On Monday, the Dramatists Guild Foundation hosted its annual gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, celebrating 25 years of the DGF Fellows program and honoring Chisa Hutchinson, Michael Korie, and Jolie Schaffzin.
Hosted by Amber Ruffin, this evening was a joyful, star-studded celebration of playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists whose words and music shape the art form we love. The gala featured a red carpet, performances by Fellows alumni, and both a silent and live auction to raise money for DGF’s wonderful programs, which ensure that theatre artists can continue creating, regardless of their circumstances.
This year, the DGF gala raised almost one million dollars to support its mission. As Andrew Lippa, president of the board of the DGF, reminded us in his speech, the foundation remains committed to helping writers unconditionally: without agenda, censorship, or creative constraints. That’s why, he shared, the foundation has chosen not to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts, preserving its independence to champion bold, independent storytelling.
The night marked 25 years of the DGF fellows program, which is a year-long intensive that pairs emerging dramatists with professional mentors and helps them develop their pieces to be produced commercially while working in the community.
The honorees this year reflected the legacy and future of theatre writing:
Chisa Hutchinson: DGF Fellow (2010-2011), playwright and educator
Michael Korie: Tony-nominated lyricist and librettist, and longtime DGF fellows chair and mentor
Jolie Schaffzin: Playbill Magazine’s first female publisher, DGF advisory board member
Other memorable moments of the evening included:
- Jordan Fischer, Carolee Carmello, Christine Ebersole, Scott Frankel, Paulo Szot, Elisa Galindez, and Tatianna Cordoba are giving performances of a lifetime.
- Seeing a scene from honoree Chisa Hutchinson’s “Amerikin” on the DGF stage- I love this play and had the privilege of seeing it multiple times at 59E59, the off-Broadway theatre where I work! This scene was performed by Amber Reauchean Williams and Victor Williams. It was a beautiful father-daughter exchange about the meaning of revolution.
- Stephen Schwartz presented the Stephen Schwartz Award to Madeline Myers, writer of the musical Double Helix. Myers gave a heartfelt speech before Anna Zavelson performed “If You’re Lucky” from the musical.
- Aurin Squire was honored with the Thom Thomas award, recognizing his outstanding contribution to playwriting. Side note: discussing what it means to be in a ~flow state~ with Aurin on the red carpet was an absolute delight
On a personal note, I felt ~aligned~ with my purpose after attending this event. I am currently developing my first play, and I cannot begin to describe how meaningful it was to be in the same room as all of these creatives. At my table, I sat between a playwright who is a current Fellow and another who was part of the very first Fellows class 25 years ago. Both spoke about how meaningful it was to be there to celebrate, connect, and honor the work that continues to shape the theatre landscape.
It was, simply put, a magical night.
