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{{Short description|Non-profit theatre company in Washington, D.C.}}
{{Infobox theatre group
{{Infobox theatre group
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| imagesize =150px
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| caption = Company logo
| caption = Company logo
| ArtisticDirector = Howard Shalwitz
| ArtisticDirector = Maria Manuela Goyanes
| formed = 1980
| formed = 1980
| location = [[Washington, D.C.]]
| location = [[Washington, D.C.]]
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'''Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company''' is a [[non-profit]] [[theatre|theatre company]] located at 641 D Street NW in the [[Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.|Penn Quarter]] neighborhood of [[Washington, D.C.]] Founded in 1980, it produces new plays which it believes to be edgy, challenging, and thought-provoking. Performances are in a 265-seat [[courtyard]]-style theater.
'''Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company''' is a [[non-profit]] [[theatre|theatre company]] located at 641 D Street NW in the [[Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.|Penn Quarter]] neighborhood of [[Washington, D.C.]] Founded in 1980, it produces new plays which it believes to be edgy, challenging, and thought-provoking.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Yee |first=Roger |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nInEuimPQFEC |title=Lighting Spaces |date=2007 |publisher=Visual Reference Publications |isbn=978-1-58471-116-2 |language=en}}</ref> Performances are in a 265-seat [[courtyard]]-style theater.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company {{!}} Washington DC |url=https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/woolly-mammoth-theatre-company |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=washington.org |language=en}}</ref>

Woolly Mammoth is led by Artistic Director [[Maria Manuela Goyanes]], a celebrated American theatre producer, and Managing Director Kimberly E. Douglas.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-06-22 |title=Kimberly E. Douglas Named Woolly Mammoth Managing Director |url=https://www.americantheatre.org/2023/04/03/kimberly-e-douglas-named-woolly-mammoth-managing-director/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=AMERICAN THEATRE |language=en-US}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[File:Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Washington DC.jpg|thumb|Woolly Mammoth exterior during run of [[The Second City|Second City]]'s "Spoiler Alert, Everybody Dies"]]
[[File:Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Washington DC.jpg|thumb|Woolly Mammoth exterior during run of [[The Second City|Second City]]'s "Spoiler Alert, Everybody Dies"]]
[[Image:WOOLLYLOBBY.jpg|thumb||Woolly Mammoth Theatre Lobby]]
[[Image:WOOLLYLOBBY.jpg|thumb|Woolly Mammoth Theatre Lobby]]
[[Image:Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company PWYC Line a panorama.jpg|thumb||A Woolly Mammoth PWYC Line]]
[[Image:Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company PWYC Line a panorama.jpg|thumb|A Woolly Mammoth PWYC Line]]
It was founded by [[Artistic Director]] Howard Shalwitz, Roger Brady, and Linda Reinisch in 1980. "While working odd jobs to make money, we held our first auditions outdoors in [[Glover Park]] and started improvisatory workshops in the auditorium of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Building|HHS building]]."<ref name="FPDS-Program">{{cite book|title=Wooly Mammoth Famous Puppet Death Scenes Program Book|date=December 9, 2012|publisher=Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company|location=Washington DC|page=ii|accessdate=December 24, 2014}}</ref> It opened its first season in [[Church of the Epiphany (Washington, D.C.)|The Church of the Epiphany]] parish hall near [[Metro Center (Washington Metro)|Metro Center]].<ref name="FPDS-Program"/> Outgrowing this initial home, the company rented a warehouse in the [[14th Street (Washington, D.C.)|14th Street]] corridor, where it performed for 13 years. When that space ceased to be available, Woolly Mammoth became a [[nomad]] company, performing in various venues in the DC area. During this period the company worked with the [[Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.#Revitalization|Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation]] to acquire space for and to outfit a new theatre.<ref>[http://www.woollymammoth.net/about/history.php Woolly Mammoth website]</ref>
Woolly Mammoth was founded by Howard Shalwitz, Roger Brady, and Linda Reinisch in 1980.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pressley |first=Nelson |title=How Howard Shalwitz led Woolly Mammoth's stampede |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/how-howard-shalwitz-led-woolly-mammoths-stampede/2017/06/08/fa789af4-470e-11e7-bcde-624ad94170ab_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> "While working odd jobs to make money, we held our first auditions outdoors in [[Glover Park]] and started improvisatory workshops in the auditorium of the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Building|HHS building]]."<ref name="FPDS-Program">{{cite book|title=Wooly Mammoth Famous Puppet Death Scenes Program Book|date=December 9, 2012|publisher=Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company|location=Washington DC|page=ii<!-- |access-date=December 24, 2014 -->}}</ref> It opened its first season in [[Church of the Epiphany (Washington, D.C.)|The Church of the Epiphany]] parish hall near [[Metro Center (Washington Metro)|Metro Center]].<ref name="FPDS-Program"/> Outgrowing this initial home, the company rented a warehouse in the [[14th Street (Washington, D.C.)|14th Street]] corridor, where it performed for 13 years. When that space ceased to be available, Woolly Mammoth became a [[nomad]] company, performing in various venues in the DC area. During this period the company worked with the [[Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.#Revitalization|Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation]] to acquire space for and to outfit a new theatre.<ref>[http://www.woollymammoth.net/about/history.php Woolly Mammoth website]</ref>


