Lark Play Development Center
Encyclopedia
The Lark Play Development Center is a non-profit organization that seeks to help playwrights improve and produce their plays. Headquartered in Manhattan, New York they function in countries throughout the world.
and Manhattan Class Company
, but it soon located itself at Chelsea Playhouse, sharing space with three other non-profits. Recently, they moved into their own space at 311 West 43rd Street in Manhattan. Initially, the Lark Play Development Center produced plays that were classical as well as original, including Shakespeare, and sent Theater for Young Audiences tours to nearby schools. In 1997, John Clinton Eisner reassessed the Lark Play Development Center's methods and practices for supporting new plays making several changes that would significantly alter the company’s operations, transforming the organization. Today, the company no longer produces classic works or tours in schools, focussing instead on supporting playwrights as they develop their works.
History
The Center was founded in 1994 with the stated mission of "discover(ing) and develop(ing) new voices for the American theater." John Clinton Eisner, a founding member, continues to serve as the organization's leader. Originally, the company presented plays in full production at various New York venues such as Theatre RowTheatre Row (New York City)
Theatre Row is the popular name for a section of 42nd Street in New York City which is the location for a number of small theatres; it is also the name of a large theatre complex built in 2000 to house six theatres....
and Manhattan Class Company
MCC Theater
MCC Theater is an Off-Broadway theater company located in New York City, founded in 1986 by artistic directors Robert LuPone and Bernard Telsey along with six graduates of the New York University drama department, including Jana Herzen...
, but it soon located itself at Chelsea Playhouse, sharing space with three other non-profits. Recently, they moved into their own space at 311 West 43rd Street in Manhattan. Initially, the Lark Play Development Center produced plays that were classical as well as original, including Shakespeare, and sent Theater for Young Audiences tours to nearby schools. In 1997, John Clinton Eisner reassessed the Lark Play Development Center's methods and practices for supporting new plays making several changes that would significantly alter the company’s operations, transforming the organization. Today, the company no longer produces classic works or tours in schools, focussing instead on supporting playwrights as they develop their works.