"Triple crown" (Pulitzer, Tony, & Academy Award) winner Alfred Uhry & Denise Ruiz (YPF1995).

"There is no other organization dedicated to the work of young playwrights and dedicated to the playwrights themselves. I found support not just for the plays I was writing (or hoped to write) but also for my identity as a writer. YPI provided me with more than opportunities to hear my work, meet wonderful people, see wonderful shows, participate in wonderful workshops; they also connected me with writers who were my age and who shared my passion for plays. There's nothing like finding a group of people who care about the same things that you do. Whether you end up being best friends or not is moot -- it's the connections that the writing forges that really matter. YPI gave me a community that was based on dedication and learning. They took my words seriously, and took the person who was behind them seriously as well. They know how to treat their young playwrights as playwrights, and in the process allow the writing to transcend age. 

In showing an interest in my writing, YPI made me show my interest in my writing.

In validating my work, they taught me to value it.

In taking education seriously, they encouraged me to take education seriously.

In treating every YPI writer as a playwright, they allowed me to be a playwright."

Hillary Miller
Advanced Playwriting Workshop, 1997-98-99
Winner, NYC Public School Playwriting Contest
Winner, National Playwriting Competition

To contact us:

Phone: 212-307-1140
Fax: 212-307-1454
Email: [email protected]