The Playwriting Center creates a support system for the development of important new work for the stage and screen, with linking artistic and academic missions. The Center’s Biennial Brave New Works play festival has developed more than 100 new works, many of which have gone on to be produced in American regional theaters from the Yale Repertory Theatre to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and internationally in theaters in South American, Canada and Europe. Brave New Works also includes Emory faculty projects and exceptional student work.
Since its inception in 1989, The Playwriting Center has commissioned and developed scripts with major playwrights including Arthur Kopit, Frank Manley, Steve Murray, Robert O'Hara, Robert Schenkkan, Wole Soyinka, Naomi Wallace and Elizabeth Wong. Projects are chosen for the Center by the Director of the Playwriting Center, Lisa Paulsen, and her colleagues based on recommendations and nominations from the Advisory Board and Emory faculty and staff.