The only way to keep the theatrical canon fresh is to help create the new classics.

Led by generous funding from the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, the Laura Pels Foundation, and our Leaders for New Works, Roundabout's New Play Initiative cultivates new work by gifted playwrights at all stages of their careers, with commissions, developmental readings and workshops, and productions of new works at the Roundabout Underground program and our mainstage.

Since 1995, we have commissioned 43 playwrights, developed over 275 new works, and employed over 5,000 artists across all aspects of the New Play Initiative.

The development of new work comes at no financial gain for Roundabout, and ticket-revenue covers only 22 percent of program and production expenses. The charitable contributions from individuals allow us to continue to build on the success of this program, while offering affordable ticket prices for our audiences.