Work in Development
Long Wharf Theatre is an artistic home for boundary-breaking artists and their innovative projects. Seeding, supporting, and producing new plays, musicals, and artistic experiments for our audiences is vital to what do. We hope to contribute to the expansion of the American theatre canon.
Our Development Process
We seek to form meaningful relationships with artists, support the development of their work, and move their projects towards production.
We are particularly interested in incubating new pieces that center artists whose stories have not often been championed in the American theatre, including BIPOC artists, disabled artists, LGBTQIA+ artists, women artists, immigrant artists, and more. We are interested in pieces that push form and feature innovative dramaturgy (as well as dramaturgies that fall outside of the “Western” canon). We are also eager to support projects that originate with artists other than playwrights, such as designers, directors, choreographers, dramaturgs, and more.
Our offerings are flexible, as we are committed to tailoring the process to suit the needs of each artist. We strive to be nimbly responsive to our artists’ goals.
Work in Development
Long Wharf Theatre is dedicated to nurturing new ideas and fostering emerging talent. These works are the innovative projects and experimental ideas currently being crafted by visionary playwrights and artists. Be part of the journey as these works evolve from concept to creation, and enjoy exclusive previews and developmental readings that provide a unique opportunity to engage with theatre's next big stories.
Isabel
by Reid Tang
Co-commission with NAATCO, The National Asian American Theatre Company
Like The Polar Bear Mom
by Rhiana Yazzie
Co-commission with Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre
Contributors
Dignity
Stranded on a deserted island, a washed-up performer attempts to put on one last show before the rising waters swallow him up.
Past Readings:
New York Stage and Film, August 4, 2024
Long Wharf Theatre, Sept 9-11 ,2022
Premiere
We are thrilled to present a dynamic lineup of new works that are set to captivate and inspire. Each premiere represents a unique vision and an exciting new chapter in the world of theatre.
From groundbreaking new plays to innovative adaptations, our premier productions showcase the bold voices and fresh perspectives shaping the future of the stage.
Unbecoming Tragedy: A Ritual Journey Toward Destiny
In the confines of a solitary prison cell, a failed actor grapples with the haunting truth of his condition. Denied hope and sleep, he finds solace in the sanctuary of his imagination, transforming his cell into the unlikeliest of stages. As he navigates the roles of his life, vulnerability and truth intertwine in a mesmerizing exploration of the human spirit.
5th Annual Black Trans Women at the Center: New Play Festival
Experience the next wave of new plays at the fifth annual Black Trans Women at the Center: Virtual New Play Festival! Witness the electrifying creativity and raw talent of Black trans women as they take center stage in a captivating digital showcase of new plays.
Led by the visionary Long Wharf Theatre Artistic Ensemble member, Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi, the festival will feature a staged streaming of her new work Shapeshifter. Witness the symphony of voice rising to claim their rightful place at the forefront of the theatrical landscape.
Past World Premieres
Known for its historic commitment to development of new work, Long Wharf Theatre has produced dozens of world premieres and many of our productions that began in New Haven transferred to Broadway, Off-Broadway, and theatres around the country.
We premiered A.R. Gurney's Love Letters, John Henry Redwood's The Old Settler, and Athol Fugard's Coming Home.
On The Grounds of Belonging
by Ricardo Pérez González
Performed on the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Theatre from Oct. 9 – Nov. 3, 2019
Fireflies
by Matthew Barber
Performed on the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Theatre from Oct. 11 - Nov. 5, 2017
The Most Beautiful Room in New York
Book & Lyrics by Adam Gopnik, Music by David Shire
Performed on the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Theatre from May 3 – 28, 2017
Subsequent productions:
• Under the new title Our Table: Concert performance, Feinstein’s 54 Below (New York, NY). Jan. 21, 2019
Napoli, Brooklyn
by Meghan Kennedy
Performed on the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Theatre from Feb. 15 – Mar. 12, 2017
Co-production and co-world premiere with Roundabout Theatre Co.
Subsequent productions:
• Roundabout Theatre Company (New York, NY). Performed at The Laura Pels Theatre in the The Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre from Jun. 9 – Sept. 3, 2017.
Contributors
Meteor Shower
by Steve Martin
Performed on the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Theatre from Sept. 28 – Oct. 23, 2016 | Co-production & Co-world premiere with The Old Globe
• The Old Globe (San Diego, CA). Performed at the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre in the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center (250 seats; not largest venue) from Jul. 30 – Sep. 18, 2016. Both productions were directed by Long Wharf’s Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein.
