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.
JULY 2026
Prologue Theatre presents the July gatherings of afterword, Prologue’s play reading and discussion group. In July, the group is discussing Best Line Wins by Beth Kander and The Odd Couple by Neil Simon. Join afterword in person Monday, July 13 at 7:00 PM at 6408 Williamsburg Blvd, Arlington, VA, or on Zoom Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00 PM. Register (free!) for either date here. Registrants will receive the scripts via email.
Rapid Lemon Productions presents six staged readings in conjunction with the 2026 Variations on Silence festival. Directed by Arthur Cleaves, the readings will be performed Saturday, July 11 at 3:00 PM, Saturday, July 18 at 3:00 PM, and Saturday, July 25 at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $15 and available here.
JUNE 2026
ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre presents Disney’s The Lion King Jr., Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28 at at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA. Showtimes and tickets ($20) are available here.
Arena Stage presents I Dream DC, an original, community-rooted theatrical work created by Daniel Koa Beaty and featuring an ensemble of local residents performing alongside professional artists, Saturday, June 27 at 5:00 PM at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC. Tickets are free; RSVP required here.
DC Public Library and ASMITHMUSIC present a concert reading of Martin Luther King Jr. – An Opera in Three Acts by DC-area composer Everett Williams Jr., Saturday, June 27 at 3:00 PM at the Martin Luther King Jr. Central Library, 901 G St NW, Washington, DC. Tickets are free; reserve here.
