THE DEFINITIVE HOME FOR AMERICAN PLAYWRITING
Primary Stages is dedicated to inspiring, supporting, producing, and sharing the art of playwriting. We operate on the strongly held belief that the future of American theater relies on nurturing playwrights and giving them the support they need to fully realize their vision. Since our founding in 1984, we have produced more than 135 new plays. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or are just joining us on our journey, ours is a passionate community of artists, students, and patrons. This is your Off-Broadway Home.
A HOME FOR THEATER ARTISTS
We encourage collaboration, mentorship, and community among emerging and established artists.
Mainstage Season Shows produced at our new artistic home, 59E59 Theaters. Over 35 years of new works celebrating playwrights visions.
Primary Plus Developmental Reading Series Readings designed to support writers in the early stages of their work.
Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group Bringing together emerging playwrights to create new work.
Tow Foundation Playwright-in-Residence Jiehae Park is our 2019/2020 Playwright-in-Residence.
A HOME FOR THEATER EDUCATION
For over 11 years, we've offered classes for playwrights, actors, and directors in all stages of their careers.
Einhorn School of Performing Arts (ESPA) Award-winning classes focused on a family of instructors and artists.
Teenwrights Playwriting Program A free after-school program offered at high schools throughout New York City.
Internship Program The opportunity to develop practical skills while creating relationships with artists and administrators.
Fordham/Primary Stages MFA in Playwriting Students train with renowned writers, producers, and dramaturgs, while exploring the theater community.
A HOME FOR ALL NEW YORKERS
Regardless of financial means or the availability of comprehensive arts education, Primary Stages is for everyone.
Free Student Matinees Serving over 1,400 NYC public high school students each year.
Off-Broadway Oral History Project An online video archive featuring personal accounts from influential artists.
Discount Ticket Initiatives Including Rush Tickets, Group Discounts, and more.
Accessibility Initiatives Including wheelchair access, assisted listening devices, and more.
Primary Stages is continuing to deepen our understanding of and commitment to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Justice within our administrative staff and institution.
We appreciate being called-in to this essential work, which requires continuous improvement to ensure the relevancy and vitality of the American theater. We take responsibility for our past and present actions and inactions. We have missed opportunities for improvement, but are committed to learning, changing and evolving. We acknowledge that systemic racism has permeated the theater industry, including our 36-year history, and look toward a future of deeper understanding and action.
We are currently working on a comprehensive Code of Community and action plan to specifically outline what we willimplement and the environment we intend to cultivate. While we are working on this living document, please know that we aretaking accountability and creating a community that is safe, transparent, accessible, and equitable for all.
Primary Stages is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive space for all individuals, including artists, staff, students, educators, audiences, and patrons, as we support artists at every level of their career to take risks and flourish safely in order to create new work.