My first visit to Playwrights Horizons was more than a decade ago and my only regret is that living in San Francisco I just don't get to see their productions as often as I'd like. Whether in previews or well into a production run, the performances I've seen at Playwrights are consistently among my best theater experiences in New York. It's almost a reason to move from California. Almost. :)
I love PH as I can see my money literally in action! Their productions are always interesting and entertaining. Since their mission is to develop new works, I know I'll be seeing something I've never seen before. As icing on the cake, they treat their patrons like royalty.
Secretary to a Playwrights Horizons Trustee and Playwrights Horizons subscription-holder for at least 12 years. Where do I start? Certainly, I wouldn’t miss a production – fascinating variety of plays, beautifully staged, top-notch acting and direction, two gorgeous theaters in a terrific new building. I am always confident in bringing a guest to what is sure to be a stimulating (and highly-regarded) evening at the theater. The excellence of PH season after season is not surprising as it is run by an amazing group of people, sincerely dedicated to nurturing talented playwrights and bringing important new works to a discerning audience. My interactions are most often with the good folks in Development. A lively, creative, helpful and gracious group! They go out of their way to make sure their donors and supporters (and Trustees’ secretaries!) know just how much they are valued and appreciated.
I feel lucky to have worked at Playwrights Horizons. Everyone on staff feels pride for and loyalty to the organization and its mission. As a result, the energy of the working environment is positive and warm. Playwrights is also exceptionally well-managed. Now, I see the work (the productions) from the other side, as an audience member and donor, and I am continually impressed not only by their quality, from writing to set design, but also by how fully each production embodies the organization's mission.
I was first introducted to Playwrights Horizons in November when I attended the fundraiser, Stories on 5 Stories: The Elephant in the Room. I was blown away by the event! From a creative perspective, it was imaginative, innovative and exciting, and it was incredibly well planned and executed. I loved the theater and have made it a point to see two productions since: Circle Mirror Transformation in January and Clybourne Park just last weekend. Again I was impressed with the quality of the shows from the writing to casting to acting to costumes to the sets. I am a huge supporter of Playwrights Horizons and look forward to continuing my patronage.
This organization is one of the best in its kind! The material is so complex and entertaining! The staff is dedicated and professional and fun. I love this place.
produce first rate performances. dedication to providing a forum for theatre talent and entertaining the theatre-going public with smart, challenging productions.
As the spouse of a staff member, I might be accused of being biased towards Playwrights, but as anyone who knows me will say, I'm almost brutally forthright and honest. That said, I've seen most of the shows produced at PH for the last 6 years. While not every show was fantastic, every production shows the immense amount of time and energy the staff devotes to fulfilling the mission of the theatre. In pursuit of that mission, PH takes risks, fosters emerging talent, and provides amazing opportunities for staff, cast and crew alike. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to partake in the adventure of new theatre and to be part of Playwrights' family.
The 2009/2010 season at Playwrights Horizons has been thought-provoking and entertaining. It's always a wonderful theatre experience. The staff is first-rate, and the performances are engaging.
PH's plays are interesting, topical & thought provoking & I've had a subscription for years. recently I started working as a volunteer for its Gala & silent auction and gotten access to its hard-working, top-notch and dedicated fundraising staff as well as to some of its operating execs. It's been a great experience.
I've been lucky enough to experience Playwrights Horizons from many sides: audition reader, understudy, spouse of a staff member, faithful audience member and proud patron. The organization is a close knit family and pride and passion pervade everything they do. Where some organizations chase trends and lose sight of themselves, PH has always stayed true to its mission and identity, producing new works, fostering new voices and enriching both NYC and the theater community at large.
I was a 2008-2009 Playwrights Horizons Directing Resident. There are many programs designed for directors on the cusp of receiving a show of their own, or those who just need funds for a proposed project, but few make such a long-term investment in the growth of a fledgling director. Playwrights Horizons is a truly unique and special place and I am proud to be a member of the PH family!
I worked at Playwrights Horizons in the summer of 2008 as a Resident in the Literary Department, and my experience there was nothing short of fantastic. Not only is the organization and its staff committed to producing outstanding new work, but it is truly invested in the cultivation of emerging theatre artists. The Playwrights Horizons Theatrical Residency provided the cornerstone for my professional life in the theatre, and for that I will always be grateful. If anything, I hope this specific program continues to grow and expand so that individuals unable to support themselves on the daily stipend offered might one day enjoy the fantastic opportunity to work at such a remarkable institution.
I've been to two shows at Playwrights Horizons, "This" and "Clybourne Park". Both were fantastic, and I thought did an excellent job of capturing an aspect of American life. ("This" was about the issues facing 30 somethings "yuppies". "Clybourne Park" was about race relations in urban areas.) I got free tickets to "This", and my wife and I kind of went on a whim. The show was so great that we started looking for another opportunity to go back, and "Clybourne Park" did not disappoint.
Clybourne Park was a moving play and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it's wonderful what Playwrights Horizons is doing to help the artists that create these productions. And the 30 and under party afterwards was a lot of fun. I had such a great time that when I turn 31 I'm getting a fake ID just so I can get in.
I have attended many shows at Playwrights over the years and continue to be impressed with the high quality of work they produce. What an important organization for showcasing the strongest and most interesting new plays!
Playwrights Horizons is the gold standard for playwrights developing new work. I've never felt more supported and challenged. It's one of the few places left that truly supports and nurtures new work, instead of just railroading new work into satisfying its own needs. When I see a play there I know it's going to be a worthwhile experience and leave me inspired.
The staff and artists at Playwrights Horizons are spectacular. They are so warm, smart, positive, caring, and generous. Their kindness shapes the experience of all who enter their "family" - as an employee, audience member or artist. It's evident in all the work they do, from the theater they produce to the events they host, that they are the real deal! I feel so lucky to have started my New York career at this amazing theater!
Playwrights Horizons is a truly exceptional off Broadway theater at a time when off Broadway is in danger of falling off the map. Their work is consistently intellectually challenging, wildly entertaining, and beautifully produced. The best actors in New York are routinely seen on their stages, and their commitment to the new play--which is essential to a vital theater in America--is unparalleled. Tim Sanford is an excellent artistic director, nurturing all writers at all different stages of their career. Go see their plays! They are really great!