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Neil LaBute

Birth Place: Detroit, MI, USA

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BIO

Neil LaBute received his Master of Fine Arts degree in dramatic writing from New York University and was the recipient of a literary fellowship to study at the Royal Court Theatre. Films include In the Company of Men (New York Critics Circle Award for Best First Feature, Filmmakers’ Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival), Your Friends and Neighbors, Nurse Betty, Possession, The Shape of Things — a film adaptation of his play by the same title — The Wicker Man, Lakeview Terrace and Death at a Funeral. Plays include bash: reasons to be pretty, latter-day plays, The Shape of Things, The Distance From Here, The Mercy Seat, Autobahn, This Is How It Goes, Some Girl(s), Wrecks, In a Dark Dark House, Helter Skelter, The Furies and The War on Terror. LaBute is the author of several fictional pieces that have been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar and Playboy, among others. A collection of his short stories was published by Grove/Atlantic.

Photos

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Playwright
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Writer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2012] Cancelled
Director
 
[West End, 2011]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright

Awards and Nominations


winner
The Lortels - 2013 - Playwrights’ Sidewalk Inductee

Neil LaBute

Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Play

Neil LaBute, reasons to be pretty

Olivier Awards - 2009 - Best New Comedy

Neil LaButeFat Pig

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Play

Neil LaBute, Reasons to Be Pretty


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Play

Neil LaBute, The Shape of Things

Videos

News


Natalia Kholodenko To Present Joanna Pickering's Play LARA'S JOURNEY
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 15, 2025

TV psychologist Natalia Kholodenko will present Lara's Journey for her Ukraine seminar on April 22nd in a collaboration with leading artists. From heartbreak to hope, TV psychologist Natalia Kholodenko has become the guiding light for millions of Ukrainian women navigating the devastation of war.
STAR WARS On Stage: A Guide to Broadway Stars in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 11, 2025

With the highly anticipated second season of Andor arriving in a few short weeks, we have compiled a list of the most noteworthy Star Wars actors to have graced the Broadway stage over the years.
Interview: Neil LaBute and COMFORT at NJ Rep in Long Branch
by Marina Kennedy - Apr 10, 2025

'Comfort' is a new play by award-winning writer, Neil LaBute. The two-hander will be performed at New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) in Long Branch from April 17 to May 11 with Matinee and evening shows available. 
Amanda Seyfried Reveals Broadway Is Her Biggest Fear
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 3, 2025

Actor Amanda Seyfried recently revealed that performing live theatre remains her biggest fear despite her successful film career, including musical roles in Mamma Mia! and Les Misérables.
Amanda Seyfried Reflects on LES MISERABLES Live Singing: 'The Process Was Infuriating'
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 21, 2025

In a new interview, Amanda Seyfried reflected on her time singing live in the 2012 blockbuster adaptation of Les Miserables, a process which she called 'infuriating.'
Full Cast Set For UK Premiere of HOW TO FIGHT LONELINESS
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2025

The full cast has been announced for the UK première of Neil LaBute’s How to Fight Loneliness at Park Theatre. Stratford East’s newly appointed Artistic Director, Lisa Spirling directs.
Video: Amanda Seyfried Confirms New Musical Film ANN LEE Is Coming in 2025
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 5, 2025

Amanda Seyfried reveals details about her 2025 musical film ANN LEE and hints at Mamma Mia 3 developments during her appearance on The Tonight Show.
Neil LaBute's COMFORT Begins This April At NJ Rep
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 27, 2025

New Jersey Repertory Company (NJRep) continues its 28th season with Neil LaBute's Comfort, directed by Evan Bergman. The production runs from April 17 to May 11, 2025.
Jane Lynch, Sharon Lawrence, Gina Torres, John Ross Bowie And More Set For PARENTS IN CHAINS World Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 21, 2025

Ensemble Theatre Company has announced additional casting for an add-on production to its season, the world premiere of a new comedy, PARENTS IN CHAINS, written by Emmy and Peabody award-winner Jay Martel and directed by Andy Fickman.
Video: Amanda Seyfried Stars in Peacock's LONG BRIGHT RIVER Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 20, 2025

