With a mission to help raise the visibility of Latino and Latina playwrights, The Sol Project launches in partnership with Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, The Public Theater, Labyrinth Theater Company, Atlantic Theater Company and Women’s Project Theater. They are the first six of 12 theatre companies that have signed on to present a Sol Project playwright as part of their respective mainstage seasons.

The Sol Project is a New York-based initiative founded by artistic director Jacob G. Padrón with a collective of actors, directors and producers. The project is partnering with local and regional theatres to develop and produce works by 12 emerging and established writers.

The project’s first production will be the world premiere of Hilary Bettis’ Alligator, directed by Elena Araoz, with New Georges at the ART/New York Theatres, in November.

“We are proud to be part of the initial cohort of Sol Project partners,” said Public Theater artistic director Oskar Eustis in a statement. “The Sol Project is an inspiring and exciting example of theater artists creatively organizing to change the field, and the world. Here’s to more!”

The project is dedicated to not only engaging writers, but also directors and designers from the Latina/Latino community. Once each work receives a premiere in New York, regional partners will commit to subsequent productions.

“This endeavor represents a fulfillment of the American Theater’s promise to be a space for all American stories. I am deeply moved by the commitment of these institutions to help lift up our Latina/o playwrights and put them in dialogue with the most respected theater-makers, creating the new American canon, for a new American Theater. A spirit of generosity animates our work as we share our cultures and communities through our stories,” said Padrón in a press statement.

Members of The Sol Project’s Honorary Board include Rent star Daphne Rubin-Vega; Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Diaz; Tony Award-winning actress Priscilla Lopez; Looking actor Raúl Castillo; Tony Plana from Ugly Betty; Jeff Award-winning actress Sandra Marquez; Silver Linings Playbook’s John Ortiz; artistic director of Pregones Theater, Rosalba Rolón; Obie-winning actress Diane Rodriguez; and more to be announced.

Visit solproject.org/ for more information.