It has been a remarkable decade to say the least and in the best traditions of anniversary milestones here are the HIGHLIGHTS of the first fifteen years of Origin Theatre:

  • Presented the work of more than 50 European playwrights, all of the work was seen in the U.S for the first time
  • Launched the 1st Irish Theatre festival which has presented work by nearly 100 Irish playwrights
  • NYC theatre debuts for Abi Morgan (writer of The Iron Lady with Meryl Streep and Shame with Michael Fassbender) Enda Walsh (Broadway: Once), Samuel Adamson (Lincoln Centre & London West End: War Horse, co-writer), Mark O’Rowe (The Public) & Lucy Caldwell (Dylan Thomas Prize)
  • Transatlantic partnerships with 57 organizations, including the Irish and British Consulates, the American Irish Historical Society, the Northern Ireland Bureau, the Wales International Center, Fordham University and the Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts
  • Plaudits from Irish President Mary McAleese
  • Bill Clinton’s official appreciation of the work of Origin 2010 invitation to The White House to meet President Obama Building an audience of more than 35,000 friends Press coverage across all titles and key broadcasters, including the Irish Times, the New York Times, the Washington Post and PBS
  • Mondays of May reading series filling NYU Ireland House to capacity

Really those are just the brightest threads of the rich tapestry of theatre that we have weaved into the cultural landscape of New York City and beyond since 2002. And none of this would have been possible without public support from our Cultural Believers. This boundless energy and enthusiasm has enabled us to realize Origin’s founding vision:

“to create theatre that truly reaches people…a theatre that tells stories, stirs the emotions and encourages new dialogue. Because there is incredibly wonderful work by amazing young playwrights being presented throughout Europe, and Origin is their gateway to America. Origin’s work seeks to explore cultural identity and global understanding from the unique perspective of these young writers.”

Yet we need your ongoing support for our continued success and future growth. As we open the chapter on our sixteenth birthday season, we need you to dig deep to help us to meet and exceed our previous achievements.

Thank-you!

If you would like to find out more about supporting Origin’s work, please contact our Director of Development, Lauren Gibbs, at developmentmanager@origintheatre.org

Origin has a rich seam of artistic programming offering superb branding and cultural investment for corporate partners. Origin’s extensive network of theatre patrons, cultural partners, cultural leaders and media partners reaches tens of thousands of individuals and has over $10m in annual media value, which provides innumerable opportunities for brand visibility, public acknowledgement and access for your employees and clients!

Sponsorship can align with one or more of Origin’s annual programming opportunities:

  • European Month of Culture– a month-long themed showcase of the cultural zeitgeist of the EU in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to the United States
  • Mainstage Production – the American Premiere of an acclaimed European play in a month-long off-Broadway theater in Manhattan
  • Irish Month of Culture/1st Irish Festival – a month-long international showcase of playwriting from the Irish diaspora
  • NY Season Support– the entire season of Origin’s culturally diverse programming mentioned above

Corporate Partnership allows you to support Origin’s significant nonprofit cultural work while achieving your annual corporate advertising, marketing and CSR goals.  Recognition and benefits package are tailored to align with your corporate values and goals. Sample benefits include:

  • Logo Placement in advertising and marketing campaigns and public relations outreach
  • VIP tickets for client entertainment and hospitality
  • Product or service display opportunities
  • On-site acknowledgement at select public events
  • Feature on Origin email blasts and website
  • Logo Placement in Origin’s electronic and printed materials
  • And more!

MATCHING GIFTS

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses! With a matching gift you might be able to double or even triple your contribution to Origin Theatre Company.

Does your employer sponsor a matching gift program? If so, please remember to ask your employer for a matching gift form. Complete the form and send it to Origin with your gift. We’ll take it from there!

If you would like to find out more about supporting Origin’s work, please contact our Director of Development, Lauren Gibbs, at developmentmanager@origintheatre.org

It was an absolute honour to make my US debut with a brand-new monologue commissioned by Origin Theatre Company for the 1st Irish Festival. The Luthier was my first production in America. It was fantastic to be in NYC to attend rehearsals and see the play produced.
Lucy Caldwell, Playwright

Government Support

  • The Delegation of the European Union to the United States
  • The Government of Ireland
  • Irish Consulate
  • Italian Cultural Institute
  • NY City Council Member Daniel Dromm
  • New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature
  • Public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council
  • Northern Ireland Bureau
  • Tourism Ireland

Foundation

  • Actors Equity Association Foundation
  • The Ireland Funds
  • Barbara Bell Cumming Foundation

Corporate

  • Bank of Ireland
  • Blooms Tavern
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Goldman Sachs
  • McVicker Higginbotham
  • Mutual of America

And special thanks to Origin’s Board of Directors and our individual members for their generosity.