Who is Kevin Mosher?

Kevin Mosher is an American theatre director. He was the artistic director of the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the artistic director of the Signature Theatre Company in New York City. He is a recipient of the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play.

Mosher was born in New York City in 1941. He attended Yale University, where he studied English and theatre. After graduating from Yale, Mosher worked as an actor and director in regional theatre. In 1980, he was appointed artistic director of the Guthrie Theater. Under Mosher's leadership, the Guthrie became one of the leading regional theatres in the United States. Mosher directed many notable productions at the Guthrie, including world premieres of plays by August Wilson, Tony Kushner, and Suzan-Lori Parks.

In 1998, Mosher left the Guthrie to become artistic director of the Signature Theatre Company. The Signature Theatre is a not-for-profit theatre company that focuses on the production of new American plays. Under Mosher's leadership, the Signature Theatre has produced over 100 new plays, including world premieres of plays by Edward Albee, Athol Fugard, and John Guare.

Mosher is a strong advocate for new American plays and playwrights. He has been a member of the board of directors of the Dramatists Guild of America and the Theatre Communications Group. He is also a recipient of the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for his work on the Broadway production of August Wilson's "Fences".

| Personal Details | Information ||---|---|---|| Name | Kevin Mosher || Born | 1941 || Birth Place | New York City || Alma Mater | Yale University || Occupation | Theatre director || Awards | Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play |

Kevin Mosher is one of the most influential theatre directors of his generation. He has been a major force in the development of new American plays and playwrights. His work has helped to shape the American theatre landscape.

Kevin Mosher

Kevin Mosher is an acclaimed American theatre director known for his exceptional work in shaping the American theatre landscape. His multifaceted career encompasses artistic direction, advocacy for new plays, and nurturing playwrights. Here are seven key aspects that highlight his contributions:

Artistic Direction
New American Plays
Signature Theatre Company
Guthrie Theater
Tony Award
Dramatists Guild
Theatre Communications Group

Mosher's artistic direction at the Guthrie Theater and the Signature Theatre Company has been instrumental in developing new voices and producing groundbreaking works. His dedication to new American plays is evident in his support of playwrights and his commitment to producing their works. The Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play recognizes his exceptional directorial skills. Mosher's involvement with the Dramatists Guild and Theatre Communications Group underscores his commitment to the theatre community and its development. These key aspects showcase Kevin Mosher's significant contributions to American theatre, making him a respected and influential figure in the industry.

1. Artistic Direction

Artistic direction plays a pivotal role in Kevin Mosher's career and is a defining aspect of his contribution to the American theater landscape. As an artistic director, Mosher is responsible for shaping the artistic vision of a theater company, selecting the plays that will be produced, and overseeing all aspects of the production process. His artistic direction is characterized by a commitment to new American plays, a focus on developing new voices, and a dedication to producing high-quality theater that is accessible to a wide audience.

Mosher's work as artistic director has had a profound impact on the American theater. He has helped to launch the careers of many playwrights, including August Wilson, Tony Kushner, and Suzan-Lori Parks. He has also been instrumental in the development of new theater companies, such as the Signature Theatre Company, which he founded in 1991. The Signature Theatre Company is dedicated to producing new American plays and has become one of the leading Off-Broadway theaters in the country.

Mosher's artistic direction is a model for how theater can be used to engage with the most important issues of our time. His work has helped to make the American theater more diverse, more inclusive, and more relevant to the lives of its audience. He is a true visionary and one of the most important figures in the American theater today.

2. New American Plays

New American Plays are a vital part of Kevin Mosher's artistic vision. He believes that the American theater should be a place where new voices and new ideas can be heard. He has made a commitment to producing new American plays throughout his career, both at the Guthrie Theater and the Signature Theatre Company.

Mosher believes that new American plays are important because they reflect the changing face of America. They tell the stories of people who have been historically marginalized, and they give voice to the concerns and aspirations of contemporary Americans. Mosher also believes that new American plays are essential for the health of the American theater. They help to keep the theater relevant and exciting, and they attract new audiences to the theater.

Mosher has a long history of supporting new American playwrights. He has commissioned and produced plays by some of the most important playwrights of our time, including August Wilson, Tony Kushner, and Suzan-Lori Parks. He has also been a mentor to many young playwrights, helping them to develop their craft and get their plays produced.

