New Play Readings
NPA holds new play readings periodically at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. They are open to the public and free (though we won't say no to a kind donation or two). Keep an eye on this page for dates.
Not/Our Town by Brendan Healy
Nov. 4 - Dec. 3 | 7:30 pm | 12 Avenue Arts
A new take on the iconic American classic Thornton Wilder play, Our Town, by veteran writers group member, and presented by Pony World Theatre. (https://www.ponyworld.org/onstage)
"Both the 1938 original and this new play examine family, community, and those journeys in life common to us all. Some people love Our Town, while others don't know it or think it's outdated. So how much this production feels like Our Town or Not will be up to you! Before each show, the audience will take a survey with options for several different scenes and staging styles--do you want to see the famous ladder scene or things falling from the ceiling? Because even when the destination is the same, there are hundreds of different paths to get there."
Tickets available at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5587205
Nov. 4 - Dec. 3 | 7:30 pm | 12 Avenue Arts
A new take on the iconic American classic Thornton Wilder play, Our Town, by veteran writers group member, and presented by Pony World Theatre. (https://www.ponyworld.org/onstage)
"Both the 1938 original and this new play examine family, community, and those journeys in life common to us all. Some people love Our Town, while others don't know it or think it's outdated. So how much this production feels like Our Town or Not will be up to you! Before each show, the audience will take a survey with options for several different scenes and staging styles--do you want to see the famous ladder scene or things falling from the ceiling? Because even when the destination is the same, there are hundreds of different paths to get there."
Tickets available at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5587205
The Center Salon
Friday, May 19 | 7:30 pm | Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Tickets are now available for The Center Salon at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. Our 6th annual Salon will be sold out so the best time to buy tickets is yesterday. Next best time is NOW for the chance to share an intimate evening with some of our best artists, musicians, filmmakers and writers. Curated by Bryan Willis. Tickets available at washingtoncenter.org
Friday, May 19 | 7:30 pm | Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Tickets are now available for The Center Salon at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. Our 6th annual Salon will be sold out so the best time to buy tickets is yesterday. Next best time is NOW for the chance to share an intimate evening with some of our best artists, musicians, filmmakers and writers. Curated by Bryan Willis. Tickets available at washingtoncenter.org
PREVIOUS EVENTS
Halloween at Harlequin with Jim Lynch and Bryan Willis' Edgar Allan Poe
Monday, October 31 | 7:00 pm | The State Theater, Olympia, WA
"Celebrated local author Jim Lynch (The Highest Side, Border Songs) shares a new (scary!) short story, followed by Edgar Allan Poe – The Poet’s Journey, adapted by local playwright Bryan Willis and starring Bradford Farwell (Indecent, Seattle Rep), who brings Mr. Poe’s life, obsessions and genius to Harlequin. Directed by Megan Brewer." Tickets are $25, available at http://harlequinproductions.org/halloween-at-harlequin/
Monday, October 31 | 7:00 pm | The State Theater, Olympia, WA
"Celebrated local author Jim Lynch (The Highest Side, Border Songs) shares a new (scary!) short story, followed by Edgar Allan Poe – The Poet’s Journey, adapted by local playwright Bryan Willis and starring Bradford Farwell (Indecent, Seattle Rep), who brings Mr. Poe’s life, obsessions and genius to Harlequin. Directed by Megan Brewer." Tickets are $25, available at http://harlequinproductions.org/halloween-at-harlequin/
Post-Pandemic Plays
Saturday, July 23 | 3:00 pm | Snapdragon Cafe, Vashon Island
Several plays from the Post-Pandemic play series will be read as part of Vashon Repertory Theatre's Incubator reading series. Which plays? You'll just have to come and see!
Full book of published scripts available for purchase at the NPA website store.
Saturday, July 23 | 3:00 pm | Snapdragon Cafe, Vashon Island
Several plays from the Post-Pandemic play series will be read as part of Vashon Repertory Theatre's Incubator reading series. Which plays? You'll just have to come and see!
Full book of published scripts available for purchase at the NPA website store.
