Greenville, August 1, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina New Play Festival is happening in Greenville from August 7 to 10. The event promises performances, workshops, and scholarship contests to promote local talent in the arts. Highlights include the Outdoor Variety Stage and a Live Arts Market & Fair. A scholarship contest will spotlight high school performers, awarding significant scholarships. The festival offers free activities for families and showcases emerging talents in various performances.
Greenville Hosts South Carolina New Play Festival from August 7-10
The South Carolina New Play Festival (SCNPF) is set to take place in downtown Greenville from August 7 to 10, 2025. This annual event is poised to be a transformative experience for attendees, featuring a variety of performances, workshops, and scholarship contests aimed at highlighting and nurturing local talent in the performing arts.
Festival events will be hosted at multiple venues throughout the vibrant downtown area. Crucially, the festival aims to engage a wide range of audiences, offering free activities tailored for children, as well as engaging performances designed specifically for adults. Among the highlights is the Outdoor Variety Stage event, scheduled for August 9 and 10 at the scenic Falls Park. This free outdoor event promises live performances with local vendors and interactive entertainment for all ages.
During the festival, the Spinx Market Live Arts Market & Fair will occur on August 9 from 9 a.m. to noon on Main Street. This event will showcase a plethora of live arts organizations from across South Carolina, providing an excellent opportunity for local talent to gain exposure.
In a significant addition to the festival this year, the Next Broadway Star Scholarship Contest will shine a spotlight on high school talent from South Carolina. Fifty semifinalists will compete for the chance to win scholarships and valuable performance opportunities. The awards for this competitive contest include $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second, and $1,000 for third.
The schedule also includes workshops and masterclasses designed to offer participants behind-the-scenes access to acting and casting training, enhancing the educational aspect of the festival. Additionally, there will be admission-free readings of plays and musicals still in development, encouraging a culture of feedback and innovation.
This year’s festival lineup features noteworthy performances, including “Merlin Returns,” which stars Piff the Magic Dragon, with two shows booked for August 7 and 8 at the Peace Center’s Gunter Theatre. Other highlights include the musical “The Break,” along with play readings such as “My Favorite Sociopath” and “The Drought Girl.” On August 10, a cabaret event will conclude the festival, featuring stage actress Mary Kate Morrissey, recognized for her role in “Wicked.”
The South Carolina New Play Festival places a strong emphasis on promoting local performing arts organizations through the newly introduced Live Arts Fair. This year’s gathering is expected to attract thousands of attendees, considerably boosting Greenville’s profile as a noteworthy destination for theatrical innovation. Interested patrons can find a full schedule, along with ticket information and details on both free and VIP events by visiting www.scnpf.org.
Key Features of the South Carolina New Play Festival
| Feature | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Festival Dates | August 7-10, 2025 | Multiple venues in Greenville |
| Outdoor Variety Stage | August 9-10 | Live performances and interactive entertainment at Falls Park |
| Live Arts Market & Fair | August 9 | Showcasing local arts organizations on Main Street |
| Next Broadway Star Scholarship Contest | August 7-10 | Competitions and performance opportunities for high school students |
| Featured Performances | August 7-10 | Including “Merlin Returns” and other play readings |
FAQ
What is the South Carolina New Play Festival?
The South Carolina New Play Festival is an annual event that showcases new plays, offers workshops, and features performances from local and emerging talents in the performing arts.
When and where will the festival take place?
The festival will take place from August 7 to 10, 2025, at various venues throughout downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
Are there events for children and families?
Yes, the festival will offer free activities for children, as well as engaging performances suitable for adults.
How can I participate in the scholarship contest?
High school students from South Carolina can participate in the Next Broadway Star Scholarship Contest, where 50 semifinalists will be chosen to compete for scholarships and performance opportunities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville to Host South Carolina New Play Festival
South Carolina New Play Festival Returns to Greenville
May Celebrations and Events in Upstate South Carolina
South Carolina New Play Festival Announces Auditions
Greenville’s Festival Season Begins with Family Fun
Kid-Friendly Activities and Events in Greenville and Spartanburg
April in Greenville: A Cultural Celebration with Live Music
Diverse Spring Events in Upstate: Festivals, Markets, and Performances
Family Activities for March in Greenville, SC
Phillip Boykin Takes Center Stage as Hades in London’s ‘Hadestown’
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: New and Unforgettable South Carolina New Play Festival Returns
- Wikipedia: South Carolina New Play Festival
- Greenville Journal: SC New Play Festival Spotlights Piff the Magic Dragon
- Google Search: South Carolina New Play Festival
- Playbill: Mary Kate Morrissey and More Set for South Carolina New Play Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theater
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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