@dramatistsguild @allysoncurrin 

I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Washington, DC theatre community. When I first arrived in this city, in 1990, there was a fairly small but healthy group of theatres, and some new work being done for the stage here and there. But in the years since, as DC slowly became my hometown, the theatre scene exploded, and I have been delighted to grow with it, as a playwright and an actor. This community has become a genuine hotbed for new play development; in fact, it’s one of the most vital in the country. It has been an honor for me to grow as an artist alongside “my” city, and everything about representing this region for the Dramatists Guild feels right.

I have some big shoes to fill: my fellow Welder Gwydion Suilebhan has served as area representative for the past three years with great distinction. I am so proud of his advocacy for our region, particularly as it relates to issues of gender parity. A very hearty shout-out for all of his hard work!

As a theatre artist, I am a collaborator. That’s not a particularly revolutionary thing for a playwright to say, but let me back up that statement: my proudest career achievements all focus on collaboration. I co-founded the playwrights’ collective The Welders in the firm belief that by combining resources and producing each other’s work, playwrights would gain agency and strength. Via my work as the National Playwriting Program Chair (Region 2) for the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival, I have advocated for and supported emerging playwrights. Advocacy works. It raises all of us who participate in it.

DC was where my very first play was produced, and it has been an anchor for me as my career has grown and expanded. I look forward to being a voice for DC-area playwrights, and to bragging to anyone who will listen about the vibrancy, generosity and talent that defines this community. DC playwrights, please reach out to me on Facebook or Twitter (@allysoncurrin). I have so much pride in our city and I can’t wait to crow about our many achievements. It will be an honor to serve my peers with the Dramatists Guild.

acurrin@dramatistsguild.com