Through the Eyes of Holly Germaine by Y York
July 20-22 | Chatauqua Theater Company
A workshop of a new play by NPA core writer, Y York. "On the Canary Islands in the spring of 1986, an oil spill changes everything. In this enticing new eco-drama by Y York, a rising movie star’s vacation becomes an environmental rescue mission, a long-lost love triangle re-emerges as a quadrangle, and buried family secrets are washed ashore for all to see. Romantic, funny, and deadly serious, the truth will emerge Through the Eyes of Holly Germaine." Through the Eyes of Holly Germaine was written as part of the Seattle Rep 2015-2016 writers group.
July 20-22 | Chatauqua Theater Company
A workshop of a new play by NPA core writer, Y York. "On the Canary Islands in the spring of 1986, an oil spill changes everything. In this enticing new eco-drama by Y York, a rising movie star’s vacation becomes an environmental rescue mission, a long-lost love triangle re-emerges as a quadrangle, and buried family secrets are washed ashore for all to see. Romantic, funny, and deadly serious, the truth will emerge Through the Eyes of Holly Germaine." Through the Eyes of Holly Germaine was written as part of the Seattle Rep 2015-2016 writers group.
Riverwood by Andrew Lee Creech
June 17 - 26 | 2:00pm and 7:30pm | Seattle Public Theater
New work by NPA core playwright. "In the midst of city-wide gentrification, rumors of building buyouts and community displacement swirl among the tenants at the Riverwood Apartments. When their worst fears are realized the lives of five people are thrown into upheaval. As 17-year-old Tel and Crunch navigate their place in society as young, Black men, building super Lenard dreams of hitting it big in the lotto. Community warrior Dédra fights to keep her neighborhood intact, while building manager Miss Penny is content to do away with it all. With painful pasts revealed and uncertain futures ahead, each member of this tight community finds themselves asking: how much would you risk in order to own your own dream? Part coming of age story, part slice of life, Riverwood explores the difficult nature of setting up roots and letting go."
Tickets: seattlepublictheater.org
June 17 - 26 | 2:00pm and 7:30pm | Seattle Public Theater
New work by NPA core playwright. "In the midst of city-wide gentrification, rumors of building buyouts and community displacement swirl among the tenants at the Riverwood Apartments. When their worst fears are realized the lives of five people are thrown into upheaval. As 17-year-old Tel and Crunch navigate their place in society as young, Black men, building super Lenard dreams of hitting it big in the lotto. Community warrior Dédra fights to keep her neighborhood intact, while building manager Miss Penny is content to do away with it all. With painful pasts revealed and uncertain futures ahead, each member of this tight community finds themselves asking: how much would you risk in order to own your own dream? Part coming of age story, part slice of life, Riverwood explores the difficult nature of setting up roots and letting go."
Tickets: seattlepublictheater.org
Center Salon V
May 13 | 7:30pm | Washington Center for the Performing Arts
The twice-cancelled salon will go on at last with world-class fiction, poetry, music in one glorious evening. Featuring Jim Lynch, Christina Butcher, Jonah Barrett, Ashly McBunch, Jill Barnes, Gail Madden, and Bryan Willis, with music by Mark Lutwak, Eric Anderson & The Klein Party. Not to be missed!
$17 + $3 facility fee.
Call (360) 753-8586
boxoffice@washingtoncenter.org
May 13 | 7:30pm | Washington Center for the Performing Arts
The twice-cancelled salon will go on at last with world-class fiction, poetry, music in one glorious evening. Featuring Jim Lynch, Christina Butcher, Jonah Barrett, Ashly McBunch, Jill Barnes, Gail Madden, and Bryan Willis, with music by Mark Lutwak, Eric Anderson & The Klein Party. Not to be missed!
$17 + $3 facility fee.
Call (360) 753-8586
boxoffice@washingtoncenter.org
Vashon Repertory Theatre Reading - Kichi in the Woods of Present Memory by Bryan Willis
November 15 | 7:00pm | Vashon Center for the Arts, Kay White Lobby
A Japanese boat lost at sea drifts 5,000 to the shores of a Makah village. This is the true story of the only three survivors and their incredible quest to return home. Vashon Repertory Theatre presents this first reading of a new collaboration by Bryan Willis, Cecil Cheeka, Takuya Masutani and the AIE Taiko Drummers.
Pay what you will. $10 suggested donation.
November 15 | 7:00pm | Vashon Center for the Arts, Kay White Lobby
A Japanese boat lost at sea drifts 5,000 to the shores of a Makah village. This is the true story of the only three survivors and their incredible quest to return home. Vashon Repertory Theatre presents this first reading of a new collaboration by Bryan Willis, Cecil Cheeka, Takuya Masutani and the AIE Taiko Drummers.
