Every project at Drama Dept. is initiated by our company members and is guided by an individualized production team through a development process that is prescribed by the material at hand. The process includes informal and formal readings, workshops and fully staged productions. We also work to transfer our productions to open-ended runs and to adapt the material for film and television.

“Drama Dept. possesses an awareness of the theater's historical past that deepens and illuminates the company's present work.”
— The New York Times

As scripts are brought to us, we look for certain things. Does this piece say something about where we are in the world? Is there a point of view? A distinctive voice? Will it fit in our theater, our schedule, and our budget?

“modest means but big talents”
— The New Jersey Star-Ledger

We answer these questions through our unique process of collaboration, freewheeling discussion and presentation. At every step we solicit the participation and feedback of artists, administrators, interns, volunteers, board members, and audiences. We also seek to discover the appropriate venue and medium for each script. It is a time intensive process, but one we feel is vital to giving the material every opportunity to improve and resonate.

“you feel like you've been admitted to a hip but friendly club”
— The Wall Street Journal