The commissioning and development process of new plays for young audiences: An in-depth look at three adaptations for young people

This project examines the process of commissioning and developing a new work for young audiences at three professional theater companies in the United States: Nashville Children's Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' Youth and Family Programs. By looking at the step-by-step process of developing one commissioned adaptation for young people from each organization, this project will explore the following five factors that influence this process: (1) target audience, (2) organization's history, mission and location, (3) playwright and creative team, (4) budget, and (5) cultural environment. While examining the process through these specific factors, this project will explore how a work changes and evolves throughout the development process and determine the elements necessary to commission a work.