The Public Theater (Oskar Eustis, Artistic Dir; Patrick Willingham, Executive Director) announced the 10 new playwrights today for the 2016-17 Emerging Writers Group. Now in its sixth cycle, the Emerging Writers Group is an ongoing initiative that targets playwrights at the earliest stages in their career, creating an artistic home, and offering support and resources for a diverse group of up-and-coming playwrights. Selected from more than 440 applicants, the 2016-17 Emerging Writers are Liza Birkenmeier, Hammaad Chaudry, Phillip Howze, Monet Hurst-Mendoza, Geraldine Inoa, Jeremy J. Kamps, MJ Kaufman, Christopher Gabriel Núñez, Stav Palti-Negev, and Celine Song. The Emerging Writers Group is a component of The Public Writers Initiative, a long-term program that provides key support and resources for writers at every stage of their careers. It creates a fertile community and fosters a web of supportive artistic relationships across generations. Writers are selected bi-annually and receive a two-year fellowship at The Public which includes a stipend. Staged readings of works by members are presented in the Spotlight Series at The Public. The playwrights also participate in a bi-weekly writers group led by The Public’s literary department and master classes led by established playwrights. Additionally, they have a chance to observe rehearsals for productions at The Public, receive career development advice from mid-career and established writers, and receive artistic and professional support from the literary department and Public artistic staff. Press contact: Candi Adams (212/539-8680)...