Following 18 years as Artistic Director of the National Playwrights Conference, Wendy C. Goldberg has stepped down from the position. The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center is searching for an interim Artistic Director to oversee the program, one of several that are central to the its work.
“The National Playwrights Conference plays such a special role in American theatre, as well as my life, and it has been an honor to work with the O’Neill leadership, staff, and particularly the hundreds of talented playwrights over the last 18 years,” said Goldberg. "To come in during such a moment of change and re-establish the company as a national leader will remain a highlight of my career. After nearly two decades, it's time for me to turn my attention toward many other artistic endeavors."
Goldberg served as the first woman to lead the National Playwrights Conference. During her tenure, the conference supported works by Obie and MacArthur winner Samuel D. Hunter, Tony nominee Jeremy O. Harris, Julia Cho, Beth Henley, and more. The conference was founded in 1964 to support the development of new works at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center through a summer program. The development process culminates in two public, script-in-hand staged readings.
“We thank Wendy for her leadership over the last 18 years, helping the O’Neill build upon the vision of George C. White and NPC’s inaugural artistic director, Lloyd Richards, to support emerging and established playwrights in the development and staged readings of important works,” said Tom Viertel, Chairman of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center.
Executive Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Tiffani Gavin added, “As we prepare to search for the next Artistic Director of NPC, we will take this opportunity to reflect, get input from the field, and assess the NPC’s needs in today’s changing theatrical landscape that will enable us to continue to strengthen our position as a leading force in shaping the American theater.”
The center's literary office will oversee the selection process of submissions for the 2023 National Playwrights Conference, with six plays to be picked by the center for development during the 2023 season.