• Broadway, Booth Theatre (New York, NY). Nov. 1, 2017 – Jan. 21, 2018
Pictured: Patrick Breen and Arden Myrin in Meteor Shower. Photo credit: T Charles Erickson
Lewiston
by Samuel D. Hunter
Performed on Stage II from Apr. 6 – May 1, 2016
Subsequent productions:
• Off-Broadway, Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre (New York, NY). Performed at Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre from Oct. 10 – Dec. 16, 2018
The Second Mrs. Wilson
by Joe DiPietro
Performed on the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Theatre from May 6 – 31, 2015
Forever
Written and Performed by Dael Orlandersmith
Performed on Stage II from Jan. 2 – Feb. 1, 2015
Subsequent productions:
• New York Theatre Workshop (New York, NY). Performed at New York Theatre Workshop from Apr. 22 – May 31, 2015
The Shadow of the Hummingbird
Written and Performed by Athol Fugard
Performed on Stage II from Mar. 26 – Apr. 27, 2014
The Consultant
by Heidi Schreck
Performed on Stage II from Jan. 8 – Feb. 9, 2014
January Joiner
by Laura Jacqmin
Performed on Stage II from Jan. 9 – Feb. 10, 2013
Satchmo at the Waldorf
by Terry Teachout
Performed on Stage II from Oct. 3 – Nov. 11, 2012 | Co-production with Shakespeare & Co.
Subsequent productions:
• Westside Theatre (Off-Broadway: New York, NY) from Feb. 15 – Jun. 29, 2014.
February House
Music by Gabriel Kahane, Book and Lyrics by Seth Bockley
Performed on Stage II from Feb. 15 – Mar. 8, 2012
Subsequent productions:
• The Public Theater (New York, NY). Performed in The Martinson Theater from May 8 – Jun. 10, 2012.
• CD released by StorySound Records in Oct. 2012.
Macbeth 1969
By William Shakespeare
Adapted by Eric Ting
Performed on the Mainstage from Jan. 18 - Feb. 12, 2012
Agnes Under the Big Top
by Aditi Brennan Kapil
Performed on Stage II from Mar. 2 – Apr. 3, 2011
A Doll's House
by Henrik Ibsen
Adapted by Gordon Edelstein
Performed on the Mainstage from Apr. 28 - May 23, 2010
Lil's 90th
by Darci Picoult
Performed on Stage II from Jan. 6 – Feb. 7, 2010
Have You Seen Us?
by Athol Fugard
Performed on the Mainstage from Nov. 24 - Dec. 20, 2009
Contributors
The Old Man and the Sea
by Ernest Hemingway
World premiere adaptation by Eric Ting and Craig Siebels
Performed on the C. Newton Schenck III Mainstage from Apr. 1 – 26, 2009
Coming Home
by Athol Fugard
Performed on the C. Newton Schenck III Mainstage from Jan. 14 – Feb. 8, 2009
A Civil War Christmas
by Paula Vogel
Performed on the C. Newton Schenck III Mainstage from Nov. 26 – Dec. 21, 2008
Subsequent productions:
• New York Theatre Workshop (New York, NY). Performed in the New York Theatre Workshop from Nov. 12 – Dec. 30, 2012.
Contributors
Let Me Down Easy
by Anna Deavere Smith
Performed on the C. Newton Schenck Mainstage from Jan. 9 – Feb. 3, 2008
Subsequent productions:
• Second Stage Theatre (New York, NY). Performed in the Second Stage Theatre from Sept. 15 – Dec. 6, 2009.
• Part of PBS’ “Great Performances,” 2011-12 season.
Prayer for My Enemy
by Craig Lucas
Performed on Stage II from Sept. 12 – Oct. 14, 2007
Subsequent productions:
• Playwrights Horizons (New York, NY). Performed in the Mainstage Theater from Nov. 14 – Dec. 21, 2008.
The Blue Album
by David Cale and Dael Orlandersmith
Performed on Stage II from Mar. 28 – Apr. 29, 2007
Durango
by Julia Cho
Performed on Stage II from Sept. 13 – Oct. 15, 2006
Subsequent productions:
• The Public Theater (New York, NY). Performed in Martinson Hall from Nov. 7 – Dec. 10, 2006.
BFE
by Julia Cho
Performed on Stage II from Apr. 13 – May 1, 2005
Subsequent productions:
• Playwrights Horizons (New York, NY). Performed in Peter Jay Sharp Theater from May 19 – Jun. 12, 2005.
Rag and Bone
by Noah Haidle
Performed on Stage II from Jan. 26 – Mar. 6, 2005
Fran’s Bed
by James Lapine
Performed on Stage II from Oct. 16 – Nov. 25, 2003
Subsequent productions:
• Playwrights Horizons (New York, NY). Performed in the Edith K. Ehrman Building Mainstage Theatre from Aug. 30 – Oct. 9, 2005.
Sixteen Wounded
by Eliam Kraiem
Performed on Stage II from Feb. 5 – Mar. 16, 2003
Subsequent productions:
• Broadway. Performed at Walter Kerr Theatre from Mar. 22 – Apr. 25, 2004.