Pay what you will. $10 suggested donation.
THE VAMPIRE or The Bride of the Isles by Ki Gottberg
November 10 - 13 | 7:30 | November 13-14 | 4:30 | Seattle U
New adaptation by NPA core playwright, Ki Gottberg. "THE VAMPIRE or The Bride of the Isles was the most popular melodrama in London in 1820. Based on the original by J.R Planche, Ki Gottberg creates a fusion of then and now in a wild mix of characters and casting, complete with ROMANCE and DASTARDLY DOINGS. Conceived as a live radio drama, this new/old work will adapt to whatever Covid throws at us, and with live Foley sound and bits of contemporary song, this entertaining diversion is sure to please!" https://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/arts/calendar-of-events/the-vampire-or-the-bride-of-the-isles/
November 10 - 13 | 7:30 | November 13-14 | 4:30 | Seattle U
New adaptation by NPA core playwright, Ki Gottberg. "THE VAMPIRE or The Bride of the Isles was the most popular melodrama in London in 1820. Based on the original by J.R Planche, Ki Gottberg creates a fusion of then and now in a wild mix of characters and casting, complete with ROMANCE and DASTARDLY DOINGS. Conceived as a live radio drama, this new/old work will adapt to whatever Covid throws at us, and with live Foley sound and bits of contemporary song, this entertaining diversion is sure to please!" https://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/arts/calendar-of-events/the-vampire-or-the-bride-of-the-isles/
What We Were by Brendan Healy
October 15 - November 6 | 7:30 | Pony World Theatre
New work presented by NPA core playwright, Brendan Healy's company, the ever-astounding, award-winning Pony World Theatre. Show info: "After disappearing from the small East Texas town where she grew up, Tessa turns up in Seattle seventeen years later. Now her sisters, Nell and Carlin, try to uncover the truth of where she’s been, who she’s been, and what happened in their past. How much of the family’s secrets are the sisters willing to face in order to save Tessa? Inspired by true events and weaving back and forth through the decades, What We Were is a story of sisterhood, survival, and healing." https://www.ponyworld.org/onstage
October 15 - November 6 | 7:30 | Pony World Theatre
New work presented by NPA core playwright, Brendan Healy's company, the ever-astounding, award-winning Pony World Theatre. Show info: "After disappearing from the small East Texas town where she grew up, Tessa turns up in Seattle seventeen years later. Now her sisters, Nell and Carlin, try to uncover the truth of where she’s been, who she’s been, and what happened in their past. How much of the family’s secrets are the sisters willing to face in order to save Tessa? Inspired by true events and weaving back and forth through the decades, What We Were is a story of sisterhood, survival, and healing." https://www.ponyworld.org/onstage
Last Drive to Dodge by Andrew Lee Creech
Live reading October 24 | 6:00 | Streamable Oct. 26-31 | Ashland New Plays Festival
A reading by NPA core playwright, Andrew Lee Creech. Show info: "1884, Texas. Ro (a ranch worker) and Prophet (a cowboy) are in love, and they dream of owning their own land, leaving the Bailey Family Ranch behind, and building a life together. But when the ranch prematurely falters, and the cowboys go on strike, Ro and Prophet are pulled in opposite directions as they fight to keep their vision of the future from crumbling to dust. Set at the tail end of the Cowboy Golden Age, Last Drive to Dodge examines race, love, and legacy in a time when everyone is scrambling for their piece of the American Dream." https://ashlandnewplays.org/play/last-drive-to-dodge/
Live reading October 24 | 6:00 | Streamable Oct. 26-31 | Ashland New Plays Festival
A reading by NPA core playwright, Andrew Lee Creech. Show info: "1884, Texas. Ro (a ranch worker) and Prophet (a cowboy) are in love, and they dream of owning their own land, leaving the Bailey Family Ranch behind, and building a life together. But when the ranch prematurely falters, and the cowboys go on strike, Ro and Prophet are pulled in opposite directions as they fight to keep their vision of the future from crumbling to dust. Set at the tail end of the Cowboy Golden Age, Last Drive to Dodge examines race, love, and legacy in a time when everyone is scrambling for their piece of the American Dream." https://ashlandnewplays.org/play/last-drive-to-dodge/
Original Voices - NPA Presents "Rattlesnakes"
March 7, 2018 | 7:30pm | Lakewood Playhouse
ORIGINAL VOICES at Lakewood Playhouse is a New Series of Original Plays by Northwest Playwrights presented by the Northwest Playwrights Alliance. This Series will be an opportunity for New Plays to be read locally in hopes of someday presenting them on stage at the Lakewood Playhouse (possibly as soon as our 81st or 82nd Season).
