Durango PlayFest 2026 brings fresh stories to the stage in Southwest Colorado, where emerging playwrights, directors, and actors come together to share new works with local audiences.
From June 23 – 28, 2026, festival goers will get a rare chance to see plays in progress and be part of the creative process.
Now in its eight year, PlayFest is all about connection, between artists, audiences, and the stories that unfold on stage.
Along with exciting stage readings, the festival includes panel discussions, special events, and plenty of opportunities to meet the creative minds behind the plays.
Hutton Broadcasting is proud to sponsor this celebration of storytelling, supporting the arts in a place that thrives on creativity.
What Is Durango Playfest?
Durango PlayFest is a summer playwriting festival that is all about bringing new theatrical works to life. More than just a collection of plays, it’s a collaborative event where up-and-coming playwrights, actors, and directors work together to develop fresh stories while engaging directly with local audiences.
Since its start, the festival has grown into an important space for emerging voices in theatre, providing a platform for new plays to be refined before reaching larger stages. PlayFest’s staged readings and discussions give audiences a rare chance to see stories evolve in real time while connecting with the artists behind them.
Beyond the stage, PlayFest makes a meaningful impact on Durango and the surrounding communities. Each year, the summer playwriting festival culminates in a celebration that attracts visitors, boosts local businesses, and strengthens the region’s arts scene.
None of this would be possible without the dedicated team behind PlayFest, including its board members, staff, and community supporters who work year-round to bring these performances to Southwest Colorado.
Durango PlayFest 2026 Featured Plays
A Deal Picked Just for You
Maggie and Brenda have successfully retreated into a domestic fortress built on digital convenience and deep-seated avoidance. However, their hermetic lifestyle is thrown into disarray when a series of unexpected visitors punctures their wall of isolation. This absurdist comedy examines the friction between a world that incentivizes staying inside and the chaotic, inevitable pull of human interaction.
The German
by Lyle Kessler
Years after a pivotal meeting on a locomotive, a Jewish traveler arrives at the German residence of a man intent on taking his life. The setting is a dwelling still echoing with the presence of the Jewish family who lived there before the war, creating a space where the past and present collide. This narrative balances dark humor with profound grief to navigate a path toward reconciliation and the release of historical trauma.
Hazel & Bea in the In-Between
Forced together in the confined quarters of a nursing home, the caustic Hazel and the gentle, absent-minded Bea initially find little common ground. Their friction gives way to a deeper exploration of their pasts as they navigate the frustrations of aging and the loss of their former lives. The dynamic shifts into a poignant mystery of memory when Hazel begins to suspect that her new roommate is actually the long-lost love of her youth.
The Henry Clyde Canning Murder House
In the wake of their father’s conviction for a string of grisly homicides, siblings Elise and Harry find themselves at odds over the legacy of their childhood home. The tension peaks when Harry returns with a macabre business proposal: transforming the site of the killings into a commercialized tourist destination. This dark drama delves into the psychological toll of infamy and the ethical rot that occurs when trauma is repackaged for profit.
How Durango PlayFest 2026 Selects and Develops New Theatrical Voices
Durango PlayFest empowers experienced and emerging playwrights by providing a collaborative environment to workshop new plays with professional actors and directors, culminating in thought-provoking play readings and talkbacks that engage audiences.
This process allows playwrights to refine their scripts, receive valuable feedback, and connect with audiences in an intimate setting. By fostering these collaborations, PlayFest contributes to the growth and diversity of contemporary and world class theatre.
Meet The Creative Talent
Durango PlayFest 2026 brings together an impressive lineup of playwrights, directors, and actors, all dedicated to shaping fresh theatrical works. With a mix of emerging and established talent, this year’s festival promises engaging performances and meaningful storytelling.
Star-Studded Hosts and Actors
This year’s PlayFest is thrilled to welcome two exciting hosts, both renowned actors, who will be guiding the event.
Creative Leadership
Behind every successful PlayFest is a dedicated team of leaders who bring their expertise and passion to the festival:
Felicia Lansbury Meyer – Artistic Director
Lansbury oversees programming, events, and artist relations for the festival. She’s also an associate professor of Theatre at Fort Lewis College and holds an MFA in directing from the American Film Institute.
Mandy Mikulencak – Managing Director
Mikulencuak handles the nonprofit’s day-to-day operations, including board support, budget management, and public relations.
Bringing Theatrical Talent to Southwest Colorado
Durango PlayFest assembles a talented team of writers, directors, and actors, all working together to develop compelling new plays. Each year, the summer playwriting festival culminates in a showcase of fresh, thought-provoking theater. With its unique focus on collaboration and creative growth, the festival offers local audiences an unforgettable opportunity to engage with innovative works.
Special Events and Schedule
Durango PlayFest, running from June 23 – 28, 2026, promises a week full of captivating performances, thought-provoking workshops, and insightful discussions. While the full schedule will be available soon, there are several exciting components you can look forward to.
Play Reading Series
A highlight of the festival, the Play Reading Series lets you experience works in development from professional and emerging playwrights. These readings offer a unique opportunity to hear new plays before they hit the stage, and you can be part of the creative process by providing feedback to help shape the final productions.
Workshop Schedule
Take a deeper dive into the creative process with the festival’s workshops. Led by industry professionals, these sessions give you a behind-the-scenes look at how new plays are crafted, from the initial idea to the final performance.
Panel Discussions
Engage with industry professionals during the festival’s panel discussions. Listen to insightful conversations with playwrights, directors, and actors about the world of theater and what goes into making a great play.
Tickets Available Mid-April
Tickets for Durango PlayFest 2026 will be available starting in mid-April. Make sure to secure your seats early, as this highly anticipated event is sure to fill up quickly!
Keep an eye on the website for updates and more details as the festival approaches.
Connecting Students with Theatre and TV Professionals
Through hands-on workshops and engaging discussions, PlayFest creates opportunities for young actors and writers to learn directly from industry experts. These programs provide real-world guidance, helping students build confidence and develop their skills in performance and storytelling.
Educational Impact on Southwest Colorado Communities
By bringing industry professionals to Durango, PlayFest helps bridge the gap between aspiring young artists and the professional theatre world. These programs encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, offering students a unique chance to learn in an engaging and supportive setting.
Get Involved
Durango PlayFest offers plenty of ways to get involved, from volunteering and sponsoring to donating or partnering with the festival.
Volunteer
Join the PlayFest team and help bring new theatre to life. Volunteers assist with events, support performances, and connect with theatre professionals.
Sponsor
Support PlayFest through sponsorship. Gain visibility for your business while helping to fund groundbreaking new plays and events.
Donate
The future of PlayFest depends on your generosity. When you choose to donate, you directly sustain our resident artists, fuel our local youth initiatives, and ensure that our stage remains accessible to every member of the community.
Community Partnerships
PlayFest partners with local organizations and businesses to create a festival that benefits the entire community.
Local Business Involvement
Local businesses can participate by hosting events or offering promotions, helping make PlayFest a memorable experience for all.
Durango PlayFest 2026: Connecting Artists and Audiences Through Theater
PlayFest is shaping up to be a special week that’s about much more than just great theatre. It’s a chance to connect with the creative minds behind the works, get involved in workshops, and hear from industry pros about what it’s like to work in the world of theatre.
Mark your calendar for June 23 – 28, 2026, and get ready for a week filled with fresh, thought-provoking plays, creative inspiration, and connections that will last long after the curtain falls. Whether you’re coming for the performances or the chance to get involved, there’s a spot for you in this vibrant community of theatre lovers and makers.
Want to stay up to date with everything happening at the festival? Visit durangoplayfest.org for complete Durango PlayFest 2026 information and follow Durango PlayFest 2026 on social media for exclusive behind-the-scenes content! If you have any questions, contact the team at durangoplayfest@gmail.com.
Hutton Broadcasting is one of the sponsors of the event, helping to ensure the festival is a success. Get ready for a fantastic time in Durango this summer!
