a note from Julia
My first official involvement with New Georges was in 2016, through their Audrey Residency. I was making a project with Meghan Finn about a 1960’s serial murder case in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that somehow, through my insistence, became a musical. I remember the first meeting was at Susan’s house. I made eggs! she said. I was new to the group thing. I had run my own (tiny) theater company for many years, but was entering a phase in my life in which I needed more support and connections, more links to other practitioners in the theater world. There were some Important Artists in that apartment that day. I talked too much, probably, but was listened to with warmth and respect.
Since that day I don’t think a moment of my artistic life has gone by without the involvement of New Georges, either directly (from my participation and eventual co-leadership of The Jam through to their co-production of A WOMAN AMONG WOMEN at The Bushwick Starr and LCT3), or through their ongoing and immense support of me as an artist in the world. And during that time I have witnessed them give that same support to countless artists at all levels of their careers. It is a testament to their integrity as artistic leaders that I felt the exact same encouragement from them when I was a young(er) playwright bringing pages into a room as when I had a show at Lincoln Center. And I know that I am one of many.
I don’t believe there is an organization in this city more dedicated to helping artists actually make work, on their own terms, at all stages of their artistry, than New Georges. There is no organization that values the input of artists, who asks them what they want to do and helps them figure out how to do just that. There is no organization who respects the shifting and evolving ecosystem of New York theater and works tirelessly to adapt to meet its changing challenges and demands.
I’m beyond flattered (abashed maybe) to be honored by such caring, open, dedicated, tenacious creators and upholders of New York theater. During this perilous time for the arts in this city, the enthusiasm, optimism and support of New Georges has been a consistent lifeline for new work and new voices. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating them and the vast constellation of artists they support.
Julia May Jonas
August 2026