Mission

Drawing upon a growing national movement of playwrights taking the production reins for their own work, Playwrights West seeks to introduce Portland audiences to compelling, innovative theatrical experiences while engaging in a dialogue with the Portland theatre community about the rewards of presenting vital new plays by gifted local authors.

Playwrights West's members feel staging new work is essential to furthering Portland theatre's continued relevance to its audiences and the region's overall culture. New plays provide thrilling, unique evenings at the theatre, while exploring the complex, dynamic 21st Century human condition.

In addition to Playwrights West's inaugural reading in January, the collective's first year will be dedicated to introducing members' work to Portland audiences, establishing professional business operations, and developing selected work through workshops and public readings for full production in 2010. Eventually, Playwrights West may include workshops for non-member playwrights, playwriting seminars, internships for beginning playwrights, or other forms of outreach to foster play development.