PlayPenn Unveils Free Public Reading Lineup Across the City of Philadelphia
- PlayPenn
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Free Readings of New Plays in Four Districts Across the City
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lindsay Doyle
Cadence Public Relations
215.275.6541
PlayPenn, a nationally recognized new play development organization, proudly announces the full lineup of free public readings for its 2025 New Play Development Conference, running July 5 - 20 at venues throughout Philadelphia. The annual conference offers audiences a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse at the future of American theatre, bringing bold, boundary-pushing new plays to life through public staged readings featuring some of the region’s most exciting playwrights, artists and producing partners.
In a groundbreaking expansion of its traditional format, this year’s conference will stretch across four Philadelphia County districts, thanks to an unprecedented collaboration between PlayPenn and InterAct Theatre Company, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, Power Street Theatre, Theatre in the X and Wilma Theater. Together, the cohort aims to foster greater sustainability in the arts by sharing resources, expanding audiences and taking bold new work directly into communities.
The 2025 Conference will feature readings of seven new plays including:
One Young Playwright reading, presented in partnership with Philadelphia Young Playwrights
Three Foundry First Spark readings, showcasing the culmination of a three-year residency with The Foundry, PlayPenn’s emerging writer incubator presented in partnership with Philadelphia Theater Company
Three Resident Playwright readings, selected from nearly 200 open submissions presented in partnership with Power Street Theatre, Theatre in the X and The Wilma Theater
The 2025 Conference will also feature free community events across Philadelphia that celebrate new plays and the communities that inspire them. In collaboration with partner organizations, these gatherings offer opportunities for
movement, storytelling, dialogue and creative exchange.
hand foot hand: A Practice in Balancing the Body with Wilma Theater
Join circus artist and playwright L M Feldman for a movement-based workshop exploring how to care for the body through rigor and compassion.
Comunidades Conectadas Story Circle with Power Street Theatre
Share a meal and personal stories inspired by Ama. Egg. Oyá by Lori Felipe-Barkin in this powerful evening of community, food, and reflection.
Community Gathering with Theatre in the X
Engage in dialogue, food, and participatory storytelling inspired by Harlem Canary/Tokyo Crow by Andrew Saito, exploring themes of identity, division, and connection.
“This conference is not just about new plays, it’s about building new pathways between artists and audiences,” said Che’Rae Adams, Artistic Director of PlayPenn.
“By moving beyond a single location and forging new partnerships, we’re creating deeper impact and access across the city, amplifying voices that reflect the future of our region and beyond.”
All readings and community events are free and open to the public, but reservations are required to attend each reading.
About PlayPenn
Founded in 2004, PlayPenn is a nationally recognized leader in new play development, dedicated to nurturing bold theatrical voices and advancing theater as a vital form of storytelling. Through its annual New Play Development Conference, educational programs and artist residencies, PlayPenn provides playwrights with the resources, collaboration and support needed to bring groundbreaking new work to life.
To date, PlayPenn has developed over 160 plays, many of which have gone on to more than 600 professional productions at esteemed theaters worldwide, including the National Theatre (London), National Theatre of Israel, English Theatre Berlin, Roundabout Theatre, Lincoln Center, Atlantic Theater, Second Stage, Actors Theatre of Louisville, La Jolla Playhouse, Denver Center, South Coast Rep, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Azuka Theatre, and many more.
Plays and playwrights supported by PlayPenn have earned some of the most prestigious honors in theater, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Tony Award, Obie Award, MacArthur Fellowship “Genius” Grant, Guggenheim Fellowships, Lilly Award for Playwriting, Pew Fellowship, Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, and multiple Barrymore Awards for Best New Play.
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