Buffalo Theater: Every play starts somewhere

Every theater work from “Hamilton” to “Hamlet” began as a table reading of the script. From there the work was edited, and then, read by assembled actors, which lead the writer down a path of drafts to a fully produced play. Complicated, but 99.9% of all theater works, in some shape or manner, have had a staged reading in the process of going from page to stage.

The Buffalo Dramatic Arts scene has several theater companies that dedicate resources into developing local and national writers through stage-readings of their works. This programming allows input from peers and patrons attending who offer dramaturgy, constructive critique and general observations on writer’s works. By having these forums, the playwright receives valuable input that assists in developing the work for a broader opportunity to have their works produced by the host theater or have the play picked up by another one.

With the new season of productions, several theater companies have new play readings available throughout the 2026 theatrical fall season. 

First Look Buffalo’s New Play Reading Festival

First Look Buffalo’s New Play Reading Festival from Oct. 3 (Saturday) to Oct. 11 features staged readings from writers belonging to the company’s Playwright Wing. The works feature professional playwrights both locally and from around the country, plus one play by a local guest playwright. Throughout the festival, representatives of First Look will decide of the submissions; two plays will be fully produced in the 2027-28 season. 

Tickets: Admission is $10 per reading or $25 for a festival pass and can be paid at the door. The readings are performed at the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center. For more information, email FirstLookBuffalo@gmail.com or call 716-771-6358.

Works to be presented include:

• CROSS MY HEART — Saturday, Oct. 3, at 1 p.m. Margot and Charlie settle in for their Saturday morning ritual with one goal: beat their Saturday crossword record. By Wendy-Marie Martin. Directed by Jason Francey.
• EVEN FLOWERS BLOOM IN HELL, SOMETIMES  —  Saturday, Oct. 3, at 3:30 p.m. An examination of the inmates within a system trying to discover meaning in the face of isolation and doubt. By Franky D. Gonzalez. Directed by Mike Doben.

• LARPers  —  Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. After failing out of community college, Sam, 21, tries to regain his confidence. By starting a role-playing group. By Deborah Yarchun. Directed by Drew Fornarola.
• FIVE BY FORNAROLA — Sunday, Oct. 4, at 5 p.m. A presentation of five short plays, performed by an ensemble of six of the area’s best actors. Written and directed by Drew Fornarola.
• FOUR DOORS DOWN  — Sunday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. Fragility of relationships is laid bare.. By Donna Hoke. Directed by Lara D. Haberberger.
• I AM DONALD TRUMP  — F riday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. Play about 47. By Jon Elston. Directed by Robyn Lee.
• IF MARY TYLER MOORE COULD DO IT — Saturday, Oct. 10, at 1 p.m. 1961’s New Rochelle, a couple’s expectations of home life, and each other, are brought to a boiling point. Directed by Annette Daniels Taylor.
• TELL ME WHAT I WANT TO HEAR  —  Saturday, Oct. 10, at 3:30 p.m. AI and Relationships. By James Marzo. *Directed by Shanda Gardner.
• THE UNAIRED LOVE CANAL INTERVIEW  —  Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. An activist soul being fights for environmental issues. By Michelle Tyrene Johnson. Directed by Bernie Sheredy.
• VICKA AND THE VISIONARIES  —  Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. Exploring the boundaries of faith and fact, is enough to make a non-believer believe. By Bella Poynton. Directed by Lana Sugarman.
• THE GREAT DAISY: LIFE AFTER GATSBY  —  Sunday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. Daisy Buchanan ran down a woman. Fifty years later, it wasn’t nearly the worst thing she’s ever done. By Adam Hahn. Directed. By Drew McCabe

American Repertory Theater of WNY’s New Play Workshop Series

For over 19 seasons, American Repertory Theater of WNY has been home for developing and producing 716 playwrights. The company is proud to present a useful tool in this development with the New Play Workshop Series. But besides a stage-reading, the NPW Series will add a unique twist to each event with a free offering of food and beverage tastings matching the theme of each play (or not). Additionally, each reading will be recorded for the company’s podcast The Voices of WNY Artists Podcast for future airing. Free to the public. Donations accepted. Info at Workshopping

What’s in store: 

• CAIN  —  Oct. 3^, – 6 p.m. Artie Award winning writer explores the dynamics of the wayward first-son.. By Mark Humphrey. Directed by Matthew LaChiusa – Features Monish Bhattacharayya; John DellaContrada; Mark Humphrey. Food/Beverage Theme: Kentucky Roads 
• ACCIDENTAL ASSASSIN —  Oct. 17 – 8 p.m. A struggling documentary filmmaker must outmaneuver a ruthless studio executive who circumvents his story for self-serving reasons. By James Marzo. Directed by Catherine Burkhart. Food/Bev Theme: Oktoberfeasting
• VICKA AND THE VISIONARIES — Nov. 7 – 6 p.m. From Artie Award winning playwright, Bella Poynton, believing the unbelieving. Directed by Lana Sugarman. The Food/Bev theme: Californian Dreaming
• THE CRACKER’S DAUGHTER — Nov. 14 – 6 p.