"Woolly’s goal is to challenge our artists and our audiences in ways that are fun and exciting and theatrically adventurous. People can enjoy Woolly who are Democrats or Republicans, liberals or conservatives, because we’re trying to come at audiences from unexpected points of view. We would rather be politically challenging and uncomfortable and prickly and put images in front of people that make them think and surprise them, rather than just congratulating our audience for being the people they are."<ref>{{cite web | last=Dicker|first=Matthew|title=Woolly Mammoth is ‘Proud to Present’|publisher=''Washington Times'' | date=February 27, 2014| url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/27/woolly-mammoth-is-proud-to-present/ | accessdate=March 8, 2014}}</ref>
"Woolly's goal is to challenge our artists and our audiences in ways that are fun and exciting and theatrically adventurous. People can enjoy Woolly who are Democrats or Republicans, liberals or conservatives, because we're trying to come at audiences from unexpected points of view. We would rather be politically challenging and uncomfortable and prickly and put images in front of people that make them think and surprise them, rather than just congratulating our audience for being the people they are."<ref>{{cite web | last=Dicker|first=Matthew|title=Woolly Mammoth is 'Proud to Present'|work=Washington Times| date=February 27, 2014| url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/27/woolly-mammoth-is-proud-to-present/ | access-date=March 8, 2014}}</ref>


Opened in 2005, its permanent home is a $9 million, 265-seat courtyard-style theater. It was designed by Washington-based architect Mark McInturff <ref>[http://www.mcinturffarchitects.com/not/woolly/index.html McInturff Architects website]</ref> in association with Theatre Project Consultants.<ref>[http://www.tpcworld.com/portfolio.asp?section=4&level2=14&level3=0&Type=8&submit=search&curpage=7 Theatre Project Consultants website]</ref> The space has won local, regional, and national awards for innovative architectural design, including the [[American Institute of Architects]] 2006 Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture<ref>[http://www.aia.org/SiteObjects/files/Woolly_MammothTheater.pdf American Institute of Architects website]</ref> and the [[United States Institute for Theatre Technology|US Institute for Theatre Technology]] Honor Award.<ref>[http://www.usitt.org/activities/awards/ArchitectureAwards.html United States Institute for Theatre Technology website]</ref>
Opened in 2005, its permanent home is a $9 million, 265-seat courtyard-style theater. It was designed by Washington-based architect Mark McInturff<ref>[http://www.mcinturffarchitects.com/not/woolly/index.html McInturff Architects website]</ref> in association with Theatre Project Consultants.<ref>[http://www.tpcworld.com/portfolio.asp?section=4&level2=14&level3=0&Type=8&submit=search&curpage=7 Theatre Project Consultants website]</ref> The space has won local, regional, and national awards for innovative architectural design, including the [[American Institute of Architects]] 2006 Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture<ref>[http://www.aia.org/SiteObjects/files/Woolly_MammothTheater.pdf American Institute of Architects website]</ref> and the [[United States Institute for Theatre Technology|US Institute for Theatre Technology]] Honor Award.<ref>[http://www.usitt.org/activities/awards/ArchitectureAwards.html United States Institute for Theatre Technology website]</ref>

In 2018, Woolly Mammoth hired [[Maria Manuela Goyanes]] as its artistic director, succeeding founder Howard Shalwitz. Goyanes is known for her production successes at the Public Theater in New York as well as for being a theater educator and leader.


Plays that have premiered at Woolly Mammoth have been produced in more than 200 theaters in 39 states and 12 countries.<ref>[http://www.woollymammoth.net/about/newplay.php Woolly Mammoth website]</ref>
Plays that have premiered at Woolly Mammoth have been produced in more than 200 theaters in 39 states and 12 countries.<ref>[http://www.woollymammoth.net/about/newplay.php Woolly Mammoth website]</ref>


The theatre’s education and [[outreach]] programs include [[Pay what you want|"Pay-What-You-Can" (PWYC)]] performances providing access to all residents regardless of economic means,<ref>[http://media.www.theeagleonline.com/media/storage/paper666/news/2008/08/14/TheScene/A.Guide.To.D.c.Theatre-3398698.shtml TheEagleOnline.com]</ref><ref name="WPWeekend">{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/gog/free-cheap-dc/index.html | title=Weekend-Frugal Fun-Theater|author=Michael O'Sullivan|date= November 13, 2009|publisher=''The Washington Post''|page=27|accessdate=November 15, 2009}}</ref> and "Playmaking," which pairs students with professional playwrights.<ref>[http://www.studiotheatre.org/pipermail/teachers/2007-December/000195.html StudioTheatre.org]</ref> "Woolly D.C." is a program where a neighborhood joins together to create an original production based on an issue of common community concern, and there are internships, workshops, and theater classes, including a partnership with the [[University of Maryland, College Park]].<ref>[http://www.theatre.umd.edu/Spotlight/profaffiliations.htm University of Maryland website]</ref>
The theatre's education and [[outreach]] programs include [[Pay what you want|"Pay-What-You-Can" (PWYC)]] performances providing access to all residents regardless of economic means,<ref>[http://media.www.theeagleonline.com/media/storage/paper666/news/2008/08/14/TheScene/A.Guide.To.D.c.Theatre-3398698.shtml TheEagleOnline.com]</ref><ref name="WPWeekend">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/gog/free-cheap-dc/index.html | title=Weekend-Frugal Fun-Theater|author=Michael O'Sullivan|date= November 13, 2009|newspaper=The Washington Post|page=27|access-date=November 15, 2009}}</ref> and "Playmaking," which pairs students with professional playwrights.<ref>[http://www.studiotheatre.org/pipermail/teachers/2007-December/000195.html StudioTheatre.org]</ref> "Woolly D.C." is a program where a neighborhood joins to create an original production based on an issue of common community concern, and there are internships, workshops, and theater classes, including a partnership with the [[University of Maryland, College Park]].<ref>[http://www.theatre.umd.edu/Spotlight/profaffiliations.htm University of Maryland website]</ref>


==Current and Recent Productions==
==Current and recent productions==
For resident theatre companies "repertory is destiny" - a theatre company acquires its audience by the productions it presents.<ref>[https://www.tcg.org/publications/at/2003/wither.cfm TCG.org]</ref> Woolly Mammoth's productions are new plays that "explore the edges of theatrical style and human experience."<ref>{{cite web|title=About Woolly|url=http://www.woollymammoth.net/about/index.php|publisher=Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company|accessdate=March 13, 2013}}</ref>
For resident theatre companies "repertory is destiny" – a theatre company acquires its audience by the productions it presents.<ref>[https://www.tcg.org/publications/at/2003/wither.cfm TCG.org]</ref> Woolly Mammoth's productions are new plays that "explore the edges of theatrical style and human experience."<ref>{{cite web|title=About Woolly|url=http://www.woollymammoth.net/about/index.php|publisher=Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company|access-date=March 13, 2013}}</ref>

===2017-2018===
===<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.woollymammoth.net/current-season/woollys-2017-18-season|title=Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company - Woolly's 2017-18 Season|website=www.woollymammoth.net|access-date=2017-03-21}}</ref>===
:*''[[An Octoroon]]'' by [[Branden Jacobs-Jenkins]], remounted production
:*''[[The Arsonists (play)|The Arsonists]]'' by [[Max Frisch]], newly translated by [[Alistair Beaton]]
:*''Nothing to Lose (But Our Chains)'' created by [[The Second City]]
:*''Familiar'' by [[Danai Gurira]]
:*''Underground Railroad Game'' by Jennifer Kidwell and Scott R. Sheppard, [[Ars Nova (theater)|Ars Nova]] production
:*''Botticelli in the Fire'', by [[Jordan Tannahill]]

===2016-2017===
===<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/05/02/dc-theater-2016-17-an-early-users-guide/|title=DC Theater 2016-17: An early user’s guide|last=Pressley|first=Nelson|date=2016-05-02|work=The Washington Post|access-date=2017-03-21|last2=Pressley|first2=Nelson|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}</ref>===
:*''Collective Rage: A Play in Five Boops'' by [[Jen Silverman]]
:*''Kiss'' by Guillermo Calderon
:*''Black Side of the Moon'' created by [[The Second City]]
:*''Baby Screams Miracle'' by Clare Barron
:*''Pike Street'' by [[Nilaja Sun]]
:*''Hir'' by [[Taylor Mac]]

===2015-2016===
<ref>{{cite web|title=Woolly's 2015-2016 Season|url=http://www.woollymammoth.net/2015-2016-season/|website=woollymammoth.net|accessdate=September 14, 2015}}</ref>
:*''Women Laughing Alone With Salad'' by [[Sheila Callaghan]], part of the [[Women's Voices Theater Festival (Washington D.C.)|Women's Voices Theater Festival]]
:*''Winners And Losers'' by James Long & Marcus Youssef
:*''Guards At The Taj'' by [[Rajiv Joseph]]
:*''[[The Nether]]'' by [[Jennifer Haley]]
:*''An Octoroon'' by [[Branden Jacobs-Jenkins]]
:*''[[Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind]]'' created and performed by the Chicago [[Neo-Futurists]]

