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.
MAY 2026
Theater J and the Edlavitch DCJCC present a Festival of Favorites and Firsts, May 30-June 7 at the Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 16th St NW, Washington, DC. Staged readings include:
- The Last Night of Ballyhoo by Alfred Uhry, Saturday, May 30 at 2:00 PM
- Linguicide by Ali Viterbi, Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 PM
- Queens Girl in the World by Caleen Sinnette Jennings, Sunday, May 31 at 2:00 PM
- The Sisters Rosensweig by Wendy Wasserstein, Saturday, June 6 at 1:00 PM
- I Know of Plagues by Kendell Pinckney, Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 PM
All-access passes are $100 ($50 for Theater J subscribers) and single tickets are $28. Tickets and information available here.
The Arts Club of Washington presents My Favorite Things: The Songs of Richard Rodgers, featuring vocalist Anna Bergman and pianist Howard Breitbart, Saturday, May 30 at 6:00 PM at the Arts Club of Washington, 2017 I St NW, Washington, DC. Tickets are $65 ($60 for ACW members) and available here.
African American Collective Theater (ACT) presents OUT/spoken, its 34th annual LGBTQ+ theater festival for DC Black Pride Weekend, Sunday, May 24 at 5:00 PM at the Undercroft Theater, 900 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC. Tickets range from $20-$28.52 and are available here.
The Artless Bards, DC’s longest-running Shakespearean improv comedy troupe, presents a night of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy Saturday, May 23 at 7:00 PM at The Puppet Co Playhouse, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD. Tickets range from $15-$35 and are available here. Proceeds benefit The Puppet Co. 18+.
