The Terrence McNally Foundation (TMF) and The Recovery Arts Project have announced the second cycle of the Terrence McNally Recovery Commissions: two annual $10,000 commissions created to support playwrights in recovery from a substance use condition while honoring the legacy of the late, legendary playwright Terrence McNally.
This program is built on one of recovery’s most powerful pillars: sponsorship.
Each year, two commissioned playwrights, one established and one early-career, are paired together in a creative and personal partnership, supporting each other through a yearlong process that blends mentorship, community, and craft. The experience includes:
- A writing retreat in Provincetown, Massachusetts
- A residency at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut
- And a Works & Process final showing at the Guggenheim in New York City
At that final showing, audiences will experience selected scenes from both new plays, followed by a moderated conversation exploring the playwrights’ creative approaches, recovery journeys, and the role of storytelling as a tool for healing.
The Legacy Behind the Commission
The Recovery Commissions honor Terrence McNally not just as an icon of American theater but as someone whose recovery journey shaped his life and work. McNally often spoke about a pivotal moment at Stephen Sondheim’s birthday party, when Angela Lansbury, with her signature warmth and clarity, encouraged him to confront his struggles with alcohol.
He later shared this experience in the documentary Every Act of Life, reinforcing his belief in community, visibility, and the power of artistic truth-telling.
Last Year’s Inaugural Recipients
The inaugural recipients of the Recovery Commissions were:
- Jake Brasch, who makes their Off-Broadway debut this season with The Reservoir at Atlantic Theater Company
- Craig Lucas, Obie Award-winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist
Why This Matters
“For Terrence, recovery and creativity were intertwined acts of courage, honesty, and community,” says Santino DeAngelo, Executive Director of TMF. “These commissions allow us to stand with playwrights at pivotal moments in their artistic and personal journeys, just as Terrence once stood with so many others. It is an honor to carry that legacy forward.”
Sean Daniels, Executive Director of the Recovery Arts Project, adds:
“It’s estimated that tens of millions of Americans are in long-term recovery, and yet we often don’t see these stories on stage, film, or TV, or celebrate the accomplishments of these artists. By supporting artists in recovery through commissions and mentorships, we not only create new pieces of art, but remove the stigma that stops people from getting help, thereby saving lives.”
Application Details (Early-Career Commission)
Applications for the early-career commission open:
🗓 Monday, December 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. EST
⏳ Close: January 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST
⚠️ Or earlier, once 100 applications have been received.
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