Erin Quinn Purcell — Theatre Artist

Erin Quinn Purcell has been a mainstay New York’s downtown theatre scene for over 30 years. She was one of the founding members of the critically acclaimed adobe theatre company, and participated as an actor, writer and/or director in countless productions, but she may be best known for her writing work with Greg Jackson.

Almost 30 years ago, they met and began their collaboration as actors in the University of Iowa theatre program. Inspired by the University’s incredible Playwright’s Workshop and the infamous No Shame Theatre, they decided to start writing for themselves. Credits include Duet! A Romantic Fable (Broadway Play Publishing) The Fiona Apple Kwanzaa Explosion (PSNBC) the musical A Fish Story (for which they received a grant from the Jonathan Larson Foundation) and the Russ Meyer inspired Go-Go Kitty, Go! (Outstanding Play, 2005 New York Fringe Festival). They collaborated with Songwriter Hall of Fame’s Holly Knight, whose hits include Tina Turner’s “The Best”, Pat Bennetar’s “Invincible” and Patty Smythe’s “Warrior” on a musical paean to 1980s New York entitled, "Love is a Battlefield".

Erin is also currently working with Jay Reiss (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) on a new musical based on their critically acclaimed 2001 production of Hooray For Iceboy (music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann). The piece is in development at the Pasadena Playhouse starring Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman, Adam Devine and Laura Bell Bundy.

Erin Quinn Purcell has lived in Westbeth since 2016 with her husband Peter Bernstein (jazz guitarist) and her two sons, Bruno and Dewey. She also serves as President of The Westbeth Artists Residents Council.