Works & Process: Terrence McNally Recovery Commissions: Craig Lucas and Jake Brasch

The Terrence McNally Recovery Commissions award two annual $10,000 new play commissions—one to an emerging playwright and one to an established playwright—each identifying as being in recovery from a substance use condition. Reflecting the spirit of sponsorship, the commissioned artists serve as resources for one another throughout a yearlong process that includes a writing retreat with Provincetown Theater and Recovery Arts Project; a Works & Process residency at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut; made possible by The Ziegfeld Club’s 2026 Needlepoint Bob Grant; all culminating in a Works & Process showing, where audiences are invited to experience selected scenes from both new plays by Jake Brasch and Craig Lucas and a moderated discussion with the playwrights exploring their artistic processes, recovery journeys, and the role of storytelling in healing.

The commissions are named in honor of Terrence McNally, whose own journey in recovery began with a life-changing moment at Stephen Sondheim’s birthday party, where Angela Lansbury, with love and concern, encouraged him to face his struggles with alcohol. McNally later shared this story in the documentary Every Act of Life, believing in the power of being part of a supportive public community.

The inaugural recipients of the Terrence McNally Recovery Commissions are Jake Brasch, who makes their Off-Broadway debut this season with The Reservoir at the Atlantic Theater Company, and Craig Lucas, Obie Award winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist.