After a nationwide search, Erica Rotstein has been selected to succeed Kathy Evans as executive director of the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat. Since its creation in 2011, Rhinebeck Writers Retreat has supported over 200 musical theatre writers through stipends, housing, dramaturgical support, grants, and more.
Evans created the program 14 years ago to address the need for musical theatre writers to have dedicated time and space to develop their work. The organization is preparing to kick off its 15th summer hosting weeklong residencies in the Hudson Valley, supporting 24 writers developing nine new musicals.
Rotstein, a Tony-winning producer, started her career on the artistic team at Roundabout Theatre Company before spending 12 years with Off-Broadway theatre company Colt Coeur as its first managing director and then as board chair. Rotstein also served as director of production for the John Gore Organization/Broadway Across America for nine years.
At Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, writers receive a stipend, housing, travel, food, dramaturgical support from a dedicated artistic advisor, and a $1,000 "Writers' Choice" grant supported by a generous grant from the New York State Council on the Arts. Notable alumni include Andrew R. Butler, Noel Carey, Kirsten Childs, Adam Gwon, Zhailon Levingston, Grace McLean, Benjamin Velez, and two-time 2025 Tony winner Will Aronson.
