Our Story

Founded on July 4, 1965, Long Wharf Theatre emerged during a pivotal moment in American theatre history—the regional theatre movement. Born out of a desire to create a world-class cultural institution, founders Jon Jory and Harlan Kleiman, two Yale School of Drama graduates, converted an unused space in an active food terminal along New Haven Harbor into a vibrant theatre. Their vision came to life with a powerful inaugural production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, setting the stage for what would become a cornerstone of American theatre.

Over the decades, Long Wharf Theatre has grown into a celebrated institution, renowned both nationally and internationally for its artistic innovation and world-class productions. With more than 400 productions to our name, we have been a creative home to some of the brightest luminaries in theatre, including Tony Kushner, Wendy Wasserstein, Paula Vogel, Billy Porter, and many others. Our commitment to bold, new work has established Long Wharf as a leading incubator for groundbreaking theatre, from world premieres to transformative productions that have reshaped the American theatre landscape.

Long Wharf Theatre’s dedication to the development of new work has been a defining feature of our history. We were one of the first regional theatres to produce Larry Kramer’s A Normal Heart in 1985, courageously addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis. Our partnership with actor and playwright Anna Deavere Smith in the 1990s brought forth powerful works like Fires in the Mirror and Let Me Down Easy, further solidifying our reputation as a champion of innovative storytelling. Many of our productions, including A.R. Gurney's Love Letters and David Rabe's Streamers, have transferred to Broadway, earning critical acclaim and prestigious awards.

Long Wharf Theatre’s influence extends beyond our productions; it is deeply rooted in our community. Projects like The Good Person of New Haven, which engaged nearly 500 Greater New Haven residents, exemplify our commitment to using theatre as a tool for community engagement and social change. Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Jacob G. Padrón and Managing Director Kit Ingui, we continue this legacy through initiatives like the Black Trans Women at the Center festival, which celebrates the voices and stories of Black trans women artists, ensuring that theatre remains a space for radical inclusion and empowerment.

Long Wharf Theatre’s impact on the theatre world has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Tony Award, three Pulitzer Prizes, and multiple Obie and Critics Circle Awards. Our productions have not only captivated audiences but have also set new standards in American theatre. In 2023, Artistic Director Jacob G. Padrón was named National Theatre Conference's Person of the Year, joining a prestigious list of theatre legends. As we move forward, Long Wharf Theatre remains committed to creating work that challenges, inspires, and endures.

Long Wharf Theatre has always been a theatre out front. Our pioneering spirit continues today with our new path forward. We have adopted a new producing model redefining the traditional theatre experience. This model reflects our commitment to making theatre more accessible and inclusive by taking performances beyond our physical space and directly into the communities we serve. By transforming unconventional spaces and leveraging digital platforms, we bring powerful stories to diverse audiences, breaking down barriers and fostering meaningful connections. This evolution in our approach aligns with our core values of Radical Inclusion and Kaleidoscopic Partnerships, allowing us to engage with our community in new and impactful ways. As we continue to explore and expand this model, Long Wharf Theatre remains at the forefront of reimagining the future of theatre.