Padua Playwrights


Padua Playwrights Productions, or Padua, is a Los Angeles-based theater company founded in 1978 by playwright and poet Murray Mednick and John Woodruff. The company ceased operation in 1995 and re-emerged in 2001, under the direction of Guy Zimmerman.

Padua Hills Playwrights' Workshop/Festival

In 1978, Mednick received funding as part of a faculty position at La Verne University to found the Padua Hills Playwrights' Workshop at the Padua Hills estate in the San Gabriel foothills.
He and five other playwrights, among them Theatre Genesis colleagues Sam Shepard and María Irene Fornés, met with nine writing students and established a pattern of exercises, rehearsals, and informal presentations. Most of those were site-specific, since the estate had plenty of outdoor spaces but no theater. Between 1984 and 1995, Padua moved around Southern California and hosted festivals at Cal Arts, Loyola Marymount University, Pacific Design Center, Cal State Northridge, Woodbury University and USC. Many prominent playwrights and actors participated in the workshop, including John Steppling, John O'Keefe, Jon Robin Baitz and Kelly Stuart.
Padua took a non-consumerist approach to playwriting. Founding member John Steppling cites this as one of the reasons Padua didn't garner as much press as he felt that it should have. Padua's focus on the artistic process, as opposed to the final product, made it difficult to market: “It’s easy to see how Padua never acquired a 'franchise,'” Steppling said, as “Padua had nothing to sell".
One overarching practice in many Padua Hills Festival plays was their site-specificity. Mednick stressed reliance on “language in relation to space” in his teaching."
In 1984, a performance of Mednick's The Coyote Cycle was videotaped outdoors with Murray Mednick, Darrell Larson, Norbert Weisser, Priscilla Cohen, Christine Avila.
A 1985 production of The Coyote Cycle took place from sundown to sunrise outdoors at the Paramount Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains. Audience members huddled in sleeping bags were led from one part of the ranch to another by flashlight between scenes.
The Padua Hills Workshop/Theater Company ceased operations in 1995, citing financial difficulties.

Padua Playwrights Press

In 1994, Padua Playwrights Press published "Best of the West," an anthology of eight works staged between 1989 and 1991. They went on to publish several other works, including "Plays from the Padua Hills Playwrights Festivals", "3 Plays by Murray Mednick", "The Coyote Cycle" by Murray Mednick, "Hipsters in Distress", and "Plays for a New Millennium". Padua Hills Press is distributed nationally by Theatre Communications Group. They also published "Beneath the Dusty Trees: The Gary Plays" and "Fever Dreams."

Padua Playwrights Productions

In 2001, Padua returned as . Mednick appointed playwright and director, Guy Zimmerman as the artistic director. The new Padua took place indoors, but the dramatic works remained in line with the anti-institutional, pro-playwright stance of its predecessor. “ being an outlaw and misfit within the theater community. We need Padua for artistic nourishment, ” said Roxanne Rogers, a director and original Padua participant, upon the founding of the new Padua. The revived company has staged dozens of productions and won awards from LA Weekly, Garland Awards|Garland], Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, the American Theatre Critics Association.

