

PLAY SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITIES

MEMBER STAGE READINGS

SEMINARS/ CLASSES

NPOC MEMBERS

918

21

270

22

36

SEMINARS/ CLASSES ATTENDEES

OPEN PLAY SESSIONS

OPEN PLAY SESSION PLAYWRIGHT ATTENDANCE

1-ON-1 DRAMATURGY SESSIONS

NPOC SCHOOLS

UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS Playwrights’ Center fosters future playwrights by connecting students and educators to some of the best playwrights at work in the field. In 2019–20, we further invested in our commitment to education by planting the seeds of a new university courses program.

NEW PLAYS ON CAMPUS New Plays on Campus (NPOC) is an institutional membership program that connects the next generation of playwrights and their faculty mentors with professional playwrights and their work. NPOC members can access online playwriting seminars, script-matching services, and playwright residencies in the form of on-site commissions, teaching, or direct collaborative work with students. Member schools also nominate students to participate in the Core Apprenticeship program.

UNIVERSITY COURSES In February 2020, Playwrights’ Center entered a groundbreaking partnership with Augsburg University to offer, beginning in Fall 2020, online, university-accredited courses taught by the Center’s cohort of top-tier, working playwrights, creating unparalleled arts education access for aspiring writers and offering them a global network of artistic peers.

CORE APPRENTICESHIPS In partnership with the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, the Core Apprenticeship program pairs three student playwrights with professional playwright mentors. In addition to the ninemonth mentorship, each student receives a 12-hour new-play development workshop.

“The Playwrights’ Center’s commitment to nurture new and undiscovered voices makes way for exceptional new stories to exist for the American stage.”

—Gursimrat Kaur, 2019–20 Core Apprentice

THE 2019–20 CORE APPRENTICES Gursimrat Kaur University of Texas at Austin Mentored by Mfoniso Udofia Taylor Rankin Northwestern University Mentored by Lydia Diamond

Producing Artistic Director Jeremy B. Cohen, First Lady of Minnesota Gwen Walz, and Director of University Programs and Partnerships Sarah Myers at a March 9, 2020 reception celebrating the newly formalized University Courses partnership with Augsburg University.

Aaron Ricciardi Indiana University Mentored by Taylor Mac 21

FINANCES FINANCIAL REVIEW We marked the Center’s sixth consecutive year of deliberate growth supported by durable, incremental improvement in financial position in FY20. In fact, while fiscal year 2020 was singular in the type and degree of unexpected challenges, Playwrights’ Center ended the year with the strongest balance sheet in its history.

It is a testament to the organization’s resilience as we withstood fluctuations in the economy overall and within our field specifically. That core financial strength, managed by our nimble team, guided by an unshakeable dedication to mission, allowed us to show up for artists in crisis in a time when most lacked the resources to do so.

In FY20, we spent 25.5% more in supporting artists and artistic development over the previous year. We also continued to diversify our income. Between FY15 and FY20, earned income increased by 84.5%, our unrestricted net assets grew by 32.8% over those six years, and individual giving was up by 791.7%.

Our ability to meet the evolving needs of the artists we serve would not be possible without the ongoing support of our institutional and government partners. Continued philanthropic investment in the Playwrights’ Center’s mission ensures the playwrights—our storytellers, our truth tellers—receive the support they need today and for years to come.

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UNRESTRICTED REVENUE 33% GROWTH FY20

