David Wiltse of Westport Country Playhouse Honored

David Wiltse of Weston, Westport Country Playhouse playwright-in-residence, was awarded an Artist Fellowship by The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT) to support his artistic development and enable him to devote substantial time to the creation of new work. He was one of 34 artists across the state to receive monetary awards in the categories of choreography, fiction, film/video, music composition, playwriting and poetry.

"The Commission on Culture & Tourism is firmly committed to furthering the professional development of individual artists," said An-Ming Truxes, director of CCT's Arts Division. "Artists are at the core of the rich cultural heritage of Connecticut and make notable contributions to their communities. Supporting artists in the creation of exciting new work ultimately benefits everyone."

Wiltse has written 11 plays, published 12 novels, and produced more than 50 projects for film and television. He has been a resident of Weston and Westport since 1972, his entire professional career.

Wiltse is the winner of a Drama Desk Award for "Most Promising Playwright" for his first produced play, "Suggs," which was premiered at Lincoln Center.  His second play was the comedy, "Doubles," which ran for the l985-86 season on Broadway. "Doubles" was also produced subsequently at Westport Country Playhouse, the first of his five productions in that theatre. The comedy "Triangles for Two" (2000) and the drama "The Good German" (2003) had their world premieres at Westport Country Playhouse, and the thriller "Temporary Help" (2001) was also produced there. The comedy "A Marriage Minuet" was staged at the Playhouse last season.  Next summer, the Playhouse will stage the world premiere of Wiltse's latest work, "Sedition."

Wiltse's other plays include "A Grand Romance," "A Dance Lesson," and "Crazy Horse and Three Stars"--all of which had their first productions at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven. A new farce, "Hatchetman," had its world premiere recently at Florida Stage. 

As a novelist, Wiltse has had 12 books published, including six in the John Becker series and two in the Billy Tree/Falls City series. "Into the Fire" was made a main selection by the Literary Guild.  His first novel, "The Wedding Guest," was picked as one of the 100 Notable Books of the Year by The New York Times.  "Prayer for the Dead" was similarly chosen as a book of the year by Time Out Magazine in London.

Other works by Wiltse include more than 50 theatrical screenplays, television screenplays and television pilots. A comedy series created by Wiltse, "Ladies Man," ran for a season on CBS-TV.

Wiltse is the recipient of an Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America. Other awards include the Nebraska Sower Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts and the Westport Arts Achievement Award for Literature. Wiltse has also been awarded two previous grants from the Connecticut Commission on the Arts for his work for the theatre.

Subscriptions are now on sale for the 2007 season at Westport Country Playhouse. For information, visit www.westportplayhouse.org, or call (203) 227-4177.