For 30 years, Linda Habjan has been an integral part of Dramatic Publishing's story. As vice president of acquisitions, she has championed countless plays and musicals, discovered exciting new voices, supported hundreds of playwrights and helped shape Dramatic Publishing's distinguished catalog of plays and musicals.
Linda is known not only for her dedication to great theatre, but also for the relationships she has built along the way. Her ability to recognize great storytelling while understanding the people behind the work has made her an invaluable advocate for playwrights throughout her career. She has fostered lasting relationships with authors and mentored colleagues with the same generosity, wisdom and encouragement she brings to every aspect of her work.
Before joining Dramatic Publishing in 1996, Linda earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University, taught high-school English, worked as a magazine editor and wrote for several newspapers as a freelance journalist. Also during her tenure with Dramatic Publishing, she earned a master's degree from DePaul University and compiled and edited Editor's Choice: Audition Monologues for Women, Editor's Choice: Audition Monologues for Men and The Bully Plays.
As we celebrate Linda's 30th anniversary with Dramatic Publishing, we thank her for three decades of leadership, compassion and commitment to our authors, colleagues and the theatre community. Her influence can be seen not only in the works she has helped bring to life, but in the countless people whose lives and careers she has touched along the way.
A few of those individuals shared the following reflections:
“Linda cares deeply, listening intently, and is always finding ways to include more voices to share with our youth. DCT and the TYA field are lucky to have Linda, a true gem! If you ever get lost at a TYA/USA festival, do it with Linda—she’s a blast! (She also makes great soup!)” —Roxanne Schroeder-Arce
“Linda, Linda, Linda! Happy 30th Anniversary with DPC. I am one of the lucky writers who has been able to count on you to advocate for my work, to strike fair deals, and to patiently empathize with the eccentricities and highs and lows of a writing life. I count you as one of my favorite people to have in the audience of one of my plays -- and can't wait for the next time that happens! Thank you for doing what you do and doing it with such generosity and grace and wonder. Enjoy this milestone and feel the love!” —James Still
“Happy Anniversary, Linda! What a pleasure it has been working with you over many of those 30 years. So many plays, so many memories!!! Your belief in the authors you work with helps us believe in ourselves. Your integrity and enthusiasm for the plays you represent has lifted the entire field of TYA! I deeply appreciate all you have done for so many authors, countless plays, and for audiences of young people and their families all over the country! You are one of my heroes! I treasure the gift of your friendship!” —Suzan Zeder
“Linda Habjan is one of the kindest, [most] amazing, and authentic people I have ever had the pleasure [of knowing]. She has been so instrumental in helping my career advance. I consider her a friend, mentor, and she has served as such an inspiration to myself and other playwrights, particularly in the field of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA). She has been an important advocate for DIVERSITY in the field. She has led, not by words, but by action. She has fought, and continues to fight, the good fight with the understanding the message that all stories matter and for voices to be heard, they need a space to be heard. I am so very proud of Linda, and I truly believe, with all of my heart, that she has helped Dramatic Publishing serve as a beacon for storytellers in this industry. Congratulations, Linda … Love you!!!” —José Casas
