News Summary
The South Carolina New Play Festival will showcase original theatrical works from August 12 to 14, featuring local talent and Broadway stars. The event includes diverse performances and workshops, providing a platform for aspiring young artists while supporting fair compensation for participants. It aims to enhance Greenville’s cultural scene and engage the community through free, accessible events.
Greenville, South Carolina – The South Carolina New Play Festival will return for its fourth edition from August 12 to 14, 2025, showcasing new, original works at various theater venues in downtown Greenville. This series of performances is designed to highlight both Broadway talent and local acting artists, enriching the cultural landscape of the area.
The festival will span five venues, including the Gunter Theatre, Warehouse Theatre, Hyatt Regency, Governor’s School for the Arts, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, and CentreStage. The inclusion of a diverse range of performances—such as musicals, plays, kids’ shows, magic shows, clown performances, jugglers, and acrobats—aims to captivate a broad audience.
West Hyler, a seasoned Broadway director, has been instrumental in founding and serving as the Executive Director of the festival. Hyler’s extensive background includes notable experiences such as working as the Assistant Director for the hit show Jersey Boys and later as its International Director. His wife, Shelly Butler, is the festival’s artistic director, contributing her creative vision alongside her husband’s leadership.
This year, attendees can also participate in unique opportunities such as workshops, master classes, and an American Idol-style competition targeted towards top high school musical theater performers in South Carolina. The competition, entitled South Carolina’s Next Broadway Star, will select 50 students to showcase their talent live in front of industry judges. Scholarships are on the line, with prizes of $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second, and $1,000 for third, further encouraging participation from local youth.
The festival is committed to ensuring its productions feature at least 50% local talent, providing local artists with invaluable exposure to industry professionals. In a nod to the festival’s growing influence, this year’s lineup includes performances from prominent Broadway figures, such as Mary Kate Morrissey, who is currently starring in Wicked. Morrissey is scheduled to headline a cabaret event on August 10 at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville. Additionally, viral magician and comedian Piff the Magic Dragon will also perform, adding a unique flavor to the festival.
The event remains economically accessible to a wide audience, as tickets will be free. Despite this, the festival maintains a commitment to supporting its talent through competitive wages and collaborations with union actors, underscoring the importance of fair compensation in the performing arts.
Hyler’s creative endeavors have also extended beyond the stage to include a brief stint as a Directing Shadow on the popular television series Gilmore Girls. He often cites Paramour, Cirque Du Soleil’s first Broadway musical, as one of his favorite projects due to its innovative approach to storytelling through dance and music.
The full schedule for the 2025 South Carolina New Play Festival will be made available on April 14, allowing attendees to plan their festival experience. As it enters its fourth year, the festival aims to further enrich Greenville’s artistic community while supporting the next generation of theater talent.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: 15 Minutes with SC New Play Festival Director West Hyler
- Broadway World: South Carolina New Play Festival Sets 2025 Season
- Greenville Journal: South Carolina New Play Festival Announces Wicked Headliner
- Post and Courier: 25 Things to Do in the Upstate
- WYFF4: Piff the Magic Dragon Comes to Greenville, South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Theatre in South Carolina
- Google Search: South Carolina New Play Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theatre