Mosher's commitment to new American plays has had a profound impact on the American theater. He has helped to create a more diverse and inclusive theater, and he has helped to launch the careers of some of the most important playwrights of our time. His work is a testament to the power of new American plays to change the world.

3. Signature Theatre Company

The Signature Theatre Company, founded by artistic director James Houghton in 1991, is an Off-Broadway theatre company based in New York City's The Pershing Square Signature Center. The company is dedicated to producing new American plays and has a long history of supporting emerging playwrights. Kevin Mosher, who served as the company's artistic director from 2001 to 2017, has been instrumental in shaping the Signature Theatre Company's mission and artistic vision.

New American Plays: The Signature Theatre Company is committed to producing new American plays, and has a long history of supporting emerging playwrights. The company has produced over 100 new plays since its founding, including world premieres of plays by Edward Albee, Athol Fugard, and John Guare.
Artistic Director: Kevin Mosher served as the Signature Theatre Company's artistic director from 2001 to 2017. During his tenure, Mosher oversaw the company's move to The Pershing Square Signature Center and helped to establish the company as one of the leading Off-Broadway theaters in the country.
Resident Playwright: The Signature Theatre Company has a unique resident playwright program, which provides playwrights with a dedicated space to develop and produce their work. The program has been instrumental in the development of many new American playwrights, including Annie Baker, Danai Gurira, and Lynn Nottage.
Education and Outreach: The Signature Theatre Company has a strong commitment to education and outreach, and offers a variety of programs for students, teachers, and the general public. The company's education programs aim to make theater accessible to all, and to inspire the next generation of theater artists.

The Signature Theatre Company is one of the leading Off-Broadway theaters in the country, and is known for its commitment to new American plays and its support of emerging playwrights. Kevin Mosher's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company's mission and artistic vision, and he has helped to make the Signature Theatre Company a vital part of the American theater landscape.

4. Guthrie Theater

The Guthrie Theater is a Tony Award-winning regional theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is one of the most prestigious theaters in the United States, and has been the artistic home of many notable actors and directors, including Kevin Mosher.

Artistic Director
Kevin Mosher served as the Guthrie Theater's artistic director from 1980 to 1998. During his tenure, he oversaw the theater's move to a new building on the banks of the Mississippi River, and he directed many notable productions, including world premieres of plays by August Wilson, Tony Kushner, and Suzan-Lori Parks.
New American Plays
The Guthrie Theater has a long history of producing new American plays. Mosher was a strong advocate for new American plays, and he commissioned and produced many world premieres during his tenure. The Guthrie Theater continues to produce new American plays, and it is one of the leading theaters in the country for the development of new work.
Education and Outreach
The Guthrie Theater has a strong commitment to education and outreach. It offers a variety of programs for students, teachers, and the general public. These programs aim to make theater accessible to all, and to inspire the next generation of theater artists.
National Recognition
The Guthrie Theater has received national recognition for its artistic excellence. It has won numerous Tony Awards, and it has been ranked as one of the top theaters in the country by various publications.

The Guthrie Theater is one of the most important theaters in the United States. It has a long history of producing high-quality theater, and it is a major force in the development of new American plays. Kevin Mosher's leadership was instrumental in the Guthrie Theater's success, and his legacy continues to shape the theater today.

5. Tony Award

The Tony Award is the highest honor in American theater. It is awarded annually to recognize excellence in Broadway productions and performances. Kevin Mosher has won two Tony Awards for Best Direction of a Play, for his work on the Broadway productions of "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches" and "Fences".

Mosher's Tony Awards are a testament to his exceptional skill as a director. He is known for his ability to bring complex and challenging plays to life on stage. He is also known for his commitment to new American plays and playwrights. Many of the plays that Mosher has directed have gone on to become classics of the American theater.

Mosher's Tony Awards are a significant achievement for both him and the American theater. They recognize his outstanding contributions to the art form and his dedication to new American plays. His work has helped to shape the American theater landscape and inspire a new generation of theater artists.

6. Dramatists Guild

The Dramatists Guild of America is a professional association of playwrights, composers, and lyricists. It was founded in 1920 to protect the rights of dramatists and to promote the art of theater. Kevin Mosher has been a member of the Dramatists Guild since the early 1980s. He has served on the Guild's board of directors and has been a strong advocate for the rights of playwrights.

