Murmuration Theatre Selects Six Playwrights for Program

The Brooklyn-based company will support a cohort of writers through an eight-month workshop series.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Arts Theater — General

Screen-print poster illustration of a single vintage stage spotlight on a tripod, symbolizing the creative arts development program.
Murmuration Theatre Company has selected six playwrights for its new eight-month workshop program, offering dedicated support for new theatrical projects. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local theatre companies invest more resources into developmental programs for emerging playwrights?

Murmuration Theatre Company has officially selected six playwrights to participate in a new eight-month developmental program. The initiative aims to provide dedicated support for the creation of new theatrical work.

Why it matters

The program is designed to foster new creative voices by providing a structured environment for playwrights to develop their projects. By allowing participants to retain full ownership, the company emphasizes a creator-first approach to theatrical development.

The eight-month cohort consists of six playwrights selected for the program. The group will hold individual readings to showcase their progress upon the conclusion of their term.

The players

Murmuration Theatre Company

This is a Brooklyn-based creative organization dedicated to the production and development of new stage works.

Emma McGlashen

She serves as one of the lead directors overseeing the developmental program and its curriculum.

Kevin Cheng

He is a program lead responsible for guiding the cohort through the eight-month workshop series.

The details

Led by Emma McGlashen and Kevin Cheng, the group will gather for bi-weekly Monday evening workshops to refine their scripts. The cohort includes Tyler Exum, Katie Kirk, Ellie Melick, Emily Russell, Elizabeth Shannon, and Lindsey Walko, all of whom retain full ownership of their intellectual property throughout the duration of the program.

Timeline

  1. The developmental program begins on November 16, 2026.

  2. The cohort will present individual readings in June 2027.

Industry Dynamics

This program mirrors established developmental structures like the Playwrights' Center core writers program that provide institutional support to writers. It reflects a broader trend of independent theatre companies prioritizing long-term mentorship over singular production cycles.

Local theatre patrons can expect to see the results of these workshops when the writers present their work in June 2027. This initiative provides a direct pipeline for audiences to engage with new plays developed within the Brooklyn arts community.

The takeaway

This program highlights the value of long-term developmental cycles in the creation of sustainable theatre. Aspiring writers should look for organizations that offer similar ownership protections when seeking to workshop their own scripts.

What happens next

The cohort will commence their bi-weekly workshops starting November 16, 2026, and will conclude the program with public-facing individual readings scheduled for June 2027.

Further reading

Find more information on local creative initiatives at Brooklyn Arts Theater — General.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.

Live Poll

Should local theatre companies invest more resources into developmental programs for emerging playwrights?