Explore the World of New Plays at The Inkwell Theater

Igniting Creativity in Los Angeles

The Inkwell Theater

Join us in celebrating the art of storytelling as we nurture and showcase the next generation of playwrights and their groundbreaking works.

Fostering New Voices in Theater

The Inkwell Theater is dedicated to the development and support of new plays and playwrights within the vibrant Los Angeles community. Our mission is to provide a collaborative environment where writers, directors, and actors can experiment and grow. Through our unique Playwrights Development LAB, we offer a space for creative exploration, allowing artists to refine their craft and bring innovative stories to life. We believe in the power of collaboration to transform scripts into compelling stage productions, fostering a supportive network for emerging talent.

Next From the LAB

Pit

a new play by Daniel Prillaman

Pit is a darkly hilarious and unsettling journey into the absurd, where survival, connection, and rebellion collide. Trapped in a mysterious pit with no escape, Hat and Glasses have adapted to their strange existence with riddles, rock hunting, and biting humor—until the arrival of Third Wheel, a fiery newcomer determined to fight the inevitable. As tensions boil over and secrets emerge, the trio’s attempts to find meaning in their captivity reveal chilling truths about power, complicity, and the human condition. With razor-sharp wit and an existential edge, Pit is a gripping exploration of what happens when there’s nowhere left to go but deeper. 

Recently From the LAB

October 28th, 29th, 30th, 2024 @ 8PM

The Square

a new play by Pat Kiely

Directed by Carly DW Bones

Featuring:
Carl Weintraub, Betsy Zajko, Jordan Villegas, Jenapher Zheng, Brent Charles, Hailey McAfee

“The Square” is a huis clos about a young woman who informs her parents that she’s a sex worker. The Flood’s are an ultra-liberal, Montreal family, celebrating Hope and Calvin’s wedding anniversary. They have two daughters – Zyanna, 24, a dancer (adopted), and Mack, 26, an actor living in New York. Things take a turn for the unexpected when Mack returns home and informs her family that she’s been working as a sex worker. There’s more: New York Magazine is doing a cover story on her with the headline, “New York’s Highest Paid Escort.” What follows is a feverish, alcohol fuelled evening, where two generations clash over Mack’s choices and the road forward.

September 24th, 25th, 26th, 2024 @ 8PM

Adirondack Chair Circle

a new play by Stephanie Walker

Directed by Randee Trabitz

Featuring:
Kathe Mazur, Porter Kelly, Paloma Nozicka, Max Faugno, Desiree Mee Jung, Rebecca Larsen

Banna is a suburban mom who makes a killer charcuterie board, takes pride in her perfect house, and finds meaning in leading a group of like-minded moms fighting the school district’s indoctrination of children. But behind the impressive facade, the cracks in Banna’s carefully curated world are starting to show. Her marriage is in trouble, her relationship with her teenager is strained, and she is being tormented by an ever-present crow defiling her backyard. As Banna’s group gains notoriety and some sinister allies, she is faced with a choice: to open up and evolve or to double down and become isolated.

Our Journey Through the Years

Since our inception in 2004, The Inkwell Theater has been at the forefront of nurturing new theatrical works.

Founding and First Production (2004)

The Inkwell Theater was Co-founded by Artistic Director Elliot Shoenman and Producing Director Daniel Shoenman, debuting with Peter Lefcourt's 'Only The Dead Know Burbank' at The Hudson Theatre.

Launch of the Development LAB (2012)

Under fresh leadership by new Artistic Director Daniel Shoenman and Associate Artistic Director Annie McVey, the Inkwell Development LAB was established, focusing on collaborative play development.

Expansion of the LAB Program (2020)

The LAB program expanded, moving to the Broadwater Black Box, having developed over 35 new plays, many of which transitioned to full productions and film adaptations.

New Leadership and Continued Growth (2024)

Daniel Shoenman and Annie McVey became Co-Artistic Directors, growing the LAB, building an incusive network of LA artists, and continuing to foster a dynamic environment for playwrights and artists.

Innovative Collaboration

Playwrights' Workshop

Our LAB brings playwrights into the rehearsal room, fostering a dynamic environment for script development.

Directors' Insight

Directors provide unique perspectives, enhancing the storytelling and structure of new plays.

Actors' Contribution

Actors bring scripts to life, offering invaluable feedback through performance and interpretation.

Collaborative Process

We emphasize teamwork, allowing artists to experiment and refine their work collectively.

Lerner Fellowship

Supporting playwrights with financial and artistic resources to advance their creative projects.

Successful Productions

Our LAB has led to numerous successful stage productions and film adaptations.

What Artists Are Saying

“The Inkwell Theater provided a nurturing space where my play truly came to life.”
John Lavelle
“Working with The Inkwell’s team was a transformative experience for my script.”
Aja Houston
“The collaborative environment at The Inkwell is unparalleled in fostering creativity.”
Ciara Ní Chuirc

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Theater

Become a vital part of The Inkwell Theater’s journey by supporting the creation of groundbreaking new plays. Your involvement, whether through donations, volunteering, or attending our performances, fuels the artistic spirit that drives our mission. Together, we can nurture the voices of emerging playwrights and bring their stories to life. Join us in this collaborative endeavor and help us continue to innovate and inspire the Los Angeles theater community.