MINNEAPOLIS: The Playwrights’ Center has announced the 2016-17 McKnight National Residency and Commision recipient, the McKnight fellows, new Core writers, and Core apprentices.
“I’m so proud that writers at all points in their journey—whether they are just out of school or have years of productions under their belts—find an artistic home and individualized support at the Playwrights’ Center,” said producing artistic director Jeremy B. Cohen in a statement. “We’re grateful to the McKnight Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for their pivotal contributions to advance the careers of these deserving artists.”
The 2016-17 McKnight National Residency and Commission recipient is Francine Volpe. She will receive a $14,000 commission, $5,750 in workshop funds, and travel and housing stipends. Volpe will be working on a new play about lies, manipulation, and online dating.
The McKnight fellows are Andrew Rosendork and Rhiana Yazzie. They will each receive a $25,000 stipend, $2,500 to support play development, and $1,400 in travel funds. The award is given to two Minnesota-based playwrights.
The Core Writer program provides play development workshops and professional support to 25-30 playwrights across the country over a 3-year term. This year’s Core writers are Larissa FastHorse, Martyna Majok, Jason Gray Platt, Gabrielle Reisman, Harrison David Rivers, and Mat Smart.
The Core Apprentice program pairs student playwrights with professional mentors, and offers play development workshops. This year’s apprentices will be Sarah Galante (University of the Arts), Sam Lahne (University of Iowa), and Savannah Reich (Carnegie Mellon University).