===2014-2015===
'''Let Them Eat . . .'''<ref>{{cite web|title=Announcing Season 35!|url=http://www.woollymammoth.net/performances/announcing-season-35/|publisher=Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company|accessdate=February 10, 2014}}</ref>
:*''Marie Antoinette'' by [[David Adjmi]]
:*''The Russians Are Coming! A Festival Of Radical New Theatre From Moscow'', created and performed by artists from the Meyerhold Centre, Dmitry Krymov Laboratory, Gogol Center, and Praktika Theatre. This production was canceled due to the political fallout from [[2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Marks|first1=Peter|title=Woolly cancels Russian theater festival amid chilled Russian-American relations|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/woolly-cancels-russian-theater-festival-amid-chilled-russian-american-relations/2014/04/20/9afee99c-c896-11e3-b81a-6fff56bc591e_story.html|accessdate=December 24, 2014|agency=The Washington Post|date=April 21, 2014}}</ref>
:*''Famous Puppet Death Scenes'', created and performed by [[The Old Trout Puppet Workshop]] from Alberta Canada.<ref name=FPDS-Program />
:*''Cherokee'' by [[Lisa D’Amour]]
:*''Lights Rise On Grace'' by Chad Beckim
:*''Zombie: The American'' by Robert O’Hara

===2013-2014===
'''America's Tell-Tale Heart'''<ref>{{cite web|title=Season 34: America's Tell-Tale Heart|url=http://www.woollymammoth.net/performances/2013-14season.php|publisher=Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company|accessdate=March 13, 2013}}</ref>
:*''Detroit'' by [[Lisa D’Amour]]
:*''Appropriate'' by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
:*''We Are Proud To Present A Presentation About The Herero Of Namibia, Formerly Known As South West Africa, From The German Sudwestafrika, Between The Years 1884-1915'' by Jackie Sibblies Drury
:*''Arguendo'' created and performed by [[Elevator Repair Service]]
:*''The Totalitarians'' By Peter Sinn Nachtrieb
:*''Just The Two Of Each Of Us,'' created and performed by [[The Pajama Men]]

===2012-2013===
'''My Roots My Revolution'''<ref>{{cite web|title=My Roots My Revolution - Season 33 2012-2013|url=http://www.woollymammoth.net/performances/2012-13season.php|publisher=Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company|accessdate=March 13, 2013}}</ref>
:*''[[The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity]]'' by Kristoffer Diaz
:*''You for Me for You'' by Mia Chung (world premiere)
:*''The Convert'' by [[Danai Gurira]]
:*''American Utopias'' created and performed by [[Mike Daisey]]
:*''Stupid Fucking Bird'' by Aaron Posner (world premiere)