Productions, 1978–1995

YearLocationTitleWriterDirectorCastNotes
1978ClaremontCoyote I: PointingMurray MednickMurray MednickDarrell Larson, Norbert Weisser
1978ClaremontRed WomanSam ShepardSam Shepard
1978ClaremontIn ServiceMaría Irene FornésMaría Irene Fornés
1979ClaremontCoyote II: The Shadow RipensMurray MednickMurray MednickPriscilla Cohen, Christine Avila, Norbert Weisser, Darrell Larson
1979ClaremontCurse of the Starving ClassSam ShepardSam Shepard
1979ClaremontThe VisitMaría Irene FornésMaría Irene Fornés
1980ClaremontIron Lace on the Widow’s WalkConstance Russell MonaghanConstance Russell MonaghanNorbert Weisser, Laura Owens, Lola Glaudini
1980ClaremontBarbequeJohn StepplingJohn Steppling
1980ClaremontAliveWalter HadlerWalter HadlerLola Glaudini
1980ClaremontHave You Ever Listened Very Long to the HushSusan ForsceySusan Forscey
1980ClaremontCoyote III: Planet of the Spider PeopleMurray MednickMurray MednickDarrell Larson, Norbert Weisser, Ellen Blake
1980ClaremontThe Man Who Killed the BuddhaMartin EpsteinMartin EpsteinJohn Finch
1981ClaremontServiceMichael MonroeMichael MonroeJoe Spano, Lorinne Vozoff
1981ClaremontGentle ArtsSusan La TempaSusan La Tempa
1981ClaremontThe Insistence Upon the ListenerJohn StepplingJohn StepplingLaura Fanning, John Horn, Natasha Mitchnick
1981ClaremontCoyote IV: Other Side CampMurray MednickMurray MednickDarrell Larson, Norbert Weisser, Christine Avila
1981ClaremontThe VisitMaría Irene FornésMaría Irene FornésNorbert Weisser, James F. Dean, Toni Beshara, Patricia Mattick
1981ClaremontPossum SongMartin EpsteinMartin EpsteinJohn Finch, Grace Woodward, Dallas Alinder, James F. Dean
1982ClaremontMysteries of the Bridal NightMartin EpsteinMartin EpsteinDon Keith Opper, Laura Fanning, Kelly Stuart
1982ClaremontBercilak’s DreamJohn O’KeefeJohn O’KeefeElizabeth Ruscio, Tina Preston, Denise Dillard, Susan Kampe, Patricia Mattick
1982ClaremontHoss DrawinLeon MartellLeon MartellElizabeth Ruscio, Leon Martell
1982ClaremontCoyote V: Listening to Old NanaMurray MednickMurray MednickPriscilla Cohen, Ellen Blake, Darrell Larson, Norbert Weisser
1982ClaremontSunset BeachSusan La TempaSusan La TempaKathleen Cramer, Roxanne Rogers, Lee Kissman, James F. Dean, Ricky Manoff
1982ClaremontYou Can Swim in the Danube, but the Water is too ColdMaría Irene FornésMaría Irene FornésLeon Martell, Dudley Knight, Patricia Mattick, Lee Kissman, Morgan Weisser, Lola Glaudini, Jessica Wood
1982ClaremontNeckJohn StepplingJohn StepplingLeon Martell, Dudley Knight, Patricia Mattick, Lee Kissman, Morgan Weisser, Lola Glaudini, Jessica Wood
1982ClaremontUntitledToni Beshara, Susan Champagne, Cathy Comenas, Sarah Lovett, Connie MonaghanTove JohnsonLeon Martell, Dudley Knight, Patricia Mattick, Lee Kissman, Morgan Weisser, Lola Glaudini, Jessica Wood
1982ClaremontPolitesse—A Piece for Tape and LandscapeMichael MonroePatricia Mattick
1982ClaremontGuys in black Leather Jackets Ducking Into Phone BoothsConnie Monaghan
1982ClaremontCorrespondenceCindy Myers
1983ClaremontMudMaría Irene FornésMaría Irene FornésMary Jo Pearson, Gregory Pace, John O'Keefe
1983Claremont1961 El DoradoLeon Martell, Elizabeth RuscioLeon Martell, Elizabeth RuscioLeon Martell, Elizabeth Ruscio
1983ClaremontPolar BearJohn StepplingJohn Steppling
1983ClaremontPrimitivesElizabeth WrayElizabeth WrayPriscilla Cohen, Ellen Blake, John Diehl
1983ClaremontInterbellumMichael MonroeMichael Monroe
1983ClaremontSkinSarah LovettSarah LovettBob Behling, Rhona Gold
1983ClaremontDon’t Ever Call Me Anything but MotherJohn O'KeefeJohn O’KeefeTina Preston
1983ClaremontUntitled, 1957Susan La TempaSusan La TempaMary Jo Pearson, Gregory Pace, Elizabeth Ruscio, Lorinne Vozoff
1983ClaremontVariationsMartin EpsteinMartin EpsteinPatricia Mattick, Roxanne Rogers, Leon Martell
