(Playwright and Veteran Maurice Decaul Joins as Artist-in-Residence, photo by Jerriod Avant)

New York – Theatre Communications Group (TCG) announced the launch of the Veterans and Theatre Institute, a pilot program for veterans and active military personnel to experience, study, and create theatre. By developing curricula through engagement with military and community partners, VTI intends to build sustainable relationships among veterans and the theatre community. Playwright and veteran Maurice Decaul will lead VTI as TCG’s first official artist-in-residence, constructing curriculum and programming over a three-year development period.

VTI is building on the partnerships developed over the past five years by TCG’s Blue Star Theatres program, a partnership with Blue Star Families with leadership support from MetLife Foundation. Through events, grantmaking, and knowledge-sharing activities, BST recognizes the profound contributions of service families and seeks to build stronger connections between theatres, military families, and their communities. Chicago area Blue Star Theatres include Goodman, Court, Adventure Stage, Steppenwolf, American Blues, Lookingglass, Writers, and Northlight.

“We’re thrilled to have Maurice Decaul join TCG as our first ever official artist-in-residence,” said Teresa Eyring, executive director, TCG. “With his dual perspectives as artist and veteran, Maurice is the ideal person to build on the momentum of our Blue Star Theatres program and lead the Veterans and Theatre Institute.”

“I believe that if veterans are provided with an opportunity which presents theatre as an option, these men and women have the potential to significantly influence the field,” said Decaul. “The Veterans and Theatre Institute is that opportunity and I am thrilled to be working with TCG and our partners to make VTI a reality.”