Welcome to
The 22nd Annual New Play Festival
Celebrating the incredible new works in the Upstate!

This event is free and open to the public. 

We’ve sifted through over 1,000 submissions from the nation's most talented playwrights and narrowed it down to 10 semi-finalists. From those, we have choosen 3 amazing finalists to showcase during the festival. Here’s the kicker: one of these scripts will be chosen for further development or even a full production at Centre Stage! 

Come for the drama, stay for the fun! Stick around after each reading for a lively talkback—your chance to ask questions, share your thoughts, and help shape the future of theatre. Did we mention it’s completely free? Plus, there will be light refreshments to keep the creativity flowing. 

January 6th at 7:30

Petrified 
By: Paula Fell

Directed by: Cary Doyle

Brian has been failing at his two main goals in life: finding love and proving there are ghosts. One evening after a humiliating break up, a drunk and dejected Brian finds himself alone at a cliff overlooking the ocean. He then has what seems to be a paranormal experience. This experience sets him on a quest to solve the mysteries of the haunted lookout point and love. However, finding the answers may cost him his life.

Carter McCauley..........Brian

Allison Lipe..........Jane

Savvy Thompson..........Rochelle/Female Voice

Rachel Gasdia................Diane/Zara/Cally

Bennie Bennet.........Stage Directions

January 10th at 7:30

How It Feels To Fall From The Sky
By: Dominic Finocchiaro 

 Directed by: Clare Shaffer

A poignant and darkly humorous exploration of grief, connection, and the invisible threads that link us. Five strangers are drawn together after witnessing a harrowing event—a woman falling from the sky. As they navigate their shared trauma, their stories weave into a powerful meditation on humanity, loss, and the enduring need to be seen.

Lauren Madigan..........Marjory

Mateo Scott.........Luis

Mary Miles.....Kathryn

Courtney Dorn......Birch

Wilbur Mauk.......Leonard

Bennie Bennett.......Stage Directions

January 11th at 7:30

Fat Feminists
By: Ami Trowell

Directed by: David Veatch

A hilarious, heartfelt exploration of friendship, body image, and what it means to live authentically. On a celebratory hike gone awry, two 50-year-old best friends confront everything from lost trails to lost dreams. With wit, warmth, and raw honesty, this play reminds us that sometimes, you have to climb a mountain to see your life from a new perspective. Don’t miss this sharp, funny, and oh-so-relatable story about the weight we carry — and how we learn to put it down.

Kristi Parker Byers..........Margo

Kelly Wallace.....Lena

Bennie Bennett........Stage Directions