Going Native
by Steven Drukman
Performed on Stage II from Oct. 23 – Nov. 24, 2002
The Mandrake Root
by Lynn Redgrave
Performed on the Mainstage from Jan. 31 - Mar. 18, 2001
Contributors
The Third Army
by Joe Sutton
Performed on the Mainstage from Jan. 10 - Feb. 11, 2001
Modern Orthodox
by Daniel Goldfarb
Performed on Stage II from Oct. 12 - Nov. 19, 2000
The Good Person of New Haven
Adapted by Alison Carey
From Bertolt Brecht as translated by Ralph Manheim
Performed on the Mainstage from Apr. 29 - Jun. 4, 2000
Black Forest
by Anthony Giardina
Performed on the Mainstage from Mar. 8 - Apr. 9, 2000
The Dog Problem
by David Rabe
Performed on Stage II from Feb.9 - Mar. 19, 2000
Down The Garden Paths
by Anne Meara
Performed on the Mainstage from Jan. 19 - Feb. 20, 2000
Syncopation
by Allan Knee
Performed on the Mainstage from Nov. 16 - Dec. 19, 1999
Mystery School
by Paul Selig
Performed on Stage II from Dec. 16, 1997 - Jan. 25, 1998
Contributors
The Old Settler
by John Henry Redwood
Performed on the Mainstage from Mar. 4 - April 6, 1997
Broken Glass
by Arthur Miller
Performed on the Mainstage from Mar. 1 - Apr. 3, 1994
The Times
by Joe Keenan
Performed on the Mainstage from Oct. 5 - Nov. 7, 1993
The Day The Bronx Died
by Michael Henry Brown
Performed on the Mainstage from Feb. 9 - Mar. 21, 1993
Adventures in The Skin Trade
by Dylan Thomas
Adapted by John Tillinger and James Hammerstein
Performed on the Mainstage from Nov. 12 - Dec. 22 1991
How Do You Like Your Meat?
by Joyce Carol Oates
Performed on Stage II from Apr. 12 - May 26, 1991
Generations of the Dead in the Abyss of Coney Island Madness
by Michael Henry Brown
Performed on Stage II from Nov. 2 - Dec. 16, 1990
Is He Still Dead?
by Donald Freed
Performed on the Mainstage from May 8 - Jun. 24, 1990
A Dance Lesson
by David Wiltse
Performed on Stage II from Oct. 27 - Dec. 10, 1989
Rebel Armies Deep Into Chad
by Mark Lee
Performed on Stage II from Apr. 7 - May 21, 1989
Love Letters
by A.R. Gurney Jr.
Performed on Stage II from Oct. 28 - Dec. 11, 1988
Self Defense
by Joe Cacaci
Performed on the Mainstage from Jan. 17 - Mar. 1, 1987
Fugue
by Leonora Thuna
Performed on Stage II from Mar. 28 - May 11, 1986
The Bathers
by Victor Steinbach
Performed on the Mainstage from Mar. 29 - May 6, 1984
Requiem For A Heavyweight
by Rod Serling
Performed on the Mainstage from Jan. 5 - Feb. 12, 1984
Free and Clear
by Robert Anderson
Performed on Stage II from Mar. 22 - May 1, 1983
2 By A.M. (Elegy For A Lady & Some Kind Of Love Story)
by Arthur Miller
Performed on Stage II from Oct. 26 - Dec. 5, 1982
Open Admissions
by Shirley Lauro
Performed on the Mainstage from Oct. 14 through Nov. 21, 1982
The Carmone Brothers Italian Food Products Corporation's Annual Pasta Pageant
by Tom Griffin
Performed on Stage II from Mar. 30 - May 9, 1982
Solomon's Child
by Tom Dulack
Performed on Stage II from Oct. 21, 1980 - Jan. 25, 1981
Double Feature
by Jeffrey Moss
Performed on the Mainstage from Nov. 15 - Dec. 23, 1979
Hillbilly Women
by Elizabeth Stearns
Performed on the Mainstage from Apr. 19 - May 20, 1979
I Sent A Letter To My Love
by Bernice Rubens
Performed on the Mainstage from Nov. 24 - Dec. 24, 1978
Two Brothers
by Conrad Bromberg
Performed on Stage II from Mar. 3 - 19, 1978
The Lunch Girls
by Leigh Curran
Performed on the Mainstage from Nov. 17 - Dec. 18, 1977
The House Of Mirth
by Edith Wharton
Performed on the Mainstage from Apr. 9 - May 7, 1976
Streamers
by David Rabe
Performed on the Mainstage from Jan 30 - Feb. 27, 1976
Artichoke
by Joanna Glass
Performed on the Mainstage from Oct 17 through Nov. 14, 1975
You're Too Tall, But Come Back in Two Weeks
by Richard Venture
Performed on the Mainstage from Feb. 28 - Mar. 28, 1975
Patrick's Day
By Bill Morrison
Performed on the Mainstage from May 12 - Jun. 3, 1972
Solitaire/Double Solitaire
by Robert Anderson
Performed on the Mainstage from Feb. 12 - Mar. 6, 1971