Public Theater Announces 2009 Emerging Writers Group Participants

By Adam Hetrick
04 Feb 2009

D.S.A. Deen, Mona Mansour and Jordan Seavey are among the playwrights selected for the Public Theater's 2009 Emerging Writers Group.

The second annual Emerging Writers Group participants were culled from 400 applicants who applied for the program, which nurtures playwrights in the early stages of their careers. The Emerging Writers Group is part of the Public's ongoing Writers Initiative, which supports playwrights at various stages in their careers.

The ten selected writers for the 2009 group include J. Julian Christopher, D.S.A. Deen, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Bridget Kelso, Mona Mansour, Vickie Ramirez, Jordan Seavey, Alena Smith, Kevin Christopher Snipes and Lauren Yee.

"These brilliant, fierce writers are the future of American theater," said Public artistic director Oskar Eustis in a statement. "We are proud to make them part of the Public family."

The selection committee included Oskar Eustis, artistic director; Mandy Hackett, associate artistic director; Liz Frankel, literary associate and other full-time Public artistic staff.

In addition to receiving a $3,000 stipend, the playwrights participate in a biweekly writers group helmed by associate artistic director Mandy Hackett in conjunction with the Public's Literary Department, and attend master classes with established playwrights. Participants will also observe or assist playwrights in rehearsal for productions at the Public. The Public staff and various successful writers will provide developmental and artistic support.

The Emerging Writers will also present their works in at least one reading at The Public. They will receive complimentary tickets to Public performances as well as supplemental stipends for tickets to productions at other theatres.