Judith Thompson News

Epic Theatre Ensemble (formerly Epic Theatre Center) announced today that it will present the New York Premiere of the new drama, Palace of the End by Judith Thompson. It was also announced yesterday that the Thompson play is the 2008 winner of the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for playwrighting.

The 2008 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has been awarded to Judith Thompson for her critically acclaimed play Palace of the End, marking the first time a Canadian writer has received the prestigious playwriting award's highest honor. Thompson received $20,000 and a signed and numbered print by artist Willem de Kooning at a special 30th Anniversary ceremony on Monday, March 10th at the Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas where Ms. Blackburn first became involved in theatre.

The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, which celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year, will mark the milestone with a special project saluting the accomplishments of female playwrights in Houston - 'Women in Theatre: Houston Voices.'

'The Daily Show' and New York stage regular Aasif Mandvi will host the 7th Annual Winter Gala of Epic Theatre Ensemble on Monday February 25 at 6PM at 24 Fifth. Others set to lend their support include Cicely Tyson, Tamara Tunie, Gregory Generet, David Strathairn, Leigh Silverman, Kathleen Chalfant, Gordon Elliot and musical guests The Petersons.

The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has announced ten finalists for the prestigious playwriting award which celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year. The awards are given annually to recognize women from around the world who have written works of outstanding quality for the English-speaking theatre.

The Founding Producers and Board of Directors of Epic Theatre Center have voted to officially change the company's name to Epic Theatre Ensemble effective September 4, 2007

Right Down Broadway Productions will present the world premiere of the Off-Broadway production If Wishes Were Horses by Kari Floren beginning previews at Altered Stages

The 3rd Annual Summer Play Festival (SPF) has announced the directors who will be staging the 15 plays to be showcased at this year's festival, as well as the on sale date (June 5th)