Artistic Development & Commissions
As part of our commitment to supporting a new plays and playwrights, we offer commissions and artistic development to a wide range of theatre artists every year.
Artistic Programs
In addition to the shows you see on our stages, Center Theatre Group offers a slate of artistic programming that helps identify and support the next generation of great plays and playwrights.
Artistic Programs
“Center Theatre Group is a cultural force in the American theatre, and I am honored to be its Artistic Director. CTG’s vibrant legacy has been built by being the home for the preeminent theatrical artists of our time and the next great American play. I am humbled by the opportunity to enrich that legacy by uplifting and centering the diverse and thriving artists and communities that comprise the beating heart of Los Angeles.”
–Snehal Desai, Center Theatre Group Artistic Director
LA Artist Residencies
Center Theatre Group’s LA Artist Residencies were established in 2023 and were created to foster community and share resources with Los Angeles based theatre artists, companies, and organizations.
LA Writers' Workshop
Membership in the Writers' Workshop begins with this residency year and continues with events and activities designed to build community and support professional and artistic development.
Community Play Readings
10 years ago, Center Theatre Group began commissioning Boyle Heights playwrights to create new works and has hosted readings of these new plays at local libraries.
Play Submissions
Currently, Center Theatre Group accepts agent only submissions. Full length scripts can be sent to [email protected].
Casting
We cast for the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and Kirk Douglas Theatre, in addition to various readings, workshops, and special events. Most of our work is based in Los Angeles, but occasionally we have projects that are based in New York or elsewhere.
Artistic Development & Commissions
As part of our commitment to supporting new plays and playwrights, we offer commissions and artistic development to a wide range of theatre artists every year.
Center Theatre Group fosters and develops a broad range of new theatrical work from artists within the diverse communities of Los Angeles, across the nation, and abroad. Our commissions provide both financial and artistic support via readings and workshops throughout the year in Los Angeles, New York, and beyond.
Artists currently working on CTG commissions include Aziza Barnes, Lisa D’Amour, Larissa FastHorse, Jennifer Haley, Aleshea Harris, Geraldine Elizabeth Inoa, Lisa Kron, Kimber Lee, Young Jean Lee, Matthew Lopez, Roger Q. Mason, Tahirih Moeller, Janine Nabers, Qui Nguyen, Lynn Nottage, Marco Ramirez, Cynthia Grace Robinson, Sarah Ruhl, T. Tara Turk-Haynes, Luis Valdez, Paula Vogel, and Karen Zacarías.
LA ARTIST RESIDENCIES
Center Theatre Group’s LA Artist Residencies were established in 2023 and were created to foster community and share resources with Los Angeles based theatre artists, companies, and organizations. Through these residencies, CTG provides access to rehearsal rooms, costumes, props, furniture, equipment, office space, and additional administrative and creative resources and support. The first group of individuals and companies to be named artists in residence at CTG include Diana Burbano, Larissa FastHorse, Michael Feinstein, Michael John Garcés, Daniel Alexander Jones, Madeline Sayet, Kristina Wong, Critical Mass Performance Group, Ensemble Studio Theatre LA in partnership withChalk Rep, and Native Voices.
Our LA Artist Residencies are curated and selected by Center Theatre Group’s Artistic Staff, and there is no application process.
Writers' Workshop
The LA Writers' Workshop is a dynamic and talented community of playwrights at Center Theatre Group. Since 2005, we have invited a cohort of local playwrights to spend a year researching and writing new works with feedback from our artistic staff and their fellow writers.
Membership in the Writers' Workshop begins with this residency year and continues with events and activities designed to build community and support professional and artistic development. The program is designed to foster important voices, inspire playwrights to create their best work, encourage bold writing, and build relationships among local playwrights, CTG, and the Los Angeles theatre community. Our growing list of LA Writers’ Workshop alumni is currently comprised of more than 100 playwrights.
The cohort is curated by the Artistic Staff at Center Theatre Group, and there is no application process.
Community Play Readings
10 years ago, Center Theatre Group began commissioning Boyle Heights playwrights to create new works and has hosted readings of these new plays at local libraries. This past June, we hosted readings of 7 short plays to celebrate the community members and partners who have made this work possible.
Please check back here for information on upcoming play readings that help to nurture artists, celebrate community, and center Los Angeles.
Casting
We cast for the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and Kirk Douglas Theatre, in addition to various readings, workshops, and special events. Most of our work is based in Los Angeles, but occasionally we have projects that are based in New York or elsewhere.