Mission & History

OUR MISSION

Group of people seated in a large circle in a sunlit, wooden room with large windows, engaged in a meeting or workshop.

The Colorado New Play Festival’s mission is to advance the art of storytelling as an essential element of the human condition and spirit.

OUR HISTORY

Every year during the week-long new play festival, we see stories develop and move from page to stage when some of the most talented playwrights, actors and directors in the United States have a week away from the distractions of daily life to focus on and transform stories.

The evolution of a play moves from the isolation of the writer to the collaboration of a cast, crew and directors to bring the story to life to be shared with others. This process is nothing short of magical. We hope you will join us.

75% of plays chosen for the Colorado New Play Festival move on to regional and New York Stage.
Hailed by the New York Times as one of the top North American Festivals.
Taking plays from page to stage since 1996.
Colorado New Play Festival is the only festival in the United States to partner with theatre companies.

Explore all of the plays we have hosted since 1996.

A large group of people sitting and standing on steps, posing informally for a photo in front of a brick building. The group appears diverse in terms of age, gender, and style, with various expressions and gestures, suggesting a casual and friendly g

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Three people on stage during a reading or performance, each standing or sitting in front of a music stand with scripts. One person is wearing a backwards blue cap, another has a brown hat with a feather, and the third has long hair braided and is smi

A triptych image showing three different scenes: left, a musical performance with two women singing and playing keyboard and bass guitar on stage; center, two people looking at their phones in a gallery setting; right, a group of people seated around

A group of people standing on stage holding scripts, performing a reading in front of an audience.

Four individuals participating in a staged reading, with two men standing and reading from scripts on music stands, and two people seated in the background holding scripts. The background is a dark curtain.

Girl wearing sunglasses and a yellow and black outfit, expressing surprise.

A group of people in a music rehearsal room, with two individuals standing and singing while playing guitar, and others sitting with music stands and notes, in front of large windows overlooking a scenic landscape.

Group of people sitting around a fire pit outdoors, smiling and enjoying a social gathering with food and drinks. Hanging plants and garden visible in background.

A group of actors reading scripts on stage with music stands, engaged in a live reading performance. They appear focused and expressive, with diverse attire ranging from casual to semi-formal clothing, under stage lighting.

Group of people with playful poses on grassy area, tables with checkered cloths in background, trees and shrubs surrounding them, and a black dog nearby.

Three people rehearsing a script, two men holding binders and a woman gesturing expressively with her hands, set against a dark backdrop.

A person with long hair performs on stage, raising their hands expressively, wearing a T-shirt and jeans. Another person with a shaved head sits behind them, watching attentively. Music stands are visible in front of them.

Man with raised arms performing on stage with audience watching.

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