Peacock has released a new trailer for the thriller series Long Bright River, starring Amanda Seyfried. All eight episodes of the show premiere exclusively on Peacock Thursday, March 13. Watch the trailer!
Joanna Pickering's New Play LARA'S JOURNEY Will Be Directed By Karen Carpenter
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2025

Joanna Pickering's new one-act play, Lara's Journey, will have its debut performance in The Spark Theater Festival, on March 6th, at 7pm, at the Chain Theater (312 W 36th Street, New York City).
SISYPHEAN QUICK FIX Comes to Riverside Studios
by Stephi Wild - Feb 3, 2025

Based on lived experience, writer and performer Bettina Paris explores how the complexities of alcohol addiction can affect families and family relationships. Learn more here!
Photos: First-Look at Amanda Seyfried in Peacock's LONG BRIGHT RIVER
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 28, 2025

Peacock has released new first-look photos of Amanda Seyfried in the thriller series Long Bright River. The show is set to stream Thursday, March 24. Take a look at the images here!
Joanna Pickering's New Play CEASE AND DESIST to be presented at Theater 555
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 27, 2025

Playwright Joanna Pickering is set to unveil her psychological thriller, Cease and Desist, with its first performances in New York City in March. Learn more about the play.
Joanna Pickering's New Work CEASE AND DESIST Will Be Performed at Theater 555
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2025

Playwright Joanna Pickering is set to unveil her psychological thriller, Cease and Desist, with its first performances in New York City this February and March. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Amanda Seyfried Learns Family Secret in FINDING YOUR ROOTS Clip
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 7, 2025

In the Season 11 premiere of PBS's acclaimed series Finding Your Roots, host Henry Louis Gates Jr. guides Amanda Seyfried on an emotional journey into her ancestry. Watch a clip now.
Amanda Seyfried Discusses Viral 'Popular' Video and WICKED Auditions: 'It Was a Very Long Process'
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 16, 2024

Amanda Seyfried has addressed the Glinda-shaped elephant in the room. In a new interview, the Les Miserables star explained that the recently surfaced video of her singing Wicked's Popular was, in fact, not her actual audition for the movie.
Amanda Seyfried to Star in New Musical Movie ANN LEE About Religious Leader
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 12, 2024

Amanda Seyfried has wrapped filming on Ann Lee, a musical based on the story of Mother Ann Lee, the founding leader of the Shaker Movement. She will appear in the film alongside Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, and more.
WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST is Now Playing at Gracemoon Arts Company
by Stephi Wild - Nov 27, 2024

What We're Up Against by Theresa Rebeck is now playing at Gracemoon Arts in Bushwick. Learn more about the production and find out how to get tickets here!
David Schwimmer and James Oh Join Lookingglass Theatre Company Board
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2024

After pausing its operations last year to reorganize and create a new business model, Chicago’s Tony-Award winning Lookingglass Theatre Company is welcoming two new Board members as it prepares to reopen January 30, 2025. Learn more!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Neil LaBute written?

Neil LaBute has written 17 shows including The Shape of Things (Playwright), The Mercy Seat (Playwright), The Distance From Here (Playwright), Escape: 6 Ways to Get Away (1) (Playwright), Fat Pig (Playwright), Escape: 6 Ways to Get Away (2) (Playwright), This Is How It Goes (Playwright), Some Girl(s) (Playwright), Wrecks (Playwright), In a Dark Dark House (Playwright), reasons to be pretty (Playwright), The Break of Noon (Playwright), Standing On Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays (Playwright), Reasons to be Happy (Playwright), The Way We Get By (Playwright), Reasons to be Pretty Happy (Playwright), All the Ways to Say I Love You (Writer).

What awards has Neil LaBute been nominated for?

Playwrights’ Sidewalk Inductee (The Lortels), Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for reasons to be pretty, Best New Comedy (Olivier Awards) for Fat Pig, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Reasons to Be Pretty and Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Shape of Things.

What awards has Neil LaBute won?

Neil LaBute has received the following awards: Playwrights’ Sidewalk Inductee (The Lortels) and Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Shape of Things.

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