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.
AUGUST 2026
Arena Stage presents its Teen Audition Workshop for performers ages 13-18, Saturday, August 30 at 1:00 PM at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St SW, Washington, DC. Pre-registration is required here. The cost of the workshop is $125. A limited number of partial, need-based scholarships are available; email education@arenastage.org for more information.
Maryland Ensemble Theatre presents MET Comedy Night ’26-’27: Comedy Extravaganza, hosting improv teams from DC and Baltimore for two action-packed evenings, Friday, August 28 at 8:00 PM and Saturday, August 29 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $25 per show and available here.
Solas Nua presents Show in a Bag: Works in Progress, featuring solo works by Lilli Hokama, Milo Longenecker, and Dani Stoller, with dramaturgical support from Solas Nua and Dublin’s Fishamble: The New Play Company, Sunday, August 23 at 2:00 PM at Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St NE, Washington, DC. Tickets are free; RSVP here.
Mini Musicals on the Move presents two staged readings of family-friendly musicals by local composers. The Teddy Bear: A Musical, adapted by Neal Learner from the children’s book The Teddy Bear by David MacPhail performs Saturday, August 22 at 7:00 PM at Christ Crossman Church, 384 N. Washington St, Falls Church, VA. Family Friendly Musical Scenes, with music by Josh Cleveland and lyrics by Daniel Cox, performs Sunday, August 23 at 4:00 PM at Palisades Hub, 5200 Cathedral Ave NW, Washington, DC. Both performances are free and open to the public.
Prologue Theatre presents the August gatherings of afterword, Prologue’s play reading and discussion group. In August, the group is discussing Brief Encounter by Noel Coward (adapted by Emma Rice) and The Shark is Broken by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon. Join afterword in person Monday, August 17 at 7:00 PM at 6408 Williamsburg Blvd, Arlington, VA, or on Zoom Wednesday, August 19 at 7:00 PM. Register (free!) for either date here. Registrants will receive the scripts via email.
Olney Theatre Center presents the 2026 Olney Outdoors season, running for 5 weeks from August 13-September 12 at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd, Olney, MD. The full performance lineup and individual event tickets (ranging from $15-$65) are available here.
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company presents its 2026 Shakespeare Beyond performance – Romeo and Juliet set in Baltimore during the Revolutionary War. Performances run July 21 – August 15 at a variety of outdoor venues throughout Baltimore. Admission is free; the full schedule and locations are available here.
Washington Improv Theater (WIT) presents its summer series of Improv for All! workshops. Each workshop is a free, high-fun, low-stress introduction to the ideas and spirit of improv. Summer Improv for All! sessions run July 15-August 29. Dates, locations, and RSVP available here.