1984Cal ArtsNo TimeMaría Irene FornésMaría Irene FornésTina Preston
1984Cal ArtsGuys at the Spunk HoleLeon MartellLeon MartellMorgan Weisser, Jesse Shepard, Lola Glaudini, Mark Petrakis
1984Cal ArtsMimzabimLeon MartellLeon MartellRoxanne Rogers, Gregory Pace, Robert Ernst
1984Cal ArtsTranscendental EtudesMichael MonroeMichael MonroeElizabeth Ruscio, Rene Assa, Kurt Garfield
1984Cal ArtsEverything in Its PlaceJohn StepplingJohn StepplingLee Kissman, Lee Kerwin, Kathleen Cramer, Robert Glaudini
1984Cal ArtsScenes from University Life, Part IISusan La TempaSusan La TempaMary Jo Pearson
1984Cal ArtsAir-Conditioned Beach #2Walter HadlerWalter HadlerRobert Glaudini, Marilyn Dodds-Frank, Natasha Mitchnick, Frat Fuller, Frederick Lopez
1984Cal ArtsCoyote VII: He Brings the WaterfallMurray MednickMurray MednickDarrell Larson, Norbert Wiesser
1985Paramount RanchThe Coyote CycleMurray MednickMurray MednickDarrell Larson, Norbert Weisser, Christine Avila, Priscilla Cohen, Tavish Graham, Morgan Weisser
1986Loyola MarymountHow Gertrude Stormed the Philosopher's ClubMartin EpsteinMartin Epstein
1986Loyola MarymountZoharMurray MednickMurray Mednick
1986Loyola MarymountUntitledMaría Irene FornésMaría Irene Fornés
1986Loyola MarymountTrue BeautiesJulie HebertJulie Hebert
1986Loyola MarymountUntitledJohn StepplingJohn Steppling
1986Loyola MarymountThe MagicianJohn O'KeefeJohn O'Keefe
1986Loyola MarymountThe MagicianJohn O'KeefeJohn O'Keefe
1986Loyola MarymountKingfishMarlane G. MeyerMarlane G. Meyer
1988Pacific Design CenterDrowningMaría Irene FornésRoxanne RogersDon Keith Opper, Jon C. Slade
1988Pacific Design CenterVeraMartin EpsteinMartin EpsteinKathleen Kramer
1988Pacific Design CenterBabblerJohn O’KeefeJan MunroeTina Preston, Scott Paulin, Joe Kane
1988Pacific Design CenterA Good TouchSusan ChampagnePattricia MattickEllen Blake, Molly Cleator
1988Pacific Design CenterThe Ballad of the Sleepy HeartDavid SchweizerDavid SchweizerPhillip Littell
1988Pacific Design CenterMendozaRex WeinerRex Weiner
1988Pacific Design CenterLike a Shadow SingingLynn MontgomeryLynn MontgomeryIngrid Oliu
1989Pacific Design CenterShimmerJohn O'KeefeJohn O'Keefe
1989Pacific Design CenterAmado Amor Alan BoltAmy Glazer-ConnollyDarrell Larson, Page Leong, Craig Ryan Ng, Ingrid Oliu, Susan Rome, Norm Skaggs, John Lacques
1989Pacific Design CenterCities Out of PrintSusan MosakowskiSusan MosakowskiJohn Diehl, Shawna Casey
1989Pacific Design CenterThe Ordeal of Nancy FergussonMartin EpsteinMartin EpsteinKathleen Cramer, Don Keith Opper, John Achorn, Jack Slater
1989Pacific Design CenterIncrements of ThreeJohn PappasJohn PappasRobert Hummer, John Pappas, Deirdre Hade
1989Pacific Design CenterKindlingLeon MartellLeon MartellMolly Cleator, Rick Dean, Jim Hynie, Leonard Donato
1989Pacific Design CenterAlmost AsleepJulie HebertJulie HebertMary Forcade, Patricia Mattick, Tina Preston
1989Pacific Design CenterThe Theory of MiraclesJohn StepplingJohn StepplingMick Colins, Kathleen Cramer, Taylor Donlan, Nick Flynn, Gill Gayle, Rachel Powell, Jack Slater, Murray Mednick
1990Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeBall and ChainKelly StuartKelly StuartJames Oseland, Roberta Wallach, James Storm, Diane Defoe, Demosthenes Stathiginnopoulos
1990Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeOur WitnessMartin EpstienMartin EpstienAnn Marie Baldwin, Dave Higgins, Dendrie Taylor
1990Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeStorylandJohn StepplingJohn StepplingRick Dean, Mick Collins, Laura Fanning, Kathleen Cramer, Alexis Steppling, Demosthenes Stathigiannopoulos, Nick Flynn, Robert Glaudini, Thomas George Carter
1990Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeBondageSusan ChampagneSusan ChampagneMolly Cleator, Roxanne Rogers, John Pappas, Dan Sullivan, Jeff Levy, Douglas Heller
