2026 conference events
Registration opens Monday, June 1
PlayPenn’s 2026 New Play Development Conference brings together readings of new plays alongside a citywide series of civic gatherings, workshops, artist exchanges, and public conversations focusing on democracy, historical memory, belonging, and collective imagination.
Our new community-focused approach to new play development reflects a broader vision of theatre in a shared civic life that illuminates what theatre can do, who participates in it, how it unfolds, and why it matters. Learn more about the Conference.
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A Laboratory for Civic Imagination
Eboni Booth, Roger Q. Mason, and Sarah Mantell Headline PlayPenn’s 2026 New Play Development Conference: “Democracy in Action”
Tickets now available!
PlayPenn’s 2026 New Play Development Conference brings together readings of new plays alongside a citywide series of civic gatherings, workshops, artist exchanges, and public conversations focusing on art, democracy, historical memory, and belonging.
Our new community-focused approach to new play development reflects a broader vision of theatre in a shared civic life that illuminates what theatre can do, who participates in it, how it unfolds, and why it matters.
This year’s new play conference marks the nation’s 250th anniversary and features a national cohort of artists including Tyler Dobrowsky, Danilo Gambini, Taibi Magar, Amrita Ramanan, and Charlie Thurston.
"The Good Guys" by Sarah MantellSun, Aug 02
"Emergence" by Zoe PalmerSat, Aug 01
PlayPenn Presents Eboni BoothWed, Jul 29
PlayPenn Solo Fest!Mon, Jul 20
2026 Conference Kick-Off PartyMon, Jul 20
