History of WTP
Working Title Playwrights had its unofficial start in 2000 when Karla Jennings, Stephen Peace and Hank Kimmel decided to maintain a playwriting group from the ashes of Blue Machine Writers, which had been founded by Patricia Henritze and David Crowe. When Blue Machine disbanded, Karla, Stephen and Hank wanted to make sure there was something to fill the void, for professionals, who were eager to share and develop their work in bi-weekly critique sessions.
With Karla serving as Managing Artistic Director, WTP presented 10 public readings of short plays and three productions of full lengths -- directed by such well-known Atlanta theatre artists as Freddie Ashley, Peter Hardy, Lily Yancey, Carol Mitchell and Barbara Cole. Interest in WTP grew, and in 2002, WTP successfully applied for non-profit status,making it a recognized 501(c)(3) organization.
In early 2004, WTP hired Evan Guilford-Blake to serve as its Managing Director. During Evan's stewardship, WTP significantly expanded the scope of its programming and the number of playwrights served. Evan invigorated the bi-weekly critique sessions by bringing in professional actors and inaugurated the First Draft on Demand reading series; educational seminar series; a staged reading series; and numerous community and special events, including WTP's participation in the nationally-based Sister City program.
WTP also received a big boost from Kirsten Eidsmoe, its first Artistic Director, who gave shape and direction to its inaugural programming. Kirsten helped launch and oversee WTP's Summer Reading Series, which has become a cornerstone of WTP's programming.
In order to solidify its services, WTP merged with the Southeast Playwrights Project -- please see more on SEPP, below. This merger enabled WTP to expand its roster of playwrights, build a professional board, and gain stature.
In August of 2006, Jill Patrick assumed both helms of WTP, recombining them to serve as Managing Artistic Director. Building upon WTP's core programming, Jill instituted a number of new services including the Playwrights' Salon; professionally-moderated critique sessions; and hands-on playwriting seminars (the "Kick Ass" series).
Throughout its history, WTP has benefited from partnerships from some of the top theatres in Atlanta including Academy Theatre, Actor's Express, Atlanta Classical Theatre, Dad's Garage, Push Push Theater, Horizon Theatre, and Theatre Decatur. WTP thanks these theatres, the individuals listed above, our past and current board members (including Valetta Anderson, Tia Martin, Larry Ruth, and Curt Shannon), and all who believe that playwrights serve an important function by giving voice and vision to the everyday.
Southeast Playwrights Project
In early 2006, the Southeast Playwrights Project (SEPP) merged with Working Title. SEPP, the longest operating play-development organization in the area, had served playwrights since the early 1980s.
As a result of the merger, Working Title became the largest organization focused exclusively on the development of new plays in the Southeast. SEPP's history and contributions are celebrated on WTP's
Among the programs added as a result of the merger is the Patrick Gaffney Scholarship. Gaffney was the executive director of SEPP for many years until his death in 2000, and a champion of new works and helping deserving playwrights find opportunities. Recipients of Gaffney Scholarships will be able to take advantage of all Working Title programs as full Affiliates. Eligibility details and application procedures will be announced later this year.