$1,617,393

FY15

$1,217,495

INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS 792% GROWTH FY20 FY15

$527,734 $59,181

EARNED REVENUE 85% GROWTH FY20

$196,483

FY15

$106,493

FINANCES INCOME BREAKOUT FOR FY20

Partnerships 0.8%

Memberships 7.6%

Other Earned 1.5%

FY20

Unrestricted Net Assets Foundation 42.5% Events & Individuals 26.6%

Corporate 1.1%

$2,302,808

Money Supporting Artists and Artistic Development Government 19.8%

$1,182,990

EXPENSE BREAKOUT FOR FY20

Facility 4.2%

Increase in Money Supporting Artists and Artistic Development from Prior Year

Capacity Campaign & Capital Project 8.1% Artistic/ Program Staff 29.6%

General Operations 15.4%

Administrative & Support Staff 18.7%

$240,599

Fellows & Playwrights 13.8% Artistic Program Expenses 10.1% 23

BOARD AND STAFF PLAYWRIGHTS’ CENTER STAFF† Jeremy B. Cohen, Producing Artistic Director Robert Chelimsky, Managing Director Alayna Barnes, Membership and Development Coordinator Julia Brown, Artistic Programs Manager Hayley Finn, Associate Artistic Director Kathleen Hansen, Accountant H. Adam Harris, Education Coordinator Katie Hey, Director of Development Jasmine Johnson, General Manager Hannah Joyce, Director of Membership Programs Daniel Alexander Jones, Many Voices Program Mentor Emily Matthees, Executive Staff Administrator Sarah Myers, Education Programs Manager Daniel Rech, Director of Marketing and Communications Whitney Rowland, Institutional Development Manager Sonitha Tep, Marketing Communications Graphic and Media Designer Erica Christie, Artistic and Administrative Apprentice snem DeSellier, Artistic and Administrative Apprentice Sunny Thao, Artistic and Administrative Apprentice

2019–20 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Carla Paulson, President Barb Davis, Vice President Adam Rao, Treasure Maura Brew, Secretary Jeffrey Bore Carlyle Brown Geoffrey Curley Karl Gajdusek Mary Beidler Gearen

Jodi Grundyson Jeff D. Hedlund Charlyne Hovi David Kim Becky Krull Kraling Annie Lebedoff Mark Perlberg Harrison David Rivers

Christopher Schout Paul Stembler Steve Strand Harry Waters Jr. Ginger Wilhelmi Michael Winn Jeremy B. Cohen, ex officio Robert Chelimsky, ex officio

†Denotes the current staff of the Playwrights’ Center, with the exception of the Many Voices Program Mentor and the 2019–20 Artistic and Administrative Apprentices.

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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Playwrights’ Center acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the Dakota People and we also honor the Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe) People of this land. We offer our gratitude to this land for the privilege of gathering and sharing stories, and for the work of Native and Indigenous activists—past, present, and future—who steward this land and challenge us to be partners rather than owners of this land. Playwrights’ Center is working to decolonize our spaces and practices, to eliminate systemic barriers placed upon Native people, and to work toward addressing reconciliation.

We reaffirm our commitment to learning how best we can continue to advocate alongside our Native communities, and we invite each of you to do the same and to learn about and support some of the incredible Native organizations here in the Twin Cities.

Learn more at pwcenter.org/land-acknowledgement

SUPPORTERS THANK YOU The Playwrights’ Center gratefully acknowledges community collaborators and funding partners who support our mission to sustain, develop, and advocate for playwrights and their work to realize their full artistic potential.

The following organizations and individuals represents an alphabetized list of contributing partners throughout the 2020 fiscal year (July 1, 2019–June 30, 2020).

ORGANIZATIONS Actors’ Equity Foundation, Inc. Alma AmazonSmile ArtSpace Projects, Inc. Boss Foundation Bush Foundation City of St. Paul Dual Citizen Brewing Co. Faegre Drinker Foundation France 44 Wines & Spirits GiveMN Jerome Foundation KNOCK, Inc. Local Initiatives Support Corporation McKnight Foundation

Minnesota State Arts Board National Endowment for the Arts Network for Good Patrick & Aimee Butler Family Foundation Piper Sandler & Co The Ruth Easton Fund of the Edelstein Family Foundation Seagate Technology LLC Securian Financial Foundation The Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust The Head Family Foundation The Shubert Foundation Trader Joe’s US Bank Foundation Venturous Theater Fund of the Tides Foundation