==Notable playwrights and productions==
==Notable playwrights and productions==
Woolly Mammoth has produced works by the following playwrights in the seasons indicated:<ref>[http://www.woollymammoth.net/performances/production_history.php Woolly Mammoth production history]</ref>
Woolly Mammoth has produced works by the following playwrights in the seasons indicated:<ref>[https://www.woollymammoth.net/about-us/history/past-performances Woolly Mammoth production history]</ref>
*[[David Adjmi]]: ''Stunning'' (2007–08)<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/11/AR2008031102716.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Jane | last=Horwitz | title=Playing With Provocation | date=March 12, 2008}}</ref>
*Sherry Kramer: ''David's Redhaired Death'' (1990–91)
*Robert Alexander: ''The Last Orbit of Billy Mars'' (1998–99)
*[[Nicky Silver]]: ''Fat Men in Skirts'' (1990–91); ''Free Will & Wanton Lust'' (1992–93); ''The Food Chain'' (1993–94); ''Raised in Captivity'' (1996–97)
*[[Sheila Callaghan]]: ''[[Fever/Dream]]'' (2008–09)
*[[Bridget Carpenter]]: ''The Faculty Room'' (2005–06)
*[[Ian Cohen]]: ''Lenny & Lou'' (2004–05)
*[[Mike Daisey]]: ''If You See Something Say Something'' (2007–08); ''How Theater Failed America'' (2008–09); ''The Last Cargo Cult'' (2009–10); ''The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs'' (2010–11); ''The Trump Card'' (2016–2017)
*[[Amy Freed]]: ''Psychic Life of Savages'' (1994–95); ''Freedomland'' (1998–99)
*[[Amy Freed]]: ''Psychic Life of Savages'' (1994–95); ''Freedomland'' (1998–99)
*[[Melissa James Gibson]]: ''Current Nobody'' (2007–08)
*Jason Grote: ''[[Maria/Stuart]]'' (2008–09); ''Civilization: all you can eat'' (2011–2012)
*[[Danai Gurira]]: ''Eclipsed'' (2009–10); ''The Convert'' (2012–13); Familiar (2017–2018)
*[[Samuel D. Hunter]]: ''A Bright New Boise'' (2011–2012)<ref>{{cite news|last=Marks|first=Peter|title=A Bright New Boise|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/performing-arts/a-bright-new-boise,1212383/critic-review.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130412033758/http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/performing-arts/a-bright-new-boise,1212383/critic-review.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 12, 2013 | newspaper=The Washington Post|date=October 22, 2011}}</ref>
*[[Michael R. Jackson]]: ''A Strange Loop'' (2021-2022)
*[[Sherry Kramer]]: ''David's Redhaired Death'' (1990–91)
*[[Tracy Letts]]: ''Bug'' (1999–2000)
*[[David Lindsay-Abaire]]: ''Wonder of the World'' (1999–2000)
*[[Bruce Norris (playwright)|Bruce Norris]]: ''The Unmentionables'' (2007–08); [[Clybourne Park]] (2009–10), winner 2011 [[Pulitzer Prize for Drama]]
*[[Robert O'Hara]]: ''Antebellum'' (2008–09); ''Bootycandy'' (2010–11); ''Zombie: The American'' (2014–15)
*[[Philip Ridley]]: ''The Pitchfork Disney'' (1994–95)
*[[Philip Ridley]]: ''The Pitchfork Disney'' (1994–95)
*[[Sarah Ruhl]]: ''The Clean House'' (2004–05); ''[[Dead Man's Cell Phone]]'' (2006–07), which subsequently was produced at [[Playwrights Horizons]] in New York<ref>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=25667 BroadwayWorld.com]</ref> and [[Steppenwolf Theatre Company]] in Chicago<ref>[http://chicagotheaterblog.com/2008/04/22/review_deadmanscellphone/ ChicagoTheaterBlog.com]</ref>
*Laura Schellhardt, ''[[The K of D]]'' (2008)
*[[Nicky Silver]]: ''Fat Men in Skirts'' (1990–91); ''Free Will & Wanton Lust'' (1992–93); ''The Food Chain'' (1993–94); ''Raised in Captivity'' (1996–97)
*[[Anne Washburn]]: ''[[Mr. Burns, a post-electric play]]'' (2011–12)<ref>{{cite news|last=Marks|first=Peter|title=Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/performing-arts/mr.-burns-a-post-electric-play,1212387/critic-review.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130412033720/http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/performing-arts/mr.-burns-a-post-electric-play,1212387/critic-review.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=April 12, 2013 | newspaper=The Washington Post|date=June 5, 2012}}</ref>
*[[Craig Wright (playwright)|Craig Wright]]: ''Recent Tragic Events'' (2002–03); ''Grace'' (2003–04)
*[[Doug Wright]]: ''Watbanaland'' (1995–96); ''Quills'' (1996–97)
*[[Doug Wright]]: ''Watbanaland'' (1995–96); ''Quills'' (1996–97)
*Robert Alexander: ''The Last Orbit of Billy Mars'' (1998–99)
*[[David Lindsay-Abaire]]: ''Wonder of the World'' (1999–2000)
*[[Tracy Letts]]: ''Bug'' (1999-2000)
*[[Craig Wright (playwright)|Craig Wright]]: ''Recent Tragic Events'' (2002–03); ''Grace'' (2003–04)
*Mickey Birnbaum: ''Big Death & Little Death'' (2004–05)
*Ian Cohen: ''Lenny & Lou'' (2004–05)
*[[Sarah Ruhl]]: ''The Clean House'' (2004–05); ''[[Dead Man's Cell Phone]]'' (2006–07), which subsequently was produced at [[Playwrights Horizons]] in New York <ref>[http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=25667 BroadwayWorld.com]</ref> and [[Steppenwolf Theatre Company]] in Chicago <ref>[http://chicagotheaterblog.com/2008/04/22/review_deadmanscellphone/ ChicagoTheaterBlog.com]</ref>
*Bridget Carpenter: ''The Faculty Room'' (2005–06)
*[[Sheila Callaghan]]: ''[[Fever/Dream]]'' (2008–09)
*Robert O'Hara: ''Antebellum'' (2008–09); ''Bootycandy'' (2010–11); ''Zombie: The American'' (2014–15)
*Jason Grote: ''[[Maria/Stuart]]'' (2008–09); ''Civilization: all you can eat'' (2011-2012)
*[[Mike Daisey]]: ''If You See Something Say Something'' (2007–08); ''How Theater Failed America'' (2008–09); ''The Last Cargo Cult'' (2009–10); ''The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs'' (2010-11)
*[[David Adjmi]]: ''Stunning'' (2007–08) <ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/11/AR2008031102716.html | work=The Washington Post | first=Jane | last=Horwitz | title=Playing With Provocation | date=March 12, 2008}}</ref>
*Laura Schellhardt: ''The K of D, an urban legend'' (2007–08) <ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/20/AR2008012001904.html | work=The Washington Post | first=Nelson | last=Pressley | title=A Ghost Story Delight | date=January 21, 2008}}</ref>
*Melissa James Gibson: ''Current Nobody'' (2007–08)
*Josh Lefkowitz: ''Now What?'' (2007–08)
*[[Bruce Norris (playwright)|Bruce Norris]]: ''The Unmentionables'' (2007–08); [[Clybourne Park]] (2009–10), winner 2011 [[Pulitzer Prize for Drama]]
*Peter Sinn Nachtrieb: ''Boom'' (2008–09) <ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/11/11/ST2008111102387.html | work=The Washington Post | first=Nelson | last=Pressley | title=The Elements Unite to Create Woolly's 'Boom' | date=November 12, 2008}}</ref>
*[[Danai Gurira]]: ''Eclipsed'' (2009–10); ''The Convert'' (2012-13)
*Samuel D. Hunter: ''A Bright New Boise'' (2011-2012) <ref>{{cite news|last=Marks|first=Peter|title=A Bright New Boise|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/performing-arts/a-bright-new-boise,1212383/critic-review.html | work=''The Washington Post''|date=October 22, 2011}}</ref>
*[[Anne Washburn]]: ''[[Mr. Burns, a post-electric play]]'' (2011–12) <ref>{{cite news|last=Marks|first=Peter|title=Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/performing-arts/mr.-burns-a-post-electric-play,1212387/critic-review.html | work=''The Washington Post''|date=June 5, 2012}}</ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
In 2014 Howard Shalwitz was awarded the [[Margo Jones#Legacy|Margo Jones Award]] for his founding and direction of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company<ref>{{cite web|title=Margo Jones Award Recipients|url=http://library.osu.edu/find/collections/theatre-research-institute/margo-jones-award/margo-jones-award-recipients/|website=Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute|publisher=Ohio State University Libraries|accessdate=July 31, 2014}}</ref>
In 2014 Howard Shalwitz was awarded the [[Margo Jones#Legacy|Margo Jones Award]] for his founding and direction of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company<ref>{{cite web|title=Margo Jones Award Recipients|url=http://library.osu.edu/find/collections/theatre-research-institute/margo-jones-award/margo-jones-award-recipients/|website=Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute|publisher=Ohio State University Libraries|access-date=July 31, 2014}}</ref>


