Central Works is committed to the collaborative development of original works for the theater: we make plays.

We write, develop, and produce plays. Our focus is originality: original ideas, original conceptions, original plays. We offer our community daring, intimate productions at affordable prices, while bringing theater artists together as partners in the creation and development of intellectually and emotionally demanding works. With sliding scales and “pay what you can” performances, we present affordable, challenging and professional productions of new works .

History

Central Works was founded in 1991 as an actor-driven ensemble concentrating on new plays and regional premieres. In 1997, the company’s primary focus shifted to the cultivation and use of the Central Works Method of collaborative play development, a process that brings artists together as full partners in a creative project, from conception to full production. Roux, the first Central Works Method play, was described by the East Bay Express as “…a taut, tense, intriguing scenario reminiscent of early Pinter or Albee.” Since then, Central Works has developed and produced over two dozen original plays utilizing the Central Works Method, seeking out thought-provoking topics, often targeting current events and literature. For almost two decades now, Central Works has continued to offer our community accessible, thought provoking and professional productions of new works.

GRANTS AWARDED

In 2010, the Foundation supported the Central Works New Play Program 2010 – 2012, a 3-year initiative to develop and produce 9 world premiere plays utilizing the Central Works Method.