Since 1997, the Colorado New Play Festival has brought a diversity of voices, ideas, and beliefs to the American stage as the only new play development organization to partner with producing theatre companies nationwide to support new plays.

CNPF does this by providing a fully supported, week-long workshop every June in beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado, giving playwrights and other theatre artists an environment where their creativity can thrive. After rewrites and rehearsals, these never-before-seen plays are presented as stage readings for the public before they receive their world premieres.

Taking plays from page to stage for 29 years.

  • "a top US Theatre Festival...take a peek at new works still being created and presented in a staged reading format at the end of an intensive week."

    STEVEN MCELROY
    The New York Times

  • "Thank you again for an amazing, inspirational time. I was truly surprised by joy in the creative home you've cultivated. You reminded me of why I fell in love with theatre in the first place."

    FRANCIS JUE,
    CNPF Actor - 2017

  • "This was the most luxurious new play festival I've participated in. The balance between the time for work and the time to enjoy the environment and mingle with the other artists was unlike anything I've experienced."

    BENJAMIN BENNE,
    CNPF Playwright - this man i call mi primo (2024)

  • "Thank you for giving me everything I needed to start a brand new play. It’s such a gift to be able to dive in with collaborators I trust and who excite me, and come out with something brand new by the end of the week. It does not happen all the time."

    LAUREN YEE,
    CNPF Playwright - Mother Russia (2017)

  • "I consider my time at the Festival invaluable. The focus, of course, is on the playwrights and their plays, but it also gives decision-makers the opportunity to see the work in front of an audience... Your work is important and I could not be more grateful to be included."

    BJ JONES,
    CNPF Director - 2024 and 2025 & Artistic Director of Northlight Theatre

  • "If given the opportunity to participate in the festival, Run Don’t Walk!"

    NANCY MARVY,
    CNPF Actor - 2025

  • "A great incubator for new work. Everything an artist could hope for to feel nurtured and cared for to create."

    WILLIAM DICK,
    CNPF Actor - 2024

  • “We had a fantastic time and got so much accomplished during the week on this incredibly exciting play. It’s an amazing opportunity for artists and companies. Thank you for your incredible producing, hospitality, and generosity. This was huge for all of us and so much about how good new play development should be done!”

    KRISTIN LEAHEY
    CNPF Dramaturg - 2017

  • "It was by far the most productive and enjoyable workshop I've ever been a part of."

    COURTNEY BARON
    CNPF Playwright - Eat Your Heart Out (2011)

  • "I had the best time and VERY MUCH want to do it again. I hope that I have the opportunity to do it again. Seriously, it was amazing. Thank you."

    CASEY MURPHY
    CNPF Actor - 2025

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