Mission & History
Founded in 1974 by former Rutgers faculty member Eric Krebs, George Street Playhouse started life in a repurposed supermarket on George Street in New Brunswick, NJ. In 1986, the Playhouse moved into its current home, the location of the former New Brunswick YMCA, and became the inaugural professional theatre constituent of the New Brunswick Cultural Center. David Saint, formerly Associate Artistic Director at Seattle Rep, was appointed Artistic Director in 1998. His tenure has marked a commitment to the creation of new work for the American Stage, and providing a safe and nuturing home for new work and emerging artists.
The Playhouse has been well represented by numerous productions both on and off-Broadway recent productions include It Shoulda Been You, scheduled for Broadway in Spring 2013, the Outer Critics Circle Best Musical Award-winner The Toxic Avenger, the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk and Drama League nominated production of The Spitfire Grill and the Broadway hit and Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning play Proof by David Auburn, which was developed at GSP during the 1999 Next Stage Series of new plays.
Echoing the mission of its mainstage season, GSPs Touring Theatre features four issue-oriented productions commissioned by the Playhouse and are seen by more than 40,000 students annually. The plays presented by the Touring Theatre address issues such as tolerance, respect, cyber-bullying and health and wellness. The most recent commission for the Touring Theatre is its first-ever musical, Austin the Unstoppable, which discusses making healthy life choices with diet and exercise. Noted Arts Administrator Norma Kaplan was appointed Managing Director in September 2011, and brings with her enormous and exciting experience in building bridges within and between communities through the arts.
Mission Statement:
The mission of George Street Playhouse is to enrich people’s lives by producing world-class theatre.
To accomplish our mission, we seek:
- To produce the highest quality of intellectually and emotionally challenging new works, re-imagined classics, and educational programming that speak with relevance to society;
- To serve as a vital cultural institution in New Jersey and a creative force nationally;
- To positively shape and be shaped by the diverse character of our community; and
- To create a nurturing home for the highest level of professional in the arts.
