Roundabout Theatre Company has announced its new artistic plans for 2017, including its inaugural directing fellow, associate artist, and a new company in residence.
After collaborating with Fiasco Theater on their acclaimed paired-down production of Into the Woods in 2015, Roundabout has named Fiasco their company in residence. The organization will provide Fiasco with an artistic home and full use of company resources to continue developing their work.
Jenny Rachel Weiner, who recently concluded her year as a Roundabout resident playwright and whose play Kingdom Come debuted in the company’s Black Box Theatre, has joined the company as an associate artist for 2017. She joins current associate artists Mark Brokaw, Doug Hughes, Bill Irwin, Pam MacKinnon, Joe Mantello, Kathleen Marshall, and Theresa Rebeck.
“To be made associate artist so seamlessly after my residency ended has been such an enormous gift. Roundabout is unequivocally the place I feel most supported, lifted up, and fostered to be creating work that is meaningful to me,” commented Weiner in a press statement. “They have shown their unwavering support through the process and production of Kingdom Come, through the writing of my commission, and through their Space Jam programming, which allows the writers they work with space, time, and resources to create.”
Roundabout’s Space Jam program was launched earlier this season, and is aimed at offering playwrights the space and time to write through retreats and private office space. In August 2017, Roundabout will expand the initiative through a partnership with the Wyoming Theater Festival in Sheridan, WY, and will launch a three-week writing residency program, supported with housing, transportation, and a stipend for three playwrights.
RTC has also named Whitney White as its inaugural directing fellow. Spearheaded by resident director Sam Gold, the Roundabout Directing Fellowship offers a young director the opportunity to assist on productions while also Roundabout's resources to develop their own projects. White served as the assistant director for Roundabout’s production of If I Forget, and will do the same for Marvin's Room.
“Support for young directors is scarce. I'm so happy that Roundabout is carving out some space for the voices of the next generation,” noted Gold, Tony-winning director of Fun Home.
For more information on Roundabout Theatre Company and its programs and season visit roundabouttheatre.org.