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SUPPORTERS INDIVIDUALS Elissa Adams and Michael Margulies Rebecca Adelsheim Aravind Enrique Adyanthaya Monika Albrecht Janet Allen Danielle Amato Valetta Anderson Eric Anderson and Roger Beck Linda Anderson Willette and Jan Willette Hattie Andres Anonymous (13) Howard J. Ansel Liz Appel Ricky Araiza Mark Armstrong Amy Attaway Karen Bachman and Robert Fisch Todd Brian Backus Margaret Baldwin James Edward Ball Jason Ballweber Carol Barnett Patricia Barrier In memory of Susan Barton Mary Beidler Gearen* Katie Bender Benjamin Benne France-Luce Benson Barry Berg and Walter Tambor Angela and George Bernhardt Ann M. Biggar Walter Bilderback Jeannette and Jeffrey Bineham Toni Nebel Bjorklund and Lee Bjorklund Sarah and Matt Chaplin Jane Blanch Lee Blessing and Melanie Marnich Deborah Block Raymond Bobgan dik Bolger and Carmen Gutierrez-Bolger Susan Booth 26

Jeffrey Bores* and Michael Hawkins Art Borreca Marshall Botvinick Marc Boucai Risa Brainin George Brant and Laura Kepley Kate Brennan Peter and Maura* Brew Jasmine Brooks Peter Brosius and Rosanna Staffa Robert P. and Debbie A. Brown Carlyle Brown* and Barbara Rose-Brown Mary and Mike Burke Bob and Carolyn Bye Ryan Campbell Darren Canady Liz Carlson Juliette Carrillo Cristina Florencia Castro Caroline Chang David Chelimsky and Flor Pinho Robert and Emily Chelimsky Harriet Chessman James and Julie Chosy Todd Clasen Kristin Clippard Allene Cohen Jeremy Cohen and Michael Elyanow Kimberly Colburn Curt Columbus Susan Conley De Castro Caity Cook Cindy Cooper Jeanne Corwin Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig Hal Cropp Migdalia Cruz Geoffrey M. Curley* and Associates Brian Dang Sean Daniels Barbara Davis

SUPPORTERS Fran Davis Philip Dawkins Marvin Gonzalez De Leon Ed Decker Robin DeCourcy John DeLaire Bart DeLorenzo Sheila DeSellier Annalisa Dias Matt DiCintio Dan Dietz Tyler Dobrowsky Mary Dolan Andrew Dominus Robert Dorfman Aaron Todd Douglas Marilyn J. Doyle Denise Dreher Robert C Droddy Charlie Dubach-Reinhold Julie Felise Dubiner Bonnie S. Dudovitz and Jean K. Quam Mary Easter Paul Eiding Erika and Nathan Eklund Peter Ellenstein Scott Elyanow Adam Rao* and Elizabeth Emery Liz Engelman Jill Engeswick Nancy Engh Robert P. Englund Kim Euell Matthew Everett Benjamin Fainstein Diane Faissler Lesley Ferris Barbara Field Nancy Finn Leigh Flayton Peter Fleck and Mary Weber Vanessa Flores Lydia Fort

Tiffa Foster Seth Freeman Beth Gaede Larissa Kokernot and Karl Gajdusek* Michael John Garces Chris Garza Annette Gavens John Geelan and Megan Feeney Peter Gil-Sheridan Greg Giles and Teresa West Robin Gillette Jay Gilman Rita Giomi Carolyn Goelzer Jacqueline Goldfinger Chelle and Mike Gonzo Ain Gordon Donna Gordon Hallie Gordon Judy Goss Karen Grabow and Keith Halperin Carol Grady Elizabeth Grant Loretta Greco Rachel Greene and Victor Perazzoli Hannah Greenspan D.W. Gregory Allison Gregory Polly Brown Grose Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation Jeffrey Grover Josh and Pamela Gruber Jodi Grundyson* Janet Allen and Joel Grynheim Hunter Gullickson Tessa Gunther and Scott Hagg Matt Haar Lili Hall and Andrea Scarpa Scott Halle Christina Ham Michael Haney Adrien-Alice Hansel Kathleen Hansen 27

