13P

13P (13 Playwrights, Inc.) was formed in 2003 by 13 midcareer playwrights concerned about what the trend of endless readings and new play development programs is doing to the texture and ambition of new American plays. The 13 playwrights of 13P are Sheila Callaghan, Erin Courtney, Madeleine George, Rob Handel, Ann Marie Healy, Julia Jarcho, Young Jean Lee, Winter Miller, Sarah Ruhl, Kate E. Ryan, Lucy Thurber, Anne Washburn, and Gary Winter.

Together, the collective realized full productions of new plays. The resources of the company were placed at the disposal of the playwright at work, who served as the company’s artistic director during the production of her play.

At their first gathering began fall 2003, they chose the order of their 13 productions. The process for each production begins with a meeting between the playwright, executive producer, and managing director. The playwright was asked to dream out loud about her ideal venue, director, cast, and other collaborators for the play. 13P oriented itself around each playwright within the framework: The artistic director took full artistic responsibility for the company during her tenure, and they made every effort to realize the playwright’s wishes.

Awarding 13P an OBIE in 2005, the committee wrote, “Not since Circle Repertory have we seen playwrights in New York forging a home for each other.”

Last Updated: July 1, 2013