Shows & Tickets
Supporting artists is central to the Geffen Playhouse’s mission, and New Play Development is a cornerstone of that support. In addition to the world premieres of groundbreaking new plays on our stages, the Geffen Playhouse is proud to collaborate with playwrights in two key ways: commissions and The Writers’ Room.
To commission a playwright to write a play means making a commitment to their voice, craft, and vision, with the hope of sharing the fruits of their work on our stages.
We are proud to have the following artists under commission:
SUPPORT NEW PLAYS
LITERARY SUBMISSIONSThe Geffen Playhouse has a closed submission policy at this time, meaning we only accept plays submitted by literary agents.
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Olivia O'ConnorLiterary Manager & Dramaturg
03.02 – 04.30.2023
A world premiere musical by Zoe Sarnak and Rachel Bonds, The Lonely Few is a love story between two women searching for a sense of home.
Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater
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02.04 – 03.08.2020
A rousing, romping, music-filled look at the real life of Julie d’Aubigny, a 17th century French swordswoman.
Gil Cates Theater
11.06 – 12.15.2019
In a reimagined version of the iconic play and noir film, Academy Award nominee Andy Garcia (Ocean’s Eleven, The Godfather III) takes on the role of mobster Johnny Rocco in this classic Bogart and Bacall thriller.
06.11 – 07.21.2019
Based on a true story, Richard Lancelyn Green, the world's foremost scholar on Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is found dead in his London apartment. With multiple suspects and competing motives, Green's death raises questions that may be answered only by Holmes himself.
06.19 – 07.29.2018
A single mother discovers that her ten-year-old daughter is a tennis phenom. When a young coach takes Carlin under his wing, her meteoric rise takes shape, and this threesome struggles over what is best when building up a champion.
03.06 – 04.26.2015
An attractive young man interrupts acclaimed novelist Patricia Highsmith at her reclusive home. When might the publishers expect the next anticipated addition to her sinister “Mr. Ripley” series? Joanna Murray-Smith (The Female of the Species) brings to life this literary giant best known for Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley.
10.08 – 11.17.2013
Don’t let the quaint apartment of Susan and Sam Hendrix fool you; hidden within is a score for which thieves and conmen would kill. But two crooks must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller’s chilling conclusion.
11.20 – 12.30.2012
Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies weaves together nostalgia, music and merriment in the world premiere of this new seasonal classic.
03.29 – 05.08.2011
This sexually charged roller coaster ride takes us down a path of unexpected thoughtfulness and depth that asks the question: How far are you willing to go to prove your open-mindedness?
02.03 – 03.15.2009
She photographs the faces of crumbling nations. He makes their stories national news. Together, the chaos was easy. Who knew coming home would be so hard?
10.02 – 11.18.2007
An intimate four-character drama that explores the relationship of two couples as they are forced to take a stance about morality, religion, politics and what determines the value of a life.
04.09 – 05.19.2002
A tale of mistaken identities and sexual intrigue about a wife and husband who unknowingly rendezvous with lovers in apartments next door to each other.
The Writers’ Room is a product of the Geffen’s deep commitment to supporting new plays and specifically to fostering bold, relevant work by the vibrant artistic community living in Los Angeles. During a one-year residency, playwright members gather monthly at the Geffen to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and Geffen Playhouse artistic staff, culminating in a reading with a director and actors.
2024/2025 Playwrights Announced!
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Geffen Playhouse has launched a new artist residency with Cast Iron Entertainment, a cohort of artists including two-time Emmy Award winner Sterling K. Brown (Frozen 2, This is Us), Glenn Davis (Billions, King James), Emmy Award and Tony Award nominee Brian Tyree Henry (The Eternals, Atlanta), Tony Award nominee Jon Michael Hill (Elementary, Widows), André Holland (Selma, Jitney), and Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight, Choir Boy).
Mysterious Circumstances Behind-the-Scenes
Our Very Own Carlin McCullough Workshop