Runyonland Productions is set to launch a commercial new play development initiative this year. Called the Runyonland Spare Key Series, the initiative will grant up to five early-career playwrights a $25,000 commission to develop a new, full-length play over the course of a year.
Throughout the development process, playwrights will receive creative support, including monthly, in-person writers’ group sessions, collaboration with a dramaturg, mentorship sessions with veteran playwrights and a joint writers’ retreat. Writers will also receive financial support to attach a director and workshop their pieces with actors during development. At the conclusion of the development cycle in fall 2027, Runyonland will host a public reading of each play aimed at bridging the gap to commercial production.
Broadway News Pro delivers news, analysis, and guest essays from industry leaders to facilitate meaningful and creative conversations on Broadway. From breaking news to deeply-reported long reads and exclusive interviews, subscribers can rely on Broadway News for stories that matter. Start your subscription for $1/month.
“We’ve been incredibly grateful to work with so many bold, unapologetic artists bringing their work to life,” said Runyonland co-founder Alyah Chanelle Scott in a statement. “With the Spare Key Series, we hope to continue that work by providing playwrights with a creative home base: one that values artists as long-term creative partners, provides meaningful financial support and builds community alongside the work itself.”
“Over the past few years, the financial support for emerging playwrights has become more limited than ever before, with decreased institutional and governmental support,” added co-founder Thomas Laub. “The Spare Key Series is designed to change that and to invest in the next generation of great playwrights.”
Scott and Laub co-founded Runyonland Productions in 2018. The full-service production company’s portfolio spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, touring theater, television, film and event production. Runyonland’s recent Broadway credits include two Tony Award-winning revivals (“Parade” in 2023 and “Appropriate” in 2024) in addition to “John Proctor is the Villain,” and the 2024 revival of “The Wiz.” The company lead-produced “Gutenberg!”
Ruthie Fierberg