ABOUT the SHOW:
Rattlesnakes is an original play set in a poor home in the rural American West. After the sudden death of their mother, the Emmanuel family is reunited. Through their grief, we explore abuse and escape as the family struggles to heal. Rattlesnakes deals with mature subject matter including sexual violence and domestic abuse.
ORIGINAL VOICES at Lakewood Playhouse is a New Series of Original Plays by Northwest Playwrights presented by the Northwest Playwrights Alliance. This Series will be an opportunity for New Plays to be read locally in hopes of someday presenting them on stage at the Lakewood Playhouse (possibly as soon as our 81st or 82nd Season).
ABOUT the SHOW:
Rattlesnakes is an original play set in a poor home in the rural American West. After the sudden death of their mother, the Emmanuel family is reunited. Through their grief, we explore abuse and escape as the family struggles to heal. Rattlesnakes deals with mature subject matter including sexual violence and domestic abuse.
Directing New Plays - A Conversation with Manuel Zarate
March 12, 2018 | 6-9 PM | Seattle Repertory Theatre
Guest artists Manuel Zarate, Jeni Mahoney and Mark Lutwak lead an all-too-rare discussion on how to direct new play readings and productions. Followed by a reading of Manuel's award-winning play, "Stroke," directed by Mark Lutwak.
Guest artists Manuel Zarate, Jeni Mahoney and Mark Lutwak lead an all-too-rare discussion on how to direct new play readings and productions. Followed by a reading of Manuel's award-winning play, "Stroke," directed by Mark Lutwak.
NPA Reading - "Smoke"
Monday, May 8th | 7:00pm | The Seattle Repertory Theatre
A new play by David Tucker II, directed by Anita Montgomery: two Liberians take on the dangerous and controversial task of cremation, only to find their own lives changed forever. Featuring Sylvester Kamara, Treavor Boykin, Tracy Michell Hughes, Rachel Pate, Lamar Legend and Anthony Leroy Fuller.
A new play by David Tucker II, directed by Anita Montgomery: two Liberians take on the dangerous and controversial task of cremation, only to find their own lives changed forever. Featuring Sylvester Kamara, Treavor Boykin, Tracy Michell Hughes, Rachel Pate, Lamar Legend and Anthony Leroy Fuller.
NPA Reading - "The Right Story"
Monday, April 10th | 7:00pm | The Seattle Repertory Theatre
Sydney Andrews directs a reading of Phil Atlakson's new play, "The Right Story." An Iranian-born graduate student of Narrative Arts accuses her classics professor of being “homophobic” for advocating traditional story structure - a Union of Opposites - as a corrective to her personal life. A deep, personal relationship between them makes the clash more bitter, as it ignites a national media storm, that soon threatens campus security and the future of the Narrative Arts Program they both worked to create.
Sydney Andrews directs a reading of Phil Atlakson's new play, "The Right Story." An Iranian-born graduate student of Narrative Arts accuses her classics professor of being “homophobic” for advocating traditional story structure - a Union of Opposites - as a corrective to her personal life. A deep, personal relationship between them makes the clash more bitter, as it ignites a national media storm, that soon threatens campus security and the future of the Narrative Arts Program they both worked to create.
"A Beethoven Afternoon" and "Benny & Lenny"
Monday, March 13 | 7:00-8:45pm | Seattle Repertory Theatre
John Vreeke directs a reading of two new one-acts by Chris Longo: "A Beethoven Afternoon" and "Benny & Lenny." Featuring Mark Anders, Keith Dahlgren, Hayley Guthrie and Kyle Henick.
John Vreeke directs a reading of two new one-acts by Chris Longo: "A Beethoven Afternoon" and "Benny & Lenny." Featuring Mark Anders, Keith Dahlgren, Hayley Guthrie and Kyle Henick.
