Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Latest News on Branden Jacobs-Jenkins:
Plays by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Lynn Nottage and More Set for LCT Theater's The Reading Series (Nov 20, 2025)
Shaw Festival Reveals 2026 Casts And Creative Teams For FUNNY GIRL and More (Nov 13, 2025)
Review Roundup: PURPLE RAIN Musical World Premiere in Minneapolis (Nov 6, 2025)
Plays by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Lynn Nottage and More Set for LCT Theater's The Reading Series (Nov 20, 2025)
Shaw Festival Reveals 2026 Casts And Creative Teams For FUNNY GIRL and More (Nov 13, 2025)
Review Roundup: PURPLE RAIN Musical World Premiere in Minneapolis (Nov 6, 2025)
Photos
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Writer
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Play
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Purpose
winner
The Lortels - 2024 - Outstanding Play
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, The Comeuppance
The Pulitzer Prize - 2018 - Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Everybody
Drama League Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play
Branden Jacobs-JenkinsGloria
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play
Branden Jacobs-JenkinsGloria
The Pulitzer Prize - 2016 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama
Branden Jacobs-JenkinsGloria
Drama League Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, An Octoroon
winner
Obie Awards - 2014 - Best New American Play
Branden Jacobs-JenkinsAppropriate and An Octoroon
Videos
Video: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins & Glenn Davis Celebrate Tony Win for Best Play
by Joey Mervis - 2025-06-09 00:16:33
Video: Kara Young Recalls Falling in Love with Performing During a Mime Class
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-03 15:59:50
Video: PURPOSE Cast Talks 'Genius' Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins & More on TAMRON HALL
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-18 11:35:37
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Talks PURPOSE and Directing Husband Samuel L. Jackson in THE PIANO LESSON
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-08 15:27:08
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Shares What She Wrote on New Sardi's Portrait
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-03-27 14:37:55
Video: Phylicia Rashad Talks Directing Broadway's PURPOSE, Praises Collaborators
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-03-12 17:11:36
Video: Maggie Lacey, Steve Kazee, & More in APPROPRIATE at The Old Globe
by Joshua Wright - 2025-02-06 14:02:06
Video: Meet the Creators Behind the Tony-Nominated Shows of 2024
by Joey Mervis - 2024-06-14 15:35:25
Video: Sarah Paulson Is Not Taking Her Tony Nomination for Granted
by Joey Mervis - 2024-05-21 14:35:44
Video: Sarah Paulson Talks APPROPRIATE and More on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-05-12 13:04:11
Video: Sarah Paulson Talks APPROPRIATE on THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JIMMY FALLON
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-03-30 14:55:27
Video: First Look at Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Phylicia Rashad-Directed PURPOSE
by Joshua Wright - 2024-03-21 12:25:42
Video: Watch a Trailer for Steppenwolf's PURPOSE, Directed by Phylicia Rashad
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-03-10 12:59:48
Video: Phylicia Rashad on PURPOSE at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
by Joshua Wright - 2024-01-22 13:18:15
Video: Stars Come Out to Celebrate Opening Night of PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-01-17 11:48:18
News
Plays by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Lynn Nottage and More Set for LCT Theater's The Reading Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
Lincoln Center Theater has revealed the programming for The Reading Series at LCT3. In this intimate new series, six of our most celebrated playwrights join forces with exciting voices new to LCT to share the stage and the spotlight.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
Lincoln Center Theater has revealed the programming for The Reading Series at LCT3. In this intimate new series, six of our most celebrated playwrights join forces with exciting voices new to LCT to share the stage and the spotlight.
Shaw Festival Reveals 2026 Casts And Creative Teams For FUNNY GIRL and More
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 13, 2025
The Shaw Festival has released casting and creative teams for its 2026 season, which runs April 2 through December 23 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Productions include new stagings of Amadeus, Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, and additional works across three venues.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 13, 2025
The Shaw Festival has released casting and creative teams for its 2026 season, which runs April 2 through December 23 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Productions include new stagings of Amadeus, Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, and additional works across three venues.
Review Roundup: PURPLE RAIN Musical World Premiere in Minneapolis
by Stephi Wild - Nov 6, 2025
Performances are now underway for the world premiere stage adaptation of the iconic film, PURPLE RAIN. The Broadway-aimed production is playing at Hennepin Arts’ historic State Theatre in Minneapolis. Read the reviews for Purple Rain here!
by Stephi Wild - Nov 6, 2025
Performances are now underway for the world premiere stage adaptation of the iconic film, PURPLE RAIN. The Broadway-aimed production is playing at Hennepin Arts’ historic State Theatre in Minneapolis. Read the reviews for Purple Rain here!
Photos: Kris Kollins and Rachel Webb in PURPLE RAIN World Premiere
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 5, 2025
You can now get a first look at photos of the world premiere stage adaptation of the iconic film, PURPLE RAIN. The cast features Kris Kollins, who is making his professional stage debut in the lead role of The Kid.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 5, 2025
You can now get a first look at photos of the world premiere stage adaptation of the iconic film, PURPLE RAIN. The cast features Kris Kollins, who is making his professional stage debut in the lead role of The Kid.
From Chicago to NYC: Steppenwolf’s Broadway Boom
by Stephi Wild - Nov 1, 2025
Many Steppenwolf productions have made the jump to Broadway, with three shows transferring in 2025 alone. Learn more about Purpose, Bug, The Minutes, and more!
by Stephi Wild - Nov 1, 2025
Many Steppenwolf productions have made the jump to Broadway, with three shows transferring in 2025 alone. Learn more about Purpose, Bug, The Minutes, and more!
GRIM World Premiere and More Set for La Jolla Playhouse 2026/2027 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has announced its 2026/2027 season featuring three world-premiere musicals—The Family Album, GRIM, and Particle Fever—plus West Coast premieres of Purpose and The Monsters, and the world premiere of A Black-billed Cuckoo, ahead of the 2026 WOW Festival in partnership with UC San Diego.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2025
La Jolla Playhouse has announced its 2026/2027 season featuring three world-premiere musicals—The Family Album, GRIM, and Particle Fever—plus West Coast premieres of Purpose and The Monsters, and the world premiere of A Black-billed Cuckoo, ahead of the 2026 WOW Festival in partnership with UC San Diego.
The Public Theater Reveals 2025-2027 Emerging Writers Group
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 27, 2025
The Public Theater revealed that 10 new playwrights have been selected for the 2025-2027 Emerging Writers Group. Learn more about the writers and the group here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 27, 2025
The Public Theater revealed that 10 new playwrights have been selected for the 2025-2027 Emerging Writers Group. Learn more about the writers and the group here!
PURPLE RAIN Adds Extra Week of Pre-Broadway Performances in Minneapolis
by Stephi Wild - Oct 8, 2025
Due to audience demand, producer Orin Wolf and Hennepin Arts are pleased to announce that the stage adaptation of the iconic film PURPLE RAIN will rock the historic State Theatre for one additional week.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 8, 2025
Due to audience demand, producer Orin Wolf and Hennepin Arts are pleased to announce that the stage adaptation of the iconic film PURPLE RAIN will rock the historic State Theatre for one additional week.
2025 BLACK THEATRE ALLIANCE AWARDS Nominations Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 7, 2025
The 2025 Black Theatre Alliance Awards have announced nominations celebrating excellence in Chicago’s African American theatre community. The ceremony will take place October 27, 2025, at the Beverly Arts Center and honor ILesia Duncan with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 7, 2025
The 2025 Black Theatre Alliance Awards have announced nominations celebrating excellence in Chicago’s African American theatre community. The ceremony will take place October 27, 2025, at the Beverly Arts Center and honor ILesia Duncan with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Pittsburgh Public Theater Names Kyle Haden As Artistic Consultant & Adil Mansoor As Resident Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 7, 2025
Pittsburgh Public Theater has revealed a new chapter in its artistic leadership, welcoming acclaimed director, educator, and actor Kyle Haden as Artistic Consultant and celebrated theater-maker Adil Mansoor as Resident Director.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 7, 2025
Pittsburgh Public Theater has revealed a new chapter in its artistic leadership, welcoming acclaimed director, educator, and actor Kyle Haden as Artistic Consultant and celebrated theater-maker Adil Mansoor as Resident Director.
Yale Schwarzman Center Will Stage Reading of Yale Drama Series 2025 Prize-Winning Play by Ariel Stess
by Stephi Wild - Oct 3, 2025
Yale Schwarzman Center announced that it will produce a staged reading of Ariel Stess's KARA & EMMA & BARBARA & MIRANDA, the winner of the 2025 Yale Drama Series Prize.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 3, 2025
Yale Schwarzman Center announced that it will produce a staged reading of Ariel Stess's KARA & EMMA & BARBARA & MIRANDA, the winner of the 2025 Yale Drama Series Prize.
Review: THE COMEUPPANCE at Stray Cat Theatre
by Herbert Paine - Sep 29, 2025
With a running time of two hours plus Jacobs-Jenkins's uneven script may waver at times, yet to the company’s credit, and to director Seth Tucker, this Stray Cat Theatre production remains impossible to ignore.
by Herbert Paine - Sep 29, 2025
With a running time of two hours plus Jacobs-Jenkins's uneven script may waver at times, yet to the company’s credit, and to director Seth Tucker, this Stray Cat Theatre production remains impossible to ignore.