1990Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeBook of NumbersRoxanne RogersRoxanne RogersPamela Gordon, Joe Bellan, Robin Frates, Robert Hummer
1990Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeShatter'n WadeMurray MednickMurray MednickDavid Officer, William Dennis Hunt, Scott Paulin, Susannah Blinkoff, Matthew Goulish, Mark Fite, Allison Studdiford, Nick Love, Laura Owens, Elizabeth Iannaci, Bob Craft, Peter Schaff, Joseph Goodrich
1990Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeSalsa OperaAlan BoltMiguel Delgado
1990Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeBrick Time Stories: Tales of Death And Recipes Of MayhemLeon MartellDarrell LarsonLeon Martell
1991Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeFettersRobert HummerRobert HummerRobert Fieldsteel, Gill Gayle, Greg Suddeth
1991Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeSong of SongsSusan ChampagneSusan ChampagneSteve Starosta, Deborach Offner, Paul Grecol
1991Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeThe Tight FitSusan MosakowskiSusan MosakowskiTina Preston, Lee Kissman, Bert Hinchman, Molly Cleator
1991Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeThe Knee Desires the DirtJulie HebertJulie HebertJan-Marie Baldwin, Pamela Gordon, Kenn Norman
1991Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeThe Interpreter of HorrorKelly StuartJames OselandPamela Gordon, Megan Butler, James Oseland
1991Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeHeadsMurray MednickSteve AlbrezziWilliam Dennis Hunt, Norbert Weisser, Nancy Mette, Karole Foreman, Eugenia Buerklin
1991Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeThe PromotionJohn O'KeefeJohn O'KeefeScott Paulin
1994Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeFailure to ThriveNeena BeberNeena BeberMichael Shamus Wiles, Jessica Hecht, Kara Westerman
1994Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeDisgraceJohn O'KeefeJohn O'KeefeDenise Porier, Dahlia Wilde, Susan Van Allen
1994Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeTerra IncognitaMaría Irene FornésMaría Irene FornésKimberly Flynn, [Jennifer Griffin, Leo Garcia, Leon Martell, Joel Goodman
1994Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeUnderstanding the DeadJohn StepplingJohn StepplingMick Collins, John O’Keefe, Shelly Desai, Priscilla Harris, Kathleen Cramer, C.J. Saunders
1994Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeLocofocoSusan MosakowskiSusan MosakowskiShawna Casey, Tina Preston, Molly Cleator, Pamela Gordon
1994Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeSwitchbackMurray MednickMurray MednickSharron Shayne-Simeone, Robin Karfo, Mark Fite
1994Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeJusticeShem BittermanShem BittermanJerome Butler, Preston Maybank, Brent Jennings, Peter Berg, Penny Johnson, Caitlin Stansbury
1994Art and Design Center at Cal State NorthridgeAway From MeSusan ChampagneSusan ChampagneEugenia Buerklin, Carl J. Johnson, Steven Keyes, Ed Dloughy, Cherly Slean, Durrell Nelson
1995USCSummer in GossensassMaría Irene FornésMaría Irene FornésMichael Shamus Wiles, Jessica Hecht, Kara Westerman
1995USCDemonologyKelly StuartKelly StuartBob Gould, Lola Glaudini, Kathleen Glaudini, Jan Johnson
1995USCEntrevista 187Gil KofmanGil KofmanKadina Delejalde, Frank Wood, Jeff Phillips
1995USCThe Chemistry of ChangeMarlane MeyerMarlane MeyerKathleen Cramer, Van Quattro, Dendrie Taylor, Steve Keyes, Mark Fite, Ryan Cutrona
1995USCFreezeMurray MednickGuy ZimmermanAmy Raasch, Denise Poirier, David Weininger, Antoinette Valente, Michael Matthys
1995USCSteak Knife BacchaeJoe GoodrichMichael HackerJoe Goodrich

