News Summary
The South Carolina New Play Festival returns to Greenville with free performances, workshops, and readings from Broadway talent. Set for August 7-10, 2023, the festival aims to showcase local and professional actors while promoting theatre accessibility. Notable performances include ‘Merlin Returns’ and a cabaret featuring Mary Kate Morrissey. Free tickets will be available from July 7, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to community engagement and arts education.
Greenville Set to Host South Carolina New Play Festival Featuring Broadway Talent
The South Carolina New Play Festival will take place in Greenville from August 7-10, 2023, offering free performances, workshops, and readings led by Broadway stars. The event aims to attract a large audience, showcasing local talent alongside professional performers, while promoting theatre access for all through complimentary admissions.
Tickets for the festival’s free events will be available starting July 7. While attendance at these events does require a ticket, no payment is needed for general admission. However, free tickets do not cover other paid events including the festival’s cabaret performances and the Next Broadway Star scholarship competition.
This year, notable performers such as Broadway’s Andy Mientus and Jon-Michael Reese will feature in the festival’s readings. Festival headliners include Kate Morrissey, known for her role in Broadway’s “Wicked,” along with magician and comedian Piff the Magic Dragon. The festival’s activities will take place in various venues around downtown Greenville, including public spaces and established local theaters.
Festival Events and Highlights
The festival is marking its fourth edition since its establishment in 2022, with this year’s lineup being larger and more diverse than ever. Scheduled events include:
- August 7: Opening presentation of “Merlin Returns,” starring Piff the Magic Dragon.
- August 8: Performance of “The Break,” showcasing the music of Michael Kooman and book & lyrics by Christopher Dimond.
- August 9: Presentation of Rachel Bonds’ play “Mariah, or The Passageway” and the South Carolina’s Next Broadway Star competition, judged by renowned Broadway figures.
- August 10: Aurin Squire’s play “My Favorite Sociopath” followed by a Broadway cabaret performance headlined by Mary Kate Morrissey at the Hyatt Regency.
Additionally, the festival will present “The Drought Girl,” an original show aimed at young audiences. The mixture of genres includes new musicals, plays, children’s shows, magic, clown performances, jugglers, and acrobats, providing a rich variety of entertainment opportunities.
Education and Community Engagement
Workshops and master classes will be offered to aspiring performers and those interested in the arts, ensuring that the festival contributes to local education in theatre. An American Idol-style competition for high school musical theatre performers in South Carolina is also part of the agenda, fostering talent development among the younger generation.
The festival is dedicated to economic accessibility and aims to reach a diverse audience by providing free general admission tickets. Despite the free ticket structure, the festival compensates its talent competitively, with many performers being members of recognized unions.
Local Impact and Future Prospects
Founded by West Hyler, a seasoned Broadway director, alongside artistic director Shelly Butler, the South Carolina New Play Festival strives to create a hub of theatrical innovation in Greenville. Each year, the festival blends professional talent with local actors, enhancing the cultural fabric of the region.
Expectations for this year’s festival are high, with thousands anticipated to attend, reflecting the growing interest in the performing arts within South Carolina. For those interested in more details regarding the full lineup and ticket acquisition, further information can be found at the official festival website.
As the festival prepares for its opening in August, it stands as a testament to the thriving artistic community in Greenville and the dedication to fostering theatrical excellence.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: SC New Play Festival Tickets
- Greenville Online: Interview with Festival Director
- BroadwayWorld: SC New Play Festival 2025 Season
- Fox Carolina: SC New Play Festival Overview
- Greenville Journal: Festival Announces Headliner
- Wikipedia: Theatre of the United States
- Google Search: South Carolina Theatre Festival
- Google Scholar: Theatre Festivals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theatre
- Google News: South Carolina New Play Festival
