Angelica Chéri, Dipika Guha, Chelsea Marcantel, Brian Otaño, Liza Powel O'Brien and Matt Schatz Selected For Geffen Playhouse's Writers' Room

Geffen Playhouse today announced its selection of six local writers to participate in the launch of the inaugural cycle of The Writers' Room, a forum for engagement and collaboration between Los Angeles playwrights. The participants for 2018/2019 are Angelica Chéri, Dipika Guha, Chelsea Marcantel, Brian Otaño, Liza Powel O'Brien and Matt Schatz.

The program marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Geffen Playhouse under Artistic Director Matt Shakman, whose vision for the theater emphasizes world premiere productions and the development of bold, relevant work by the local artistic community. He is supported in realizing this vision by newly named Associate Artistic Director Amy Levinson, who was most recently Literary Director for Geffen Playhouse, as well as Dramaturg.

"We had a remarkable pool of talented, passionate playwrights apply for The Writers' Room - it was nearly impossible to select only six," said Shakman. "Los Angeles is an exciting home for both established and emerging writers, and we can't wait to get started down the creative path with this team."

The one-year residency begins September 2018 and will be led by Geffen Playhouse Manager of New Play Development Rachel Wiegardt-Egel.

In addition to the feedback of their fellow writers, members will receive dramaturgical support from the Geffen's artistic staff and the opportunity to further develop their work with directors and actors, culminating in a reading series that may be open to the public.

The Writers' Room is made possible through the generous support of Patricia Kiernan Applegate.