Selected Productions, 2001–Present

SeasonLocationTitleWriterDirectorCastAwards
2001–20022100 Square Ft Theatre, Los Angeles16 RoutinesMurray MednickMurray MednickGrace Zabriskie, Rene Assa, Maria O'Brien, Bill Mesnick, Ryan Cutrona, Peggy Blow, Tina Preston, John Pappas
2001–20022100 Square Ft Theatre, Los AngelesJoe and BettyMurray MednickMurray MednickAnnabelle Gurwitch, John Diehl, Dana Wieluns, Jack Kehler, Shawna Casey, Sharron Shayne, Drago SumonjaWinner Critics Choice, LA Times; Los Angeles Times “Top 10 for 2001”; American Theatre Critics’Association Steinberg New Play Citation
2001–20022100 Square Ft Theatre, Los AngelesMrs. FeuersteinMurray MednickRoxanne RogersMaria O'Brien, Christopher Allport, Lynnda Ferguson, Louis Plante, Matt Blair, Gwendolyn YeoWinner Critics Choice, LA Times; LA Weekly Award for Playwriting and Best Actress. LA Weekly “Top 10 for 2001” 2001 Los Angeles Drama Critics’ Circle Award Best Lead Actress Maria O’Brien
2002–2003Evidence Room, Los AngelesDog MouthJohn StepplingJohn StepplingSteven Davies, James Storm, Hugh Dane, Nia GwyneWinner Critic's Choice LA Times, Top Ten Shows of 2003 Daily News and Entertainment Weekly; LA Weekly Award for Set Design.
2002–20032100 Square Ft Theater, Los Angeles. Production moved to The Odyssey Theatre, Los Angeles and then the Traveling Jewish Theatre, San Francisco.Times Like TheseJohn O'KeefeJohn O'KeefeLaurie O'Brian, Norbert WeisserWinner Critic's Choice LA Times, Ovation Awards for best Actor and Actress; LA Weekly Best Playwright and Best Playwright LA Drama Critics Circle
2002–20032100 Square Ft Theater, Los AngelesWilfredoWesley WalkerWesley WalkerJohn Horn, Christine Burke, George Gerdes, O-Lan Jones, Jack Kehler, Barry Del ShermanCurtainup.com “2002 Retrospective Top 10 List”
2002–2003Mark Taper Forum, Los AngelesWilfredoWesley WalkerWesley WalkerJohn Horn, Christine Burke, George Gerdes, O-Lan Jones, Jack Kehler, Barry Del ShermanCurtainup.com “2002 Retrospective Top 10 List”
2003–2004The Powerhouse Theatre, Santa MonicaG-NomeMurray MednickGuy ZimmermanMurray Mednick, Christopher Allport, Lynnda FergusonWinner of Garland Award for Playwriting and Direction
2003–20042100 Square Ft Theater, Los AngelesThe Inside JobGuy ZimmermanGuy ZimmermanBarry Del Sherman, Jessica Dean, Holly Ramos
2005–2006Electric Lodge, Venice, CATirade for Three, Gary's Walk, Girl on a BedMurray MednickGuy ZimmermanJohn Diehl, Christopher Allport, Hugh Dane, Niamh McCormally, Don Preston, Don Berman, Dana Wieluns, Shawna Casey, Jack Kehler, Andy Hopper, Mickey Swenson, Tom McCleister, David Carrera, Shannon Holt, Gray Palmer, Devon Carson2 Ovation Award Nominations: World Premiere Play
