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OUR
OUR
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From EstroGenius to CollectiveGenius— a legacy amplifying and supporting women & gender-expansive artists in NYC.
THE LONGEST RUNNING FESTIVAL OF IT'S KIND IN NYC
Founded in 2000 as a short play festival at Manhattan Theatre Source, EstroGenius grew into an annual celebration of artists breaking molds, cracking gender codes, and bringing bold new work to the stage.
2000
FOLLOWING
YEARS
2017
FOLLOWING
YEARS
2026
ESTROGENIUS BEGINS
Founded as a short play festival by
Fiona Jones at Manhattan Theatre Source.
THE FESTIVAL GROWS
Carried forward by Lanie Zipoy, Jenny Green and Jennifer Thatcher.
A NEW ERA
Melissa Riker and Maura Nguyá»…n Donohue usher in a new chapter of the festival.
BUILDING OUR TEAM
Co-producers Portia Wells and Sabrina Canas join alongside long-time short play producer Vincent Marano. The festival also features exciting guest curators each year.
A COLLECTIVE FUTURE
Short play co-producers Heather Bildman and Rikki Ziegelman join the team for 2026 company rebrand.
OVER 1,000 ARTISTS SUPPORTED
26 YEARS OF RADICAL PERFORMANCE
From dancers & playwrights to experimental performers, teens, musicians, burlesque artists, noise artists, filmmakers, DJs, and beyond, CollectiveGenius strives to create space for artists who challenge form, gender, genre, and societal expectation.
ONE EVOLVING CREATIVE COMMUNITY
BECOMING
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As our festival continues to evolve, CollectiveGenius carries forward the spirit of EstroGenius while expanding into a broader and more collaborative future rooted in new work, development, inclusion, discovery, and community.
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