Theatre Communications Group

The Goodman Theatre in Chicago, one of the original founding members of TCG

Theatre Communications Group was established in 1961 with a grant from the Ford Foundation in response to their then arts and humanities director W. McNeil Lowry's desire to foster communication and cooperation among the growing community of regional theatres throughout the country.[4] Though initially run as a Ford Foundation administered program, TCG independently incorporated in 1964.[5]

The organization began with a membership of 15 regional and community theatres, and nine university drama departments under the leadership of Pat Brown.[6] In its first decade of operation, other leaders included Michael Mabry, Joseph Zeigler and Hartney Arthur.[7] In 1972, Peter Zeisler was named Executive Director, a position he would hold for 23 years.[8] Under Zeisler’s leadership, TCG created many of its longest-running programs, including annual National Conference, American Theatre magazine and TCG Books.[7]

After Zeisler retired in 1995, the organization was led by John Sullivan, (1993–1997)[9] Ben Cameron (1996–2006), and Joan Channick (1999–2006).[10] TCG was named the United States Center for the International Theater Institute in 1999[11] and Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre in 2005.[12]

As of 2014, TCG has over 700 member theatres located in 47 states; 12,000[13] individual members; and 150 University, Trustee and other business affiliates.[14] Teresa Eyring was appointed Executive Director in 2007.[15]

Founded in 1984, TCG Books is considered the largest independent publisher of dramatic literature in North America. As of 2014, it has published the work of 235 playwrights and theatre professionals in over 1,600 titles, including 16 winners of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, one winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, as well as numerous Tony Award, Drama Desk, and Obie Award winners.[16]

Theatre Communications Group publishes American Theatre magazine, a periodical focused on the non-profit professional theatre, and ARTSEARCH, a career and job search resource for performing arts professionals.[17] American Theatre is published 10 times a year and distributed to TCG members free of charge.[18] ARTSEARCH is published digitally and released on a quarterly basis.[19]

• List of Theatre Communications Group member theatres
• Regional theater in the United States
• List of LORT Member Theatres

• Baker, Annie (2012). The Vermont Plays. New York, NY: TCG Books. ISBN 978-1-55936389-1.
• King Jr., Woodie (November 2003). The Impact of Race: Theatre & Culture. Applause Theatre & Cinema Books. p. 186. ISBN 978-1557835796.
• Sheila McNerney Anderson (March 2007). "The Founding of Theater Arts Philanthropy in America: W. McNeil Lowry and the Ford Foundation". In Robert A. Schanke (ed.). Angels in the American Theatre: Patrons, Patronage & Philanthropy (1st ed.). Southern Illinois University Press. pp. 173–190. ISBN 978-0809327478.
• Volz, Jim (June 2013). How to Run a Theatre: Creating, Leading and Managing Professional Theatre. New York: Bloomsbury Metheun Drama. pp. 199–200. ISBN 978-1-4081-3474-0.

• Official website