Revitalizing the Voices of Experience: Tim Sanford and the Tent Theater Company
In the ever-evolving world of theater, where the spotlight often shines brightest on the latest emerging talent, Tim Sanford is on a mission to amplify the voices of those who have been crafting stories for decades. After spending 25 years as the artistic director of the influential Off Broadway nonprofit Playwrights Horizons, Sanford embarked on a new venture: the Tent Theater Company. Founded in 2021 alongside his wife, Aimée Hayes, the Tent is a nonprofit dedicated to championing established older playwrights, offering them a platform to continue creating and sharing their work. For Sanford, this isn’t just about producing plays—it’s about advocating for a group of artists he believes are being pushed to the sidelines by an industry obsessed with the next big thing. Sanford, now 71, has taken it upon himself to drive the change he wants to see, even if it means literally driving across the Hudson River to fetch a tree for a set.
The Challenges Older Playwrights Face
Sanford’s efforts stem from a stark reality: as playwrights age, their opportunities often dwindle. The theater industry, while quick to celebrate new voices, tends to overlook the wealth of experience and wisdom that comes with years of writing. “There’s this feeling that older playwrights should just step aside,” Sanford explained, referencing the broader cultural attitude that seems to discard older artists once their moment in the spotlight has passed. For him, this isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s about recognizing that age is a critical, often overlooked dimension of diversity. Older playwrights bring a depth of understanding and a richness of perspective that can’t be replicated by younger writers. Yet, many find themselves struggling to get their work produced or even read. “They’re people I care about who are hurting,” Sanford said of the playwrights he’s encountered, many of whom feel abandoned by the industry they’ve dedicated their lives to.
The Tent Theater Company: A Haven for Elders
The Tent Theater Company is Sanford and Hayes’ response to this dilemma. As co-artistic directors, they’ve assembled a roster of 52 writers, all aged 60 or older, ranging from Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winners to less prominent but equally deserving voices. Playwrights like Nilo Cruz, Beth Henley, David Rabe, and Theresa Rebeck are among the elder statespeople of the group, which also includes younger veterans like Roger Guenveur Smith and Doug Wright. The Tent isn’t a retirement home for playwrights; it’s a vibrant, active community designed to nurture their ongoing creativity and raise their profiles. While some of the writers are still thriving professionally, others have seen their careers slow down, and it’s these individuals that Sanford and Hayes are most eager to support. The Tent’s mission is twofold: to produce their work and to create a fellowship that looks out for their well-being, whether that means providing emotional support or helping with practical needs. Hayes, who is pursuing a master’s degree in social work, brings a unique perspective to this aspect of the company’s work.
Producing Plays That Defy Time
The Tent’s productions are a testament to the enduring power of older playwrights’ work. Its second full production, How Is It That We Live or Shakey Jake + Alice by Len Jenkin, is a dark, poetic romance that spans decades in the lives of its characters. Directed by Hayes, the play features a cast of four and a set that includes the aforementioned tree Sanford fetched himself. For Jenkin, who has been writing plays since the 1970s, the opportunity to see his work produced is deeply meaningful. “I’m not usually a joiner of things,” he admitted, but he was drawn to the Tent by its commitment to supporting older writers—a group that, as he put it, “nobody else is really looking out for.” The play itself grapples with themes of mortality and love, reflecting the kind of introspection and emotional depth that often comes with age. Jenkin’s work, like that of many Tent playwrights, is a reminder that art doesn’t have an expiration date.
Advocacy Through Action
Beyond its productions, the Tent is building a community of support for older playwrights. Sanford and Hayes spent their first year listening to writers, hearing their concerns, and identifying their needs. What they heard was a consistent refrain: playwrights felt invisible, their work unread and unchampioned. The Tent’s readings and gatherings are a direct response to this sense of isolation. By bringing playwrights together and showcasing their work, the company is creating a space where their voices can be heard. Sanford is also using his influence to encourage other theater professionals to consider the work of older writers. “We’re trying to create a network,” he said, where these playwrights can find the support and recognition they deserve. While full productions are a key part of the Tent’s mission, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Sanford hopes to expand the company’s reach over time, producing more plays and deepening its impact on the theater community.
The Legacy of Experience
The Tent Theater Company’s work is about more than just producing plays—it’s about honoring the contributions of those who have shaped the theater. As Sanford put it, “This theater we have, this community, was built on their backs.” By advocating for older playwrights, the Tent is not only ensuring that their work continues to be seen but also challenging the broader cultural narrative that equates youth with innovation. Age, Sanford argues, is not a limitation but a source of strength, bringing with it a wealth of knowledge and experience that younger writers can only aspire to. The Tent’s mission is a testament to the enduring value of these voices and a reminder that great art knows no age. As Len Jenkin’s play so poignantly suggests, the work of these playwrights will outlive them, a lasting legacy of their time on this earth.
