Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a renowned playwright, hails from the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, where his creative journey began. He has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim for his remarkable body of work, which has been proudly showcased at some of the most esteemed and prestigious theatrical venues in the world. These distinguished institutions include Yale Rep, Lincoln Center's innovative LCT3 initiative, the esteemed Vineyard Theatre, the renowned Signature Theatre, Soho Rep, Theatre for a New Audience, and The Public Theater, a cultural icon in New York City.
Among his impressive array of distinguished theatrical achievements, a notable selection of credits stands out, including the esteemed productions of War, Gloria, and Appropriate, which earned him a prestigious Obie Award, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. Additionally, his work on An Octoroon, another Obie Award-winning production, showcases his remarkable range and adaptability as a thespian. Furthermore, his involvement in Neighbors serves as a shining example of his versatility and skill as a performer, highlighting his ability to excel in a wide range of roles and productions.
Branden, a gifted and accomplished playwright, proudly occupies the distinguished position of Residency Five playwright at the prestigious Signature Theatre, a coveted honor that has brought him numerous opportunities to showcase his remarkable talent.
As a result of this esteemed appointment, Branden is currently immersed in a diverse range of thrilling projects, with a trio of esteemed organizations extending their trust in his creative vision by commissioning his work. These prominent organizations include LCT3, a subsidiary of the illustrious Lincoln Center Theater, known for its innovative and avant-garde productions.
Additionally, Branden has been commissioned by MTC/Sloan, a collaborative effort between Manhattan Theatre Club and the Sloan Foundation, which is dedicated to fostering the development of new works that explore the intersection of science and the human experience.
Furthermore, Branden has also received a commission from the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company, a renowned institution that has been a driving force in the American theatre scene for over four decades. With these esteemed organizations at the helm, Branden is poised to create some of the most exciting and thought-provoking works of his career, solidifying his position as a leading voice in the world of contemporary playwriting.
Branden, a remarkably accomplished and distinguished individual, proudly boasts an impressive and storied academic background that is replete with a Master of Arts degree in Performance Studies, a testament to their exceptional intellectual prowess, from the illustrious and highly respected New York University, a premier institution of higher learning.
As a celebrated and accomplished figure, he is honored to hold the distinguished title of Master-Artist-in-Residence within the esteemed confines of the prestigious Hunter College Playwriting MFA Program, a position that serves as a testament to his remarkable artistic prowess and unwavering dedication to the craft.
He currently resides within the hallowed halls of this revered institution, where he is afforded the unique opportunity to nurture and guide the next generation of playwrights, sharing his vast wealth of knowledge and expertise to help them hone their skills and bring their creative visions to life.
As a respected member of the academic community, he is deeply committed to his role as Master-Artist-in-Residence, and is dedicated to fostering a culture of artistic innovation and excellence within the program.
Through his tireless efforts, he is making a profound impact on the lives of his students, and is helping to shape the future of the American theater.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a renowned 2016 MacArthur Fellow, has amassed an impressive collection of esteemed accolades, showcasing his remarkable talent and versatility through a diverse range of honors, including the prestigious Windham-Campbell Prize for Drama, the prestigious PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation Theatre Award, the distinguished Benjamin H. Danks Award, the highly acclaimed Steinberg Playwriting Award, and the inaugural Tennessee Williams award, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the world of drama and playwriting.