Overall, the company has earned over 130 Helen Hayes nominations and won 35 [[Helen Hayes Award]]s.<ref name="HelenHayesAwards">{{cite web|url=http://www.helenhayes.org/sub/nrsearch.cfm |title=Helen Hayes Awards Search Recipients - Woolly Mammoth |accessdate=February 16, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130041325/http://www.helenhayes.org/sub/nrsearch.cfm |archivedate=January 30, 2010 }}</ref><ref>Goodman, Lawrence, "Making Audiences Think," Brown Alumni Monthly, March/April 2014, p. 43</ref> Its more prestigious awards include:
Overall, the company has earned over 130 Helen Hayes nominations and won 35 [[Helen Hayes Award]]s.<ref name="HelenHayesAwards">{{cite web|url=http://www.helenhayes.org/sub/nrsearch.cfm |title=Helen Hayes Awards Search Recipients – Woolly Mammoth |access-date=February 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130041325/http://www.helenhayes.org/sub/nrsearch.cfm |archive-date=January 30, 2010 }}</ref><ref>Goodman, Lawrence, "Making Audiences Think," Brown Alumni Monthly, March/April 2014, p. 43</ref> Its more prestigious awards include:


* 2013 The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical, ''Stupid Fucking Bird'' <ref name="theatrewashington.org">{{cite web|title=2014 Helen Hayes Awards Nominees|url=http://theatrewashington.org/hh-awards-nominees/2014|publisher=Theatre Washington}}</ref>
* 2013 The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical, ''[[Stupid Fucking Bird]]''<ref name="theatrewashington.org">{{cite web|title=2014 Helen Hayes Awards Nominees|url=http://theatrewashington.org/hh-awards-nominees/2014|publisher=Theatre Washington}}</ref>
* 2013 Outstanding Resident Play, ''Stupid Fucking Bird'' <ref name="theatrewashington.org"/>
* 2013 Outstanding Resident Play, ''Stupid Fucking Bird''<ref name="theatrewashington.org" />
* 2008 The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical, ''[[Dead Man's Cell Phone]]''.<ref name="HelenHayesAwards" />
* 2008 The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical, ''[[Dead Man's Cell Phone]]''.<ref name="HelenHayesAwards" />
* 2007 Outstanding Non-Resident Production, ''In the Continuum''.<ref name="HelenHayesAwards" />
* 2007 Outstanding Non-Resident Production, ''In the Continuum''.<ref name="HelenHayesAwards" />
Line 134: Line 84:


==Affiliations==
==Affiliations==
Woolly Mammoth is a member of the National New Play Network,<ref>[http://www.nnpn.org/memberlist.php National New Play Network website]</ref> [[Theatre Communications Group]], the [[League of Washington Theaters]], and the [[Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington]]. The Theatre’s programs are supported by the [[National Endowment for the Arts]], the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program of [[United States Commission of Fine Arts]].
Woolly Mammoth is a member of the National New Play Network,<ref>[http://www.nnpn.org/memberlist.php National New Play Network website]</ref> [[Theatre Communications Group]], the [[League of Washington Theaters]], and the [[Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington]]. The theatre's programs are supported by the [[National Endowment for the Arts]], the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program of [[United States Commission of Fine Arts]].


