The Terrence McNally Recovery Commissions award two $10,000 new play commissions—one to an early-career playwright and one to an established playwright—each identifying as being in recovery from a substance use condition. This application is for the early-career playwright commission.
Reflecting the spirit of sponsorship, the commissioned artists serve as a resource for one another throughout a yearlong process that includes a writing retreat in Provincetown, MA, a residency at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, CT, and a Works & Process final showing at the Guggenheim in New York City, where audiences are invited to experience selected scenes from both new plays and join a moderated discussion with the playwrights exploring their artistic processes, recovery journeys, and the role of storytelling in healing.
The commissions are named in honor of Terrence McNally, whose own journey in recovery began with a life-changing moment at Stephen Sondheim’s birthday party, where Angela Lansbury, with love and concern, encouraged him to face his struggles with alcohol. Terrence later shared this story in the documentary Every Act of Life, believing in the power of being part of a supportive public community.
This project is underwritten by the Terrence McNally Foundation and supported by the Recovery Arts Project who, in order to save lives, tap into the transformative power of art and artists to change the national conversation about addiction and recovery.
