The residency, the first of its kind at the theatre, will afford the burgeoning company three full-scale productions in its inaugural year.

The four artists who created Lesser America presented the original play Keep Your Baggage With You (at all times), which was written by Blitstein and directed by Talbott, at Theater for the New City in 2010.

In a statement Blitstein said, "Theater For the New City is such an inspiring downtown institution and we’re honored to have the opportunity to put up our new work there. There’s a buzz going on in the East Village, and it truly feels like the neighborhood is the new epicenter of off-off-Broadway. We’re delighted that Crystal Field, Mark Marcante and Jon Weber see the potential of our group to add to that community."

Crystal Field, artistic director of Theater For the New City, added, "Theater For the New City's mission is to nurture and develop writers for the American Stage. This fledgling group of writers and artists, coming together under the banner Lesser America, is a true continuation of a history that spanned Richard Foreman, Irene Fornes, Harvey Fierstein, Tim Robbins, Charles Busch, Mabou Mines, Romulus Linney and so many more. Young writers need a place to experiment, stretch their talents and bear their souls in an atmosphere free from censorship or commercial constraints. At the same time, they need to grow in Artistic Strength, have final say in all aspects of the production of their plays and learn how to protect their art as they enter the commercial arena. That is the place of Theater for the New City in the History of American Playwriting. We are pleased to welcome Lesser America into the TNC Family."

For more information visit www.lesseramerica.com.