About US

THE DEFINITIVE HOME FOR AMERICAN PLAYWRITING

Primary Stages is dedicated to inspiring, supporting, producing, and sharing the art of playwriting. We operate on the strongly held belief that the future of American theater relies on nurturing playwrights and giving them the support they need to fully realize their vision. Since our founding in 1984, we have produced more than 150 new plays. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just joining us on our journey, ours is a passionate community of artists, students, and patrons. 

Primary Stages is proud to be a cornerstone of the Off-Broadway community — a community that’s a dynamic and influential crucible where bold ideas and diverse voices come together to shape the cultural landscape. We invite our audiences to be active participants — daring to experience something untested, discovering work ahead of the curve, and engaging with world-class talent.

For over 40 years, we've championed visionary artists from their earliest works — artists who have gone on to shape not only the theater, but the world. Whether it’s an early-career playwright debuting their first major work, an established artist taking bold creative risks, or a patron eager for fresh, innovative theater, Primary Stages is a haven for those with a passion for discovery. It’s a place where both artists and audiences converge, fueled by a shared desire to venture into uncharted territory. 

Together let’s build the next cohort of great American playwrights.

“Since its inception, Primary Stages has been driven by a singular mission: to advance the art of playwriting. Throughout our history, visionary leaders have identified challenges in the field and met them head-on with innovative programs. From our founder Casey Childs, who recognized the need for a theater that could take risks and give new plays their first production; to Sue Breger, who understood the transformative power of theater for NYC Public Schools Students; to the legacy of Annie and Marvin Einhorn, whose mentorship led to The Einhorn School of Performing Arts; and Andrew Leynse, who created The Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group to provide playwrights with a supportive community – each program has opened doors for new artists and audiences, enriching Off-Broadway. Through it all, our community of artists and patrons have steadfastly supported us across the evolving theater landscape, and as we reflect on four decades Off-Broadway, we are grateful for those who brought us here and those who will guide us into the future.”

–Erin Daley, Artistic Director

A HOME FOR THEATER ARTISTS AND AUDIENCES
We encourage collaboration, mentorship, and community among emerging and established artists.

  • Mainstage Season For over 40 years, we have been producing new works and celebrating playwrights’ visions. Shows are produced at 59E59 Theaters, where we are the Resident Off-Broadway Theater Company.

  • Liff Lab An annual new play development program named by The Sulzberger Rolfe Foundation in memory of Samuel “Biff” Liff to provide an exceptional early to mid-career playwright with a 29-hour developmental workshop of an unproduced new work.

  • Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group Our writers group has been fostering the creation of new works by emerging playwrights for 30 years.

  • Tow Foundation Playwright-in-Residence Jiehae Park was our 2019/2020 Playwright-in-Residence.

A HOME FOR THEATER EDUCATION
For over 15 years, we've offered classes for playwrights, actors, and directors in all stages of their careers.

  • Einhorn School of Performing Arts (ESPA) Our multidisciplinary classes, led by instructors currently working in the field, train playwrights, actors, and directors in all stages of their development and from all corners of the globe.

  • Echoes Writers Group A year-long, educational program focused on finding, nurturing, and amplifying the voices of women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming artists.

  • Internship Program The opportunity to develop practical skills while creating relationships with artists and administrators.

A HOME FOR ALL NEW YORKERS
Regardless of financial means or the availability of comprehensive arts education, Primary Stages is for everyone.