CHICAGO: Chicago Dramatists has announced the six playwrights who will be part of the second class of Tutterow Fellows. The program is named after the late Russ Tutterow, the first artistic director of Chicago Dramatists, and is made possible by the generous support of the Joyce Foundation.

“Chicago Dramatists is thrilled to offer this opportunity to this group of talented and committed writers. We can’t wait to hear and support the stories they will tell,” said Dana Lynn Formby, interim artistic director of Chicago Dramatists, in a statement. 

The selected playwrights are Mallory Raven-Ellen Backstrom, Kimberly Dixon-Mays, Levi Holloway, Siena Marilyn Ledger, Nancy García Loza, and Riley Mondragon.

The two-year fellowship is designed to support emerging playwrights, enrolling fellows in year-round classes, workshops, and writers’ groups as part of a curriculum tailored to their individual needs as a writer. They receive a new-play commission, career development seminars, master classes, and a professional mentor. The program culminates in a celebratory weeklong festival of public readings.

Chicago Dramatists resident playwright, alumna, and faculty member Marsha Estell has recently appointed director of the Tutterow Fellows. She will bring her experience as a playwright, actor, educator, and producer to the role.