THE COMEUPPANCE Will Make Canadian Premiere at Soulpepper Theatre Company
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 24, 2025
Soulpepper Theatre Company will stage the Canadian Premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ The Comeuppance October 30–November 23, 2025. Directed by Frank Cox-O’Connell.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 24, 2025
Soulpepper Theatre Company will stage the Canadian Premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ The Comeuppance October 30–November 23, 2025. Directed by Frank Cox-O’Connell.
Video: PURPLE RAIN World Premiere Releases 'I Would Die 4 U'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 19, 2025
The world premiere musical adaptation, PURPLE RAIN, will play at Hennepin Arts’ historic State Theatre in Minneapolis. Get a first look at the video for 'I Would Die 4 U'. Watch here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 19, 2025
The world premiere musical adaptation, PURPLE RAIN, will play at Hennepin Arts’ historic State Theatre in Minneapolis. Get a first look at the video for 'I Would Die 4 U'. Watch here!
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Sanaz Toossi to Join WIT Literary Festival Conversation
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 17, 2025
The Authors Guild Foundation will present Pulitzer Prize-winning playwrights Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Purpose) and Sanaz Toossi (English) in conversation with New Yorker staff writer Vinson Cunningham as part of the 2025 WIT Literary Festival.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 17, 2025
The Authors Guild Foundation will present Pulitzer Prize-winning playwrights Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Purpose) and Sanaz Toossi (English) in conversation with New Yorker staff writer Vinson Cunningham as part of the 2025 WIT Literary Festival.
Vineyard Theatre Artistic Director Douglas Aibel to Step Down
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 3, 2025
Douglas Aibel will step down as Artistic Director of Vineyard Theatre, a position he has held since 1985, and in partnership with Sarah Stern since 2011. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 3, 2025
Douglas Aibel will step down as Artistic Director of Vineyard Theatre, a position he has held since 1985, and in partnership with Sarah Stern since 2011. Learn more!
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE Plays Final Broadway Performance
by Sidney Paterra - Aug 31, 2025
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ PURPOSE plays its final Broadway performance at the Hayes Theatre, following 22 previews and 192 regular performances.The venue will soon be home to Marjorie Prime, which is set to begin performances on November 20, 2025.
by Sidney Paterra - Aug 31, 2025
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ PURPOSE plays its final Broadway performance at the Hayes Theatre, following 22 previews and 192 regular performances.The venue will soon be home to Marjorie Prime, which is set to begin performances on November 20, 2025.
FUNNY GIRL and More Set for Shaw Festival 2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 27, 2025
The Shaw Festival has unveiled its 64th season today, set to begin in April 2026, featuring Funny Girl and more. See the full lineup here and learn more about the season!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 27, 2025
The Shaw Festival has unveiled its 64th season today, set to begin in April 2026, featuring Funny Girl and more. See the full lineup here and learn more about the season!
Michael Shannon, Paul Sparks & More Will Take Part in TRUE WEST Staged Reading at The Cherry Lane Theatre
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 25, 2025
The Cherry Lane Theatre, the Off-Broadway venue now owned by film studio A24, has unveiled more of its opening week programming, including events featuring Spike Lee, Sofia Coppola, Jodie Foster, Michael Shannon, and more.
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 25, 2025
The Cherry Lane Theatre, the Off-Broadway venue now owned by film studio A24, has unveiled more of its opening week programming, including events featuring Spike Lee, Sofia Coppola, Jodie Foster, Michael Shannon, and more.
PURPLE RAIN World Premiere Unveils Complete Cast
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 21, 2025
The complete cast has been revealed for the world premiere stage adaptation of the iconic film, PURPLE RAIN. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 21, 2025
The complete cast has been revealed for the world premiere stage adaptation of the iconic film, PURPLE RAIN. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Branden Jacobs-Jenkins written?
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has written 4 shows including Appropriate (Playwright), WAR (Playwright), Everybody (Playwright), Gloria (Writer).
What awards has Branden Jacobs-Jenkins been nominated for?
Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Purpose, Outstanding Play (The Lortels) for The Comeuppance, Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Everybody, Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play (Drama League Awards) for Gloria, Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Gloria, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Gloria, Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play (Drama League Awards) for An Octoroon and Best New American Play (Obie Awards) for Appropriate and An Octoroon.
What awards has Branden Jacobs-Jenkins won?
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has won several prestigious awards for his plays. He received the Outstanding Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for Purpose and the Outstanding Play award at The Lortels for The Comeuppance. Additionally, he earned the Best New American Play award at the Obie Awards for both Appropriate and An Octoroon.
Videos