Play readings and workshops offer a chance to see exciting new work at various stages of development. Want to see the next big thing while it’s still being crafted? Get in on the ground level and see the creative process in action. Featuring new plays and musicals by local and national artists, here are the upcoming play readings and workshops in the DMV.
MARCH 2026
The Laboratory for Global Performance & Politics at Georgetown University presents its first staged reading of The Use of Stories, conceived, adapted, and directed by Derek Goldman from the works of Salman Rushdie and featuring Tony-nominated actors Arian Moayed and Omar Metwally with an ensemble of leading DC professional actors, Georgetown alumni, and students, Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30 PM in Georgetown’s Gaston Hall. The performance will be followed by a keynote discussion by Salman Rushdie, moderated by Razia Iqbal. The event is presented through the Lannan Literary Festival. Tickets are free but seating is limited; details and RSVP here.
Arena Stage and the Canady Foundation for the Arts launches its Broadway Studio: Insider’s Circle program with From Chocolate City to the Big Apple: Launching Your Broadway Career from the DMV!, Monday, March 30 at 6:00 PM at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St SW, Washington, DC. Hosted by Tony-nominated producer and CFA Founder Marjuan Canady, the program brings together Broadway professionals whose work spans producing, casting, and performance. Tickets are free; details and RSVP here.
Imaginary Opera presents a screening of Red Flag of the Future, a new opera based on Laura Schlachtmeyer‘s translation of Ernst Toller’s German Expressionist play Masse-Mensch, written in 1919 while Toller was imprisoned for revolutionary activities in post-WWI Germany. A new translation is the foundation for an opera that features original puppets and a cast of DC’s favorite performers. The screening will be Sunday, March 29 at 5:00 PM at the Miracle Theater, 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC. Tickets are free; RSVP here.
Round House Theatre’s Teen Performance Company presents its 24th annual Sarah Metzger Memorial Play, At the End of the World by Morgan Gould, directed by Scout Amakali, Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29 at Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD. Showtimes are Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 8:00 PM, and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $25 and available here. Free tickets are available for high school and college students; details here.
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center presents Postcards from the Border, a new stage production featuring narration by Oscar Cásares, an acclaimed novelist from the Rio Grande Valley, photography by Joel Salcido, and music by Carrie Rodriguez and her five-piece band. Performances are Wednesday, March 25 at 8:00 PM and Thursday, March 26 at 8:00 PM in the Kogod Theatre at the Clarice, 8270 Alumni Dr, Suite 3800, College Park, MD. Tickets are $35 ($15 students and youth) and available here.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC presents Body Beautiful, an evening of songs and stories celebrating body positivity, Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 PM at National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC. The performance will be ASL interpreted. Tickets are $48 general admission ($43 for seniors and $23 for young people 25 and under) and available here.
Best Medicine Rep presents Comedy Night, hosted by Lily Kerrigan and featuring BMR company member Matthew Marcus along with Jelani Wills, Jake Leizear, Jon Yeager, and Kim Villamera, Tuesday, March 24 at 8:00 PM at Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks, 7301 Calhoun Place #600, Derwood, MD. Tickets are $21.95 and available here.