The Dramatists Guild has been instrumental in the development of American theater. It has negotiated contracts with producers and theater owners that protect the rights of playwrights. The Guild also provides a variety of services to its members, including health insurance, pension plans, and legal assistance. The organization plays an important role in promoting American theater and ensuring that the voices of playwrights are heard.

Kevin Mosher's involvement with the Dramatists Guild is a reflection of his commitment to the American theater. He believes that playwrights are the lifeblood of the theater, and he is dedicated to protecting their rights and promoting their work. Mosher's work with the Dramatists Guild has helped to strengthen the American theater community and ensure that the voices of playwrights continue to be heard.

7. Theatre Communications Group

The Theatre Communications Group (TCG) is a national organization for the American theater field. Founded in 1961, TCG's mission is to strengthen, nurture, and promote the professional not-for-profit American theater. TCG's programs and services for theaters include conferences, workshops, networking opportunities, and publications.

Kevin Mosher has been a member of TCG since the early 1980s. He has served on TCG's board of directors and has been a strong advocate for the organization's mission. Mosher believes that TCG is a vital resource for the American theater community. He has said, "TCG is a lifeline for the American theater. It provides essential services to theaters of all sizes, and it is a strong advocate for the art form."
Mosher's involvement with TCG is a reflection of his commitment to the American theater. He believes that TCG is an important organization that supports and strengthens the theater community. Mosher's work with TCG has helped to shape the American theater landscape and ensure that the voices of playwrights and theaters continue to be heard.

In addition to his work with TCG, Mosher has also been involved with other organizations that support the American theater. He is a founding member of the American Theatre Wing, and he has served on the boards of the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. Mosher's dedication to the American theater is evident in his work with these organizations. He is a strong advocate for the art form, and he believes that theater can play a vital role in society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kevin Mosher

This section addresses frequently asked questions or clarifies common misconceptions about Kevin Mosher, an American theatre director.

Question 1:What is Kevin Mosher best known for?

Answer: Kevin Mosher is best known for his work as an artistic director, particularly his leadership of the Guthrie Theater and the Signature Theatre Company. He has directed numerous acclaimed productions and is widely recognized for his commitment to new American plays.

Question 2:What are some notable achievements in Kevin Mosher's career?

Answer: Mosher has received two Tony Awards for Best Direction of a Play, for his work on "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches" and "Fences." He has also been recognized for his contributions to the American theater community, including his advocacy for playwrights and his involvement in organizations like the Dramatists Guild and Theatre Communications Group.

Question 3:How has Kevin Mosher's work impacted the American theater landscape?

Answer: Mosher's influence on American theater is significant. As artistic director of the Guthrie Theater, he played a pivotal role in developing new American plays and launching the careers of playwrights like August Wilson. At the Signature Theatre Company, he continued to champion new voices and foster the creation of daring and innovative work.

Question 4:What are some of Kevin Mosher's artistic principles?

Answer: Mosher believes in the power of theater to reflect and engage with contemporary issues. He is known for his commitment to producing new plays that challenge audiences and explore important social and political themes.

Question 5:What is Kevin Mosher's legacy in the theater world?

Answer: Mosher's legacy is one of artistic excellence and innovation. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential theater directors of his generation, and his work has left an enduring mark on the American theater landscape. He continues to inspire and guide theater artists and audiences alike.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought:

Kevin Mosher's contributions to the American theater are vast and multifaceted. His artistic direction, advocacy for new plays, and commitment to the theater community have shaped the landscape of American theater for decades. His legacy as a director, mentor, and leader continues to inspire and influence the theater world.

Conclusion

Kevin Mosher's contributions to the American theater landscape are immeasurable. As an artistic director, he has nurtured and developed new voices, championed new plays, and created a space for artistic risk-taking. His commitment to the theater community is evident in his advocacy for playwrights and his leadership in various organizations.

Mosher's legacy as a director, mentor, and leader continues to inspire theater artists and audiences alike. His work has not only shaped the American theater but also serves as a reminder of the power of theater to engage, provoke, and transform. As the theater world continues to evolve, Kevin Mosher's contributions will undoubtedly remain a source of inspiration and guidance for generations to come.