Manhattan Playwrights, Inc. was founded by Mimi Scott Ph.D in January of 2001 when she found herself desirous of sharing her own written work with others in an attempt to improve the quality through the constructive criticism a group of writers could provide for her and for each other.

Dr. Scott’s own living room and entertaining propensity provided the ‘salon’ like atmosphere attractive to the many writers and actors who have been so delighted to participate.

By the fall of 2001 there was a core group of writers and actors anxious to introduce the public to their work.

As a result an annual program of 15 minute plays entitled “Script Teasers” was initiated at Café Don’t Tell Mama on 46th Street in New York City in October of 2001, and again and ever since at The Friars Club of New York City on late September/early October of 2002,2003 and 2004.

As reception to the work of the core writer/members was considerably positive, it was decided to fully incorporate and to attain a tax exempt, not for profit status for the group. This was accomplished by February of 2002. An Honorary Board of Directors was established in March of 2002. Manhattan Playwrights, Inc. has since committed itself to Annual Festivals of short plays and periodic Backers Auditions.

Concurrent with all the above, the group began a collaborative project in the winter of 2002 focused on the development of a musical about the fashion industry currently titled Runway. A Backer's Audition  for that project was held in January 2004. Tremendous interest was generatied and members are now working to incorporate all the wonderful feedback into the crafting of the piece.

MPI meets weekly on Sunday afternoons throughout the year and frequently holds parties at Mimi Scott’s home on one of those Sundays for member/writers, participating actors, Board members and other interested and supportive individuals. A celebrated playwright is invited to offer ‘pearls’ at this time to all those in attendance.

Since its incorporation several members of Manhattan Playwrights, Inc. have had their work selected for various play festivals such as The Samuel French One Act Play Festival, the Riant Theater’s Strawberry Festival and the International Fringe Festival.

Currently MPI has reworked its Sunday workshop style and now utilizes the talents of John Albanese as a Dramaturg. Small sections of several plays are read each week by numerous actor participants with an eye toward future readings.

MPI hopes to return to the Jewish Community Center of Manhattan for a late Spring Presentation on interesting Jewish lives; we are getting it ready for 2006.