Explore the seven readings of new plays in our reading series for the 2026 New Play Festival. Each day features readings of full plays written by MFA playwrights.

Tickets are free, but you must obtain a ticket for entry into a reading.

Reading Series Schedule

Tony and Leo promotional image

Tony and Leo

Monday, May 4, 2026 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Theatre Building
By M D Frank
Directed by Søren Olsen
Part of Iowa New Play Festival – Reading Series
Rituals of Theophany promotional image

Rituals of Theophany

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Theatre Building
By Darrin Terpstra
Directed by Vivian Bonde
Part of Iowa New Play Festival – Reading Series
The Year Between promotional image

The Year Between

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Theatre Building
Written and directed by Randy Jackson-Alvarenga
Part of Iowa New Play Festival – Reading Series
Lucia promotional image

Lucia

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Theatre Building
By Emily Kaufman-Bell
Directed by Kayla Adams
Part of Iowa New Play Festival – Reading Series
Selections from the Undergraduate Playwrights Workshop promotional image

Selections from the Undergraduate Playwrights Workshop

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Theatre Building
Selections from the Undergraduate Playwrights Workshop
Part of Iowa New Play Festival – Reading Series
BEARS BEARS BEARS BEARS BEARS  promotional image

BEARS BEARS BEARS BEARS BEARS

Thursday, May 7, 2026 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Theatre Building
By Gwen Docter
Directed by M D Frank
Part of Iowa New Play Festival – Reading Series
Hail Mary promotional image

Hail Mary

Friday, May 8, 2026 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Theatre Building
By Zoe Senese-Grossberg
Directed by Meredith G. Healy
Part of Iowa New Play Festival – Reading Series

Funding for the Iowa New Play Festival is provided by The David and Jean Schaal Fund for Theatre Arts.