SUPPORTERS Craig Harris and Candy Kuehn Rossi and Penelope Snipper Allan Havis Dan Hedlund and Robin Preble Jeff Hedlund* and Amy Apperson Peter Heeringa John Heimbuch W. Blake and Erin Herron Katie Hey Roger Purdy and Janet Hey Jessi Hill Kim Hines Cory Hinkle Thang and Randy Holt Harriet Horwitz Jessie Houlihan* Charlyne Hovi* Gabrielle Hoyt Branden Huldeen John Humphrey Robert Hybben Kristin Idaszak Adam Immerwahr J. Lynn Jackson Walt Jacobs Laura Jacqmin Lavina Jadhwani Andrew and Amy Jendrzejewski Rachel Jendrzejewski and Theo Goodell Julie Jensen Mark Jensen Jonathan Jensen* Jake Johansen Bruce and Jean Johnson Lauren Johnson Margaret Johnson Ross Johnson Michaela Johnson Kate Sutton Johnson Pat Johnston Janet Jones and Rob Reul Jeremy Jones Candrice Jones 28

Kate Jopson Suzanne Joyce Jessica Jung Dr. Art Kaemmer Bobbi and Louis Kaplan Rachel Karpf Mervyn Kaufman Daisuke Kawachi Marcella Kearns Sara Keats Alex Keegan Miriam and Erwin Kelen Lily Kelting Patrick Kennedy Bobby Kennedy Anne-Lynn Kettles Adeeb Khalid and Cheryl Duncan David Kim* Willard Kitchen Kelly Kitchens Mary Louise Klas Laurence Klavan Jon Klein Andy Knight David Koehser and Nancy Dunnigan Mary T. Kokernot Aaron and Eric Komo Adam Kraar Jennifer Kranz Carson Kreitzer Neal and Abigail Kreitzer Sarah Krohn Rebecca Krull Kraling* and James Kraling Jessica Kubzansky Anita Kunin Joseph Kuznik Alex Kveton Fiona Kyle Mr. and Mrs. Chad M. Larsen/Larsen Fund Jenny Larson Jack Lavey Nicole Le Kristin Leahey

SUPPORTERS Annie Lebedoff* Sally and Jonathan Lebedoff Barbara Lebow Laura Leffler Sigrun Leonhard Rachel Lerner-Ley Seth Levin and Mia Nosanow Sofya Levitsky-Weitz Edith Leyasmeyer MaryAnn Lippay Kanee and Stephen Kanee Family Fund Doug and Mary Logeland Karen Hartman and Todd London Tim J. Lord Emily Simon and Nathan Lucero Raymond Luczak Sarah Lunnie Larissa Lury Mark Lutwak and Y York Cristina Luzárraga Beth MacDonald Tara Mallen Jess Malone David Manderson Bruce Manning and Tricia Cornell Susan Marrash-Minnerly Raphael Martin Jeff Masco Timothy Mason Rachel May Marina McClure Judy McConnell Linda McDonald David McNeil Laural Meade Courtney Meaker Jennifer Melin Miller and David Miller Chaz Mena Lynne Menturweck Ellen Merlin Kelly Miller Chip Miller Susan Miller

Lara Miller Tyler Mills Meg Miroshnik Lucy Mitchell Patricia Mitchell David and Leni Moore Family Foundation Lacey Morgan Ian Morgan Mina Morita Anna Morton Allie Moss Firouzeh Mostashari Daaimah Mubashshir Faye Knowles and Douglas Muirhead Amy Muse Miriam Must Adam Natale Wendy Nelson Isabel Nelson Haley Nelson Jon Neuse and K.C. Foley Jon Newman and Brooks Christensen Rebecca Noon, in honor of Daisuke Kawachi Douglas Nopar Mary Ann Nord and Christopher Reeves Jennifer and Joe Novak John O’Connor Bridget Kathleen O’Leary Kira Obolensky and Irve Dell James Empson and Cheryl Olseth Tonja Orr Nick Orvis Rose Oser Sylvan Oswald Timothy J. Pabst and Dana Lindsay Jamie Pachino Liliana Padilla Tanya Palmer Kristen Palmer Christian Parker William Parry Stacey Parshall JoAnne Pastel 29

