Audible Announces New Set of Commissioned Playwrights

Audible Inc. today announced the second group of playwrights selected to receive support from its fund dedicated to developing innovative English-language works from around the globe. The $5 million fund enables the creation of original plays driven by language and voice, keeping with Audible's core commitment to elevating listening experiences through powerful performances and extraordinary vocal storytelling.

This year's selected playwrights are Nick Carr, Christopher Chen, Elinor Cook, Berri George, Carla Grauls, Eric Micha Holmes, Lindsay Joelle, Charlotte Josephine, Mike Lew, and Marisela Treviña Orta.

In addition to financial support, Audible will provide the selected playwrights creative and logistical resources that suit the needs of each artist and project. With access to both Audible's workspace and an artistic staff who provide dramaturgical expertise, playwrights will enjoy a nurturing environment that inspires and encourages artistic expression. The fund is also intended to support the audio production of each commission and, in some instances, a live stage component. In its entirety, the initiative provides opportunity and access for theater artists and audiences.

Three Audible commissioned plays are set to be produced this year, including Proof of Love by Chisa Hutchinson (slated for live production at the Minetta Lane Theatre in NYC this spring), Evil Eye by Madhuri Shekar (Audible release in May), and Life Ever After by Carla Grauls (Audible release in June). Additional productions from commissioned playwrights will be announced in the coming months.