Artistic Initiatives

Equal Play

The Equal Play commissioning program is a natural evolution of Round House’s ongoing commitment to gender parity and racial diversity. Over the next decade, Equal Play will commission and develop 30 new plays written exclusively by women playwrights and playwrights of color, including ten plays for our Teen Performance Company (TPC). We will use this program to combat the pervasive inequality in American theatre while supporting plays that speak to the world’s most pressing issues.

To date, the following playwrights have received commissions under the Equal Play program: Inda Craig-Galván, Lauren Gunderson, Naomi Iizuka, James Ijames, Mary Kathryn Nagle, Jiehae Park and Margot Bordelon (joint commission), The TEAM, and Mfoniso Udofia. (updated March 20, 2023)

Teen Performance Company playwright commissions include:  Diana Metzger (Beach Week, 2017 TPC Play); Megan McCafferty (Sloppy Firsts, 2018 TPC Play); Caleen Sinette Jennings (Hear Eye Stand, 2019 TPC Play);  Stefani Kuo (TikTok [a period piece], 2022 TPC Play); Dani Stoller (Girlhood, 2023 TPC Play); and Agyeiwaa Asante. 

Fair Play

Round House’s recent artistic successes have been built on the generosity of artists – actors, designers, stage managers, and directors – who accept salaries below what they are worth. Our Fair Play program will focus on building artist loyalty with an across-the-board salary increase to make us competitive with the largest theatres in our market. This salary structure will also help attract top international talent to work with our local artists.

Resident Artists

Our Resident Artist program deepens our relationship with key artists through two-year residencies that guarantee each artist work on four productions, while engaging them in teaching, season planning, and donor cultivation. These actors and designers become part of the Round House team, working year-round rather than on a per show basis – providing much needed job security.