==Notes==
==Notes==
Woolly Mammoth is a Blue Star Theatre - part of a collaboration between the Theatre Communications Group and Blue Star Families offering discounted admission to all military personnel, their families and U.S. veterans.<ref>{{cite web|title=Blue Star Theatres|url=http://www.tcg.org/advocacy/bluestar/map.cfm|publisher=Theatre Communications Group|accessdate=June 1, 2013}}</ref>
Woolly Mammoth is a Blue Star Theatre – part of a collaboration between the Theatre Communications Group and Blue Star Families offering discounted admission to all military personnel, their families and U.S. veterans.<ref>{{cite web|title=Blue Star Theatres|url=http://www.tcg.org/advocacy/bluestar/map.cfm|publisher=Theatre Communications Group|access-date=June 1, 2013}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Theatre}}
{{Portal|Theatre}}
*[[Helen Hayes Award]]
*[[Helen Hayes Award]]
*[[Theater in Washington, D.C.]]
*[[List of theaters in Washington, D.C.]]


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Woolly Mammoth theater company}}
*[http://www.woollymammoth.net/ Official Woolly Mammoth website]
*[http://www.woollymammoth.net/ Official Woolly Mammoth website]
*[https://hdl.handle.net/1903.1/48964/ Howard Shalwitz papers, Special Collections in Performing Arts, University of Maryland Libraries.]
*[http://www.potomacstages.com/Woolly.htm Wooly Mammoth at PotomacStages.com]
{{authority control}}
*[http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/performing-arts/woolly-mammoth-theatre,1094321.html Woolly Mammoth at the ''Washington Post'' website]


[[Category:Theatre companies in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Theatre companies in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:1980 establishments in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:1980 establishments in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:League of Washington Theatres]]
[[Category:League of Washington Theatres]]
[[Category:Penn Quarter]]
[[Category:Theatres in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Theatres in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Arts organizations established in 1980]]

Latest revision as of 15:41, 15 July 2024

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Formation1980
TypeTheatre group
PurposeNew Plays/World Premieres
Location
Artistic director(s)
Maria Manuela Goyanes
Websitehttp://www.woollymammoth.net

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is a non-profit theatre company located at 641 D Street NW in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1980, it produces new plays which it believes to be edgy, challenging, and thought-provoking.[1] Performances are in a 265-seat courtyard-style theater.[2]

Woolly Mammoth is led by Artistic Director Maria Manuela Goyanes, a celebrated American theatre producer, and Managing Director Kimberly E. Douglas.[3]

History

[edit]
Woolly Mammoth exterior during run of Second City's "Spoiler Alert, Everybody Dies"
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Lobby
A Woolly Mammoth PWYC Line

Woolly Mammoth was founded by Howard Shalwitz, Roger Brady, and Linda Reinisch in 1980.[4] "While working odd jobs to make money, we held our first auditions outdoors in Glover Park and started improvisatory workshops in the auditorium of the HHS building."[5] It opened its first season in The Church of the Epiphany parish hall near Metro Center.[5] Outgrowing this initial home, the company rented a warehouse in the 14th Street corridor, where it performed for 13 years. When that space ceased to be available, Woolly Mammoth became a nomad company, performing in various venues in the DC area. During this period the company worked with the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation to acquire space for and to outfit a new theatre.[6]

"Woolly's goal is to challenge our artists and our audiences in ways that are fun and exciting and theatrically adventurous. People can enjoy Woolly who are Democrats or Republicans, liberals or conservatives, because we're trying to come at audiences from unexpected points of view. We would rather be politically challenging and uncomfortable and prickly and put images in front of people that make them think and surprise them, rather than just congratulating our audience for being the people they are."[7]

Opened in 2005, its permanent home is a $9 million, 265-seat courtyard-style theater. It was designed by Washington-based architect Mark McInturff[8] in association with Theatre Project Consultants.[9] The space has won local, regional, and national awards for innovative architectural design, including the American Institute of Architects 2006 Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture[10] and the US Institute for Theatre Technology Honor Award.[11]

In 2018, Woolly Mammoth hired Maria Manuela Goyanes as its artistic director, succeeding founder Howard Shalwitz. Goyanes is known for her production successes at the Public Theater in New York as well as for being a theater educator and leader.

