BREAKING: The Colorado New Play Summit is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary with two world premieres and four staged readings on February 14-15, 2026. This milestone marks a significant moment for the Denver Center Theatre Company, which has established the Summit as a critical platform for new theatrical voices.
The Summit has introduced 74 new plays over the years, with more than half returning as full productions at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. The festival has been a launchpad for acclaimed works like The Whale by Samuel D. Hunter and The Book of Will by Lauren Gunderson.
As Chris Coleman, artistic director of the Denver Center Theatre Company, states, “This year’s selected readings reflect the Summit’s enduring commitment to new work, and we can’t wait to share them with our audiences.”
The 2026 Summit includes staged readings by playwrights Bonnie Antosh, Isaac Gómez, Alyssa Haddad-Chin, and Tony Meneses. Notably, the world premieres include Cowboys and East Indians by Nina McConigley and Godspeed by Terence Anthony, both of which were first introduced as readings at the 2024 Summit.
The pressure on playwrights has intensified since the pandemic, with many theater companies facing closures or reduced opportunities for new work. Gómez emphasizes the importance of the Summit, stating, “Since the pandemic, so many theater companies have closed…the existence of the Summit — thank God it’s still around — means that new plays have a chance at a world beyond.”
This year’s lineup features a rich variety of themes and styles. Antosh’s play, Lemuria, described as a “matriarchal King Lear,” explores contemporary inheritance drama through the lens of natural matriarchies. Meanwhile, Gómez’s Influent confronts the impact of influencer culture, challenging the boundaries between public personas and private identities.
Haddad-Chin’s You Should Be So Lucky delves into cultural dislocation and generational ties, while Meneses’ The Myth of the Two Marcos reflects on marginalized communities and the power of storytelling.
The 2026 Colorado New Play Summit takes place at the Helen Bonfils Theatre within the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Ticket packages range from $204 to $334, with a la carte tickets starting at $23.60.
As excitement builds for this pivotal event, the Summit not only showcases new works but also serves as a vital space for playwrights to connect with audiences and refine their craft. In a theater landscape that is rapidly changing, the Colorado New Play Summit remains a beacon of hope and creativity.
For more details, visit denvercenter.org and secure your tickets now for this significant cultural celebration.