SUPPORTERS Peter and Carla* Paulson Family Fund James A. Payne Ellen Morgan Peltz Emily Penick Diane and Mark* Perlberg Barb and Rick Person James and Susan Peterson Beth and Wes Pfeifer Cara Phipps Daniel Pinkerton Shelli Place Jason Gray Platt Eric Polizer Toni Press-Coffman Faye Price Denise Prosek and Milton Ferris Jordan Puckett Victoria Pyan Charlie Quimby and Susan Cushman The Racciatti Family Fund Amrita Ramanan Rudy Ramirez Noël Raymond and Amy Finch Monica Raymond Alice Reagan Daniel Rech and Nicole DeBace-Rech Lawrence Redmond and Eddie Ellington Audray Rees Jessica Reese Savannah Reich Gab Reisman Jen Reiter Randy Reyes Sara Richardson Tlaloc Rivas Harrison David Rivers* and Christopher R. Bineham Julie Robbins Cliff Robinette Michael Robins Shannon Robinson Cait Robinson Melissa and Scott Rockman 30

Dámaso Rodriguez Charlene K. Roise Andrew Rosendorf Randall and Gail Ross Madeleine Rostami Mark Routhier Susie Rowland Whitney Rowland Candyce Rusk Courtney Sale Sarah Saltwick Megan Sandberg-Zakian Teresa Sapien Christina Saunders Jill Schafer Laura Schellhardt Luan Schooler Wayne Zink and Christopher Schout* Kate Schwartz Erika Schwichtenberg Buffy Sedlachek Adam and Mary Sellke Dan and Margaret Shulman Maureen Siliman Donald and Linda Silpe Jen Silverman Nancy Simon Merrie and Aaron Sjogren Jon Skaalan Sarah Slight Mat Smart Christopher G. Smith Isabelle Smith Jonathan Spector Philip Spensley Leah Spinosa de Vega* Joseph H Stanley and Lori Zook-Stanley Cecilia Stanton Adams* Jerrie Steele Carla Steen David Odenbach and John Stefany Susan C. Williams Mary Anne Ebert and Paul Stembler*

SUPPORTERS Ariel Stess Victoria Stewart Carol Stoddart Jeremy Stoller Andrea Stolowitz Marcia and John Stout Dana and Stephen Strand Sandra Struthers Seema Sueko John Sullivan Virginia Sundberg D’Angelos Svenkeson Caridad Svich Carl Atiya Swanson and Stacy Schwartz C. Denby Swanson Cláudia Tatinge Nascimento Ed McConaghay and Margaret Telfer Elizabeth Thimmesh and Matthew Johnson Melissa A. Thone RN Joy Tomasko Anne Towns Andrew Troth Stephen Troutman William Underwood and Christopher Everett Ken Urban Mark Valdez Ryan Volna Christine Wade Kate Walat John Walch Adrian Walker Eryn Warne Erin Washburn Donya K. Washington Harry Waters Jr.* and Thomas Borrup

Nicole A. Watson Wendy Weckwerth Daniel Weiner and Carl Roller Ruth Weiner Suzanne Weinstein and Danny Levey Weiser Family Foundation Barbara Weissberger Jenni Werner Megan West Alina Whatley Joan and Scott Wilensky Ginger Wilhelmi* Dawn Williams Alexis Williams Sheri Wilner Jamie Wilson and David Ericson Michael Winn* Molly Winstead Gary Winter Debra Wise Gavin Witt Elizabeth Wong Joan Heule Wright and Jeffrey Wright Scott and Pam Wright Margaret VB Wurtele Ray Yamanouchi Kit Yan Deborah Yarchun Rhiana Yazzie Laura Zabel and Levi Weinhagen Deborah Zanish and Daniel Danielson José Zayas Jared Zeigler Jane Zilch Laura Zimmermann Susan Zwickey *denotes board member

On the back cover: Miriam Schwartz performs in Sofya Levitsky-Weitz’s Cannabis Passover, as part of the PlayLabs New Play Festival.

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