Plays that have premiered at Woolly Mammoth have been produced in more than 200 theaters in 39 states and 12 countries.[12]

The theatre's education and outreach programs include "Pay-What-You-Can" (PWYC) performances providing access to all residents regardless of economic means,[13][14] and "Playmaking," which pairs students with professional playwrights.[15] "Woolly D.C." is a program where a neighborhood joins to create an original production based on an issue of common community concern, and there are internships, workshops, and theater classes, including a partnership with the University of Maryland, College Park.[16]

Current and recent productions

[edit]

For resident theatre companies "repertory is destiny" – a theatre company acquires its audience by the productions it presents.[17] Woolly Mammoth's productions are new plays that "explore the edges of theatrical style and human experience."[18]

Notable playwrights and productions

[edit]

Woolly Mammoth has produced works by the following playwrights in the seasons indicated:[19]

Awards

[edit]

In 2014 Howard Shalwitz was awarded the Margo Jones Award for his founding and direction of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company[25]

Overall, the company has earned over 130 Helen Hayes nominations and won 35 Helen Hayes Awards.[26][27] Its more prestigious awards include:

  • 2013 The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical, Stupid Fucking Bird[28]
  • 2013 Outstanding Resident Play, Stupid Fucking Bird[28]
  • 2008 The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical, Dead Man's Cell Phone.[26]
  • 2007 Outstanding Non-Resident Production, In the Continuum.[26]
  • 2006 Outstanding Resident Play, The Clean House.[26]
  • 2006 The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical, Starving.[26]
  • 1996 Outstanding Resident Play, The Pitchfork Disney.[26]
  • 1994 The Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical, Free Will and Wanton Lust.[26]
  • 1991 Outstanding Resident Musical, The Rocky Horror Show.[26]
  • 1988 Outstanding New Play, National Defense.[26]
  • 1987 Outstanding New Play, New York Mets.[26]
  • 1986 Outstanding New Play, Metamorphosis.[26]

Affiliations

[edit]

Woolly Mammoth is a member of the National New Play Network,[29] Theatre Communications Group, the League of Washington Theaters, and the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington. The theatre's programs are supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program of United States Commission of Fine Arts.

Notes

[edit]

Woolly Mammoth is a Blue Star Theatre – part of a collaboration between the Theatre Communications Group and Blue Star Families offering discounted admission to all military personnel, their families and U.S. veterans.[30]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Yee, Roger (2007). Lighting Spaces. Visual Reference Publications. ISBN 978-1-58471-116-2.
  2. ^ "Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company | Washington DC". washington.org. Retrieved 2022-06-29.
  3. ^ "Kimberly E. Douglas Named Woolly Mammoth Managing Director". AMERICAN THEATRE. 2022-06-22. Retrieved 2023-04-03.
  4. ^ Pressley, Nelson. "How Howard Shalwitz led Woolly Mammoth's stampede". The Washington Post.
  5. ^ a b Wooly Mammoth Famous Puppet Death Scenes Program Book. Washington DC: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. December 9, 2012. p. ii.
  6. ^ Woolly Mammoth website
  7. ^ Dicker, Matthew (February 27, 2014). "Woolly Mammoth is 'Proud to Present'". Washington Times. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
  8. ^ McInturff Architects website
  9. ^ Theatre Project Consultants website
  10. ^ American Institute of Architects website
  11. ^ United States Institute for Theatre Technology website
  12. ^ Woolly Mammoth website
  13. ^ TheEagleOnline.com
  14. ^ Michael O'Sullivan (November 13, 2009). "Weekend-Frugal Fun-Theater". The Washington Post. p. 27. Retrieved November 15, 2009.
  15. ^ StudioTheatre.org
  16. ^ University of Maryland website
  17. ^ TCG.org
  18. ^ "About Woolly". Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. Retrieved March 13, 2013.
  19. ^ Woolly Mammoth production history
  20. ^ Horwitz, Jane (March 12, 2008). "Playing With Provocation". The Washington Post.
  21. ^ Marks, Peter (October 22, 2011). "A Bright New Boise". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 12, 2013.
  22. ^ BroadwayWorld.com
  23. ^ ChicagoTheaterBlog.com
  24. ^ Marks, Peter (June 5, 2012). "Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 12, 2013.
  25. ^ "Margo Jones Award Recipients". Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute. Ohio State University Libraries. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Helen Hayes Awards Search Recipients – Woolly Mammoth". Archived from the original on January 30, 2010. Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  27. ^ Goodman, Lawrence, "Making Audiences Think," Brown Alumni Monthly, March/April 2014, p. 43
  28. ^ a b "2014 Helen Hayes Awards Nominees". Theatre Washington.
  29. ^ National New Play Network website
  30. ^ "Blue Star Theatres". Theatre Communications Group. Retrieved June 1, 2013.
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