Signature Staged Readings
Due to our limited resources, we are unable to accept unsolicited scripts at this time. Agent submissions may be sent to Artistic Associate Sarah Wansley at wansley@ctcompany.org.
Over the last eleven years, CTC has been committed to using our resources to launch new work onto the stage and into the industry. Our signature staged reading format offers a unique bridge between written play and production. Though performed script-in-hand, plays are staged, receive design and technical support, and run for three ticketed performances in our 270-seat Bratton Theater. As one of our playwrights described it, “CHQ’s NPW series is not just another music stand stop for plays in development – it's an exceptional opportunity to see the play come to life on its feet in front of a wonderfully supportive audience.”
Past seasons have hosted new work by Anna Ziegler, Zayd Dohrn, Molly Smith Metzler, Nick Gandiello, Chelsea Marcantel, Heidi Armbruster, Kate Fodor, Rinne Groff, Quincy Long, and Michael Mitnick, among others. Our past NPWs have gone on to receive productions both off-Broadway at Manhattan Theater Club, Primary Stages, Playwrights Horizons and at regional theaters across the country.
2018 Season
July 30 - August 1: Untitled Russia Play by Lauren Yee, directed by Nicholas Avila
Two young Russian men try to find their way after the fall of communism. An absurd comedy about art, love and advertising in the dawn of capitalism.
August 2 - 4: Jump by Charly Evon Simpson, Directed by Summer Williams
After a death in the family, Fay finds unexpected solace on a bridge. A poetic drama about family, loss and the kindness of strangers.
August 19 - August 21: The Amish Project by Jessica Dickey, Directed by Sarah Elizabeth Wansley
A fictional investigation of the real life Nickel Mines school shooting, this riveting one-woman show explores the Amish community’s concept of radical forgiveness. Performed by CTC Conservatory alumna Kathryn Metzger, The Amish Project portrays two communities shattered by a mass shooting, and the journey to healing.
Previous Seasons
2017
DAN CODY'S YACHT
by Anthony Giardina | June 9-10
Chautauqua Theater Company is pleased to announce an unorthodox addition to its 2017 repertoire — on June 9 and 10, the company welcomes playwright Anthony Giardina and director Doug Hughes to Bratton Theater for a "New Play Workshop: Pre-season" staged reading of Dan Cody’s Yacht. Its stop at Chautauqua represents a significant step for CTC and Chautauqua toward the long-term goal of more off-season offerings.
BIRTHDAY CANDLES
by Noah Haidle | Aug. 1-4
Birthday Candles follows Ernestine Ashworth on a magical 100-year journey from her 17th birthday through her 117th. This quirky and clever play invites us into questions of identity, family and legacy. Birthday Candles was commissioned by Detroit Public Theatre and will premiere there this fall.
BUILDING THE WALL
by Robert Schenkkan | Aug. 2-5
Written by the Pulitzer and Tony winning playwright Robert Schenkkan, Building The Wall is a tense, immediate drama that brings a human element to what could happen when inflamatory rhetoric transforms into policy. Not to be missed!