Joel Gersmann (August 26, 1942 – June 24, 2005) was an American playwright of experimental theatre. During his 35 years as artistic director at Broom Street Theater, Gersmann was fearless in the subject matter of his plays, with no regard to the reactions of politicians, his audience, or granting organizations. He did, however, receive consistent support from the National Endowment for the Arts from 1973 through 1990, was awarded grants from the Rockefeller Foundation, and obtained financial support from numerous state and local arts organizations. Many authors, playwrights, and actors have credited Gersmann as a major influence in their work. The Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research at the Wisconsin State Historical Society houses a collection of Gersmann's manuscripts and paper