About
Kenny Finkle is an Associate Professor of Theatre Arts at Marymount Manhattan College, where he oversees the Writing for the Stage concentration. He holds an MFA from Columbia University and a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. His artistic work bridges academic and experimental theatre, with a focus on innovative storytelling formats.
- University: Marymount Manhattan College
- School: Department of Theatre Arts
- Department: Theatre Arts
- Rank: Associate Professor
Finkle's research and creative interests include playwriting, audio drama, experimental performance, and immersive theatre. He is known for pushing boundaries in form and audience engagement, particularly through works like U R ★ and the audio drama 1993. His work often explores themes of identity, memory, and LGBTQ+ experiences.
His recent creative output centers on audio and podcast-based projects, including the critically acclaimed 1993 and the popular podcast All I Want to Do is Talk About Madonna. These works reflect a trend toward intimate, non-traditional narrative forms that blend music, personal reflection, and cultural critique. His publications and productions have been featured nationally and internationally, with works published by Broadway Play Publishing and Samuel French.
Finkle has received significant recognition for his work, including:
- NEA New Play Development Award
- Fellowships from NYFA
- Grants from NYSCA
He has been commissioned by prominent institutions such as the Dallas Theatre Center, Ford’s Theatre, and Theatreworks USA. Prior to his current role, he served as an Adjunct Instructor at MMC and was a Teaching Artist with the DreamYard Project for two decades. He also mentored playwrights in Miami Dade’s Playwright Development Program. Finkle is a member of the Dramatists Guild and an alumnus of The Good Writers’ Group.
Finkle's work is deeply collaborative and often developed in partnership with organizations like the Keen Company, American Repertory Theatre, and Ars Nova. His projects frequently involve interdisciplinary teams, blending sound design, visual art, and performance. The 1993 project, for example, involved extensive collaboration with Jonathan Silverstein, David Drake, and GMHC, focusing on AIDS memory and activism. His upcoming live show Physical Attraction (August 2025) continues this collaborative ethos.
