Mission

GOTHAM STAGE COMPANY exists to support the full development lifecycle of new American plays, and to provide career-building opportunities to emerging artists. Our programs are conceived to support sustained relationships with artists throughout their careers with a special focus on scouting and nurturing new talent. New Plays, New Voices, New York.

History

Gotham Stage Company was founded in 2005 as a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre by Michael Barra, Katie Dietz, Julia Haubner Smith and Peter Smith. Gotham's first production was the 2006 world-premiere of Randall David Cook's Sake with the Haiku Geisha at the Perry Street Theatre, followed shortly thereafter by the New York-premiere of Eric Houston's Becoming Adele at Theatre Row, and the world-premiere of Randall David Cook's Fate's Imagination at The Players Theatre.

After several seasons, Gotham Stage Company went on hiatus from 2008-2010 as one of its Artistic Directors relocated to Hollywood, and the other entered "Mommywood." The hiatus provided the opportunity to reflect on the company's successes and failures to date, and to refine its mission and strategic vision which were implemented upon the company's re-launch in late 2010.

Under the artistic and executive leadership of Michael Barra and Julia Haubner Smith, and with a retooled Board of Directors, Gotham re-entered the Off-Broadway landscape in early 2011 with the launch of its SPRINGboard Reading Series at The Players Theatre. Following its successful reception, Gotham announced its inaugural BarnStorm Artists Retreat for the Fall of 2011 as well as an expanded SPRINGboard for 2012. During this period Gotham also hired a grantwriter to solidify its funding base, reengaged and expanded its membership base, and continues to develop its program offerings.

Staff & Board

Staff

Michael Barra – Producing Artistic Director
Julia Haubner Smith – Co-Artistic Director

Randall David Cook – Resident Playwright
Zach Shaffer – Literary Manager
Roni Ferretti – Development Consultant
Daryl Eisenberg, CSA – Casting Director


Board of Directors

Michael Barra – Gotham Stage Company/Disney Theatrical Group
Sean Gleason – BNP Paribas
Catherine "Cat" McKenzie – ABC News
Vincent Paolozzi – Interpublic Group (IPG)
Julia Haubner Smith – Gotham Stage Company/Actress