"On Your Way Here"
Monday, January 9 at the National Playwrights Winter Retreat in Crede, Colorado
Our regularly scheduled reading moves to Creede, Colorado Monday January 9th for a reading of "On Your Way Here," by Bryan Willis. The play was originally commissioned by Seattle Rep as part of the Writers Group series. For more information about the National Winter Playwrights Retreat, click below.
Our regularly scheduled reading moves to Creede, Colorado Monday January 9th for a reading of "On Your Way Here," by Bryan Willis. The play was originally commissioned by Seattle Rep as part of the Writers Group series. For more information about the National Winter Playwrights Retreat, click below.
The Stories of Hans Christian-Andersen
November 11 & 12 | 7:30 pm | The Midnight Sun (Olympia, WA)
Theater Artists Olympia present The Stories of Hans Christian-Andersen.
Theater Artists Olympia present The Stories of Hans Christian-Andersen.
It Can't Happen Here
Monday, November 7 | 7-9pm | Seattle Repertory Theatre
A new adaptation of the Sinclair Lewis classic "It Can't Happen Here," adapted and directed by Ed Thorpe. Join us for a reading on Monday Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at Seattle Repertory Theatre.
A new adaptation of the Sinclair Lewis classic "It Can't Happen Here," adapted and directed by Ed Thorpe. Join us for a reading on Monday Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at Seattle Repertory Theatre.
Double Shot Festival
November 5 & 6 | Olympia Family Theater
Olymipa Family Theater & NPA present the annual Double Shot Festival.
Six playwrights, six directors, and twenty-five actors will have 24-hours to write, rehearse, and perform an original play. We'll give them the prompt, you can give them an audience! All plays will be family-friendly.
Olymipa Family Theater & NPA present the annual Double Shot Festival.
Six playwrights, six directors, and twenty-five actors will have 24-hours to write, rehearse, and perform an original play. We'll give them the prompt, you can give them an audience! All plays will be family-friendly.
An Improbable Peck of Plays
October 14 - 22, 2016 | The Midnight Sun
Theater Artists Olympia, in association with Northwest Playrights Alliance, presents the 5th annual "An Improbable Peck of Plays." Plays include:
Theater Artists Olympia, in association with Northwest Playrights Alliance, presents the 5th annual "An Improbable Peck of Plays." Plays include:
- “Crooner” by Betsy Hanson; Directed by: Andrea Gordon
- “Building & Removing Planes” by Tre Calhoun; Directed by: Andrea Gordon;
- “the Fifth Wall” by Darren Hembd; Directed by: Gabriel McClelland;
- “Five O' Clock Shadow" By Miryam Gordon; Directed by: Gabriel McClelland;
- “Tads” by Eva Sutter adapted by Kendra Phillips; Directed by: Hannah Eklund;
- “Five More” by Jake Rosendale; Directd by: Hannah Eklund;
- “Five Signs You're In Love with a Narcissist” by Louise Perkins; Directed by: Erin Chanfrau;
- “Take Five” by Merridawn Duckler; Directed by: Erin Chanfrau;
Boy Meets Girl
Sponsored by Thurston County Coalition Against Trafficking
Wednesday, October 12 | 5:30 - 7:00 pm | Washington Center for Performing Arts
Kyle Danger Henick and Pamela Arndt will perform Bryan Willis's short play, "boy meets girls," this Wednesday at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. Special thanks to our producer, Rose Gundersen and Washington Engage. This event is free but registration is required.
Kyle Danger Henick and Pamela Arndt will perform Bryan Willis's short play, "boy meets girls," this Wednesday at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. Special thanks to our producer, Rose Gundersen and Washington Engage. This event is free but registration is required.
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So Damn ProudMonday, October 10 | 7:00-9:00pm | Seattle Repertory Theatre
Northwest Playwrights Presents: A staged reading presentation of "So Damn Proud," a new play by Justin Neal. Monday, October 10, 7:00 pm on Indigenous Peoples Day at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. |
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I Love You, Flavilla by Bryan WillisMonday, September 19, 2016 | 7:00 - 9:00
Celebrate "International Talk Like A Pirate Day" at the Midnight Sun! |
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NPA reading "Our Enemies" by Yussef El GuindiMonday, September 12 | 7 PM - 8:45 PM
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