The History of HB Playwrights

The HB Studio was already a thriving fixture in the New York City cultural world when in 1965 Herbert Berghof and Uta Hagen realized their dream of establishing a theatre. The HB Playwrights Foundation & Theatre and its sister organization, the HB Studio, were intended to serve as a creative home for theatre artists. Although they are separate organizations, their joint existence has had a far-reaching impact on the theatre community. For over fifty years, the Studio has offered the finest training to actors and other theatre artists. For almost as long, the HB Theatre has given playwrights and other theatre artists the opportunity to hone their skills. When needed, readings are provided, often, several per play. When works are considered ready, the playwrights are afforded a five-day intensive workshop with a director, full cast, and an invited audience. Critics are not invited and no "admission" is charged, relieving the playwright of any commercial pressures.

From its inception, the HB Theatre has depended on volunteer efforts and good will. From his work on the film Cleopatra, Herbert Berghof earned the money to purchase the one-story garage that was converted into an 80-seat theatre. That building, along with the adjacent brownstone at 122 Bank Street, was renovated with the help of many unpaid friends who did everything from painting walls to scouring floors. An anonymous donor provided professional lighting and sound systems.

For over forty years, dedicated volunteers have made it possible for the HB Theatre to present over 250 full productions, countless staged readings and many other theatrical events. Professional actors, directors and designers of the highest caliber donate their time and talents for the productions. They do so because at the HB Theatre they have both artistic freedom and the luxury of allowing the work to evolve at whatever pace is necessary for the play. Actors' Equity Association, recognizing the importance of this work, has granted HBPF a special agreement which, among other things, allows a longer than usual rehearsal period.

Among the more than 130 playwrights who have found a home at HB Playwrights Theatre are Neena Beber, Saul Bellow, Eric Bentley, Bertolt Brecht, Vincent Canby, Laura Shaine Cunningham, Donna de Matteo, Horton Foote, Marjorie Kellogg, Pavel Kohout, Romulus Linney, Kenneth Lonergan, Mark Medoff, Ed Napier, James Purdy, James Ryan, Willam Saroyan, Martin Sherman, Michael Straight, William Styron, Kathleen Tolan, Thornton Wilder, Tennessee Williams, Sherman Yellen.