Our Vision

“You need to write like the devil and act like one when necessary.”
— Lillian Hellman

The Lillys began in the Spring of 2010 as The Lilly Awards, an outlet to honor the work of women in the American theater. The founders are: Julia Jordan, Marsha Norman, and Theresa Rebeck. The organization is named for Lillian Hellman, a pioneering American playwright who famously said “You need to write like the devil and act like one when necessary.”

In 2015, through a partnership with the Dramatists Guild, we have gathered our resources and conducted a national survey simply called The Count, proving that BIPOC women were by far the least represented demographic on our stages. The Lillys spread that information far and wide and have devoted the majority of their funds and efforts to women of color ever since.

One hundred percent of our financial awards in directing, design, tech and composing, and the majority of our writing awards been given to women of color.

Our vision is large. Our scope is far-reaching. Our promise is clear. Without you, none of this is possible. Want to help us make a difference? Consider making a donation to support us— a gift of any size is greatly appreciated.

For information on corporate sponsorship or matching employer gifts, please contact us here or write us directly at contact@the-lillys.org

The Lillys are a grantee of The New York Women’s Foundation. As a voice for women and a force for change, The New York Women’s Foundation are a cross-cultural alliance of women catalyzing partnerships and leveraging human and financial capital to achieve sustained economic security and justice for women and girls. With fierce determination, they mobilize hearts, minds and resources to create an equitable and just future for women, families and communities in New York City.

The work of The Lillys is made possible by individuals and these generous supporters: