The Martin E. Segal Theatre Center presents Linda Chapman & Jim Nicola—30 Years at the New York Theatre Workshop livestreaming on the global, commons-based, peer-produced HowlRound TV network on Sunday 30 April 2023 at 3:30 p.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC -7) / 5:30 p.m. CDT (Chicago, UTC -5) / 6:30 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4).
Join us for an evening celebrating the work of Linda Chapman and James C. Nicola at the legendary New York Theatre Workshop. In their 34-year run, Chapman and Nicola, at the 199-seat East Village theatre gave birth to hundreds of important theatre works including Tony-winning best musicals Rent, Once, and Hadestown, as well as What the Constitution Means to Me and Slave Play. The theater’s support made a crucial difference to the careers of such writers as Tony Kushner, Lisa Kron, and Doug Wright; the directors Rachel Chavkin, Lileana Blain-Cruz and Sam Gold; and many others.
In his acceptance speech for the Tony, Nicola said: “Our community has aspired to be a sanctuary for a certain species of artist — theatermakers who embrace their divinity, who understand their sacred obligation to lead and inspire us.” American Theater Magazine wrote about Chapman: “ There is not a corner of New York Theatre Workshop’s existence that hasn’t been profoundly touched and shaped by her heart, her brains, and her soul.”
Joined by Jean Passanante and Patricia McGregor. Moderated by Frank Hentschker.
Linda S. Chapman: Founding President, Youth Arts New York; Co-Director, Gilder/Coigney International Theatre Award Program; Associate Artistic Director, New York Theatre Workshop 1995-2022; co-wrote The Beebo Brinker Chronicles, adapted from Ann Bannon’s classic w/Kate Moira Ryan, published by DPS; co-wrote/performed Gertrude and Alice: A Likeness to Loving, w/Lola Pashalinski; founding producer, DYKE TV/DTV Productions; managing director/associate member of The Wooster Group 1983-94, and performed in Brace Up; Administrator – Theater For The New City.
Patricia McGregor has twice been profiled by The New York Times for her direction of world premieres. She is a Usual Suspect at New York Theatre Workshop, a co-founder of Angela’s Pulse with her sister choreographer and organizer Paloma McGregor. Patricia was a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow at Yale School of Drama, where she also served as Artistic Director of the Yale Cabaret.
James Nicola served as the Artistic Director of New York Theater Workshop from 1988 to 2022. Prior to that, he was Producing Associate at Arena Stage from 1980-1988, beginning his time there as a NEA Director Fellow. From 1975-1980, he was a Casting Coordinator at the New York Shakespeare Festival, and a freelance director. He is a graduate of Tufts University and grew up in Manchester, CT.
Jean Passanante may be best known as a soap opera writer, but she started out in theatre as an actor and director, and worked at several major institutions, including New York Theatre Workshop and the O’Neill Theatre Center.
