KEEN PLAYWRIGHTS LAB

Each year, the Keen Playwrights Lab brings together three mid-career playwrights to develop new full-length plays that uphold Keen's mission to provoke identification, reflection, and emotional connection.

Launched in 2014 by founding Director of New Work Mark Armstrong and current Artistic Director Jonathan Silverstein, the Lab's mission is two-fold: to make Keen a home for new plays that speak deeply to our mission and vibrantly to the present moment; and to help address the dearth of development support for American playwrights who have evolved out of early-career status into the trenches of mid-career. 

Under the leadership of Jeremy Stoller, Keen Company’s current Director of New Work, the writers meet monthly to share, discuss, and develop work with their peers in a relaxed and supportive environment. The Playwrights Lab culminates with readings of these works in progress, attended by the Keen community, the theater industry, and the general public.

2022 KEEN PLAYWRIGHTS LAB

2021 KEEN PLAYWRIGHTS LAB: YEAR 8

2020 KEEN PLAYWRIGHTS LAB : YEAR 7

2019 KEEN PLAYWRIGHTS LAB : YEAR 6

2018 KEEN PLAYWRIGHTS LAB : YEAR 5

2017 KEEN PLAYWRIGHTS LAB : YEAR 4

2016 KEEN PLAYWRIGHTS LAB : YEAR 3

2015 KEEN PLAYWRIGHTS LAB : YEAR 2

2014 KEEN PLAYWRIGHTS LAB : YEAR 1

THE KEEN PLAYWRIGHTS LAB SELECTION PROCESS

Our process for selecting writers for our mid-career playwrights lab is shaped both by our size as an organization, and by our goals for the program. 

First off, what do we mean by 'mid-career'? We are looking for writers who have been working in the field for over a decade, have some professional productions under their belt, and have therefore phased out of eligibility for the abundance of resources earmarked for early-career writers. Their body of work should demonstrate a strong artistic voice and include plays that are consistent with Keen’s mission.

We actively seek out candidates for our Lab, rather than soliciting submissions. This invitation-only approach places the responsibility on us to be rigorous in our research and thoughtful regarding the equity and inclusivity of the Lab. It also minimizes the burden on writers in consideration: we reach out to writers we believe would be a good fit for the Lab, meet to discuss the program, and if it seems like a good match, we offer them a spot in the following year's cohort.