LA Weekly Award Nomination: Best Ensemble
LA Weekly Award Nomination: Comedy Performance, Shawna Casey
2005–2006Elephant Stageworks, Los Angeles, CAIn the Cool Dark: An Evening of Short PlaysShawna Casey, Jack Kehler, Sharon Yablon, Wesley Walker, Guy ZimmermanShawna Casey, Jack Kehler, Sharon Yablon, Wes Walker, Guy ZimmermanShawna Casey, John Horn, Dana Wieluns, Tamar Fortgang, Gill Gayle, Sarah Diehl, Kim Debus, Mary C. Greening, Mari Ueda, Andy Hopper, Gray Palmer, Annie Weirich, Niamh McCormally
2005–2006Electric Lodge, Venice, CAVagrantGuy ZimmermanGuy ZimmermanChristopher Allport, Patrick Burleigh, Niamh McCormally
2005–2006Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2006, Zoo Southside, Edinburgh, Scotland, UKVagrant, Tirade for ThreeGuy Zimmerman, Murray MednickGuy ZimmermanChristopher Allport, Shawna Casey, Andy Hopper, Jack Kehler, Niamh McCormally.
2005–2006Lost Studio, Los AngelesOut of the BlueMurray MednickGuy ZimmermanTina Preston, Hugh Dane, Lee Kissman, Andy Hopper, Niamh McCormally, Gray Palmer, Mary C. Greening, Mark Adair-Rios
2005–2006Bedlum, Los AngelesFarm: 5 ten minute plays and a dance in a loft downtownSheryl Slean, Coleman Hough, Hank Bunker, Sharon Yablon, Guy ZimmermanSheryl Slean, Coleman Hough, Hank Bunker, Sharon Yablon, Guy ZimmermanKatie Bachler, Madeline Baugh, Kim Debus, Edward Felix, Lake Sharp, Devon Carson, Hugh Dane, Mark Adair-Rios, Mary C. Greening, Betsy Hume, George Gerdes, Gill Gayle, Andy Hopper, Mickey Swenson, David Weininger, Megan Yellott, Trace Turville-Konerko, Christine Romeo, Niamh McCormally
2007Stephanie Feury Studio Theater, Los AngelesThe Empty BedSharon YablonSharon YablonShawna Casey, Jack Kehler
2007Stephanie Feury Studio Theater, Los AngelesA New World WarRita ValenciaGuy ZimmermanAndy Hopper, Jack Littman, Niamh McCormally, Gray Palmer, Devon Carson
2007Bootleg, Los Angeles and Divadlo na Pradle, Prague Fringe Festival 2007The FeverWallace ShawnGuy ZimmermanPaul Mackley
2008Art ShareA Thousand Words
2009Art ShareNeo-Sacred Revival
2009Art ShareClown Show for BrunoMurray MednickGuy ZimmermanDaniel Stein, Dana Wieluns, Kali Quinn, Bill Celentano
2009Art ShareDestruction of the Fourth WorldMurray MednickBrian Frette and Kristi Schultz of Zoo District
2010LADAD SpaceHotel BardoHeidi DarchukGuy Zimmerman
2017Bootleg TheaterMr JobJuli CrockettJuli CrockettShaughn Buchholz, Gray Palmer, Jenny Greer, Brian Tichnell, Kenneth Breese
2018Resident Bar, MorYorkJack BennyJuli Crockett, Gray Palmer, Guy ZimmermanJuli CrockettShaughn Buchholz, Jenny Greer, Gray Palmer, Juli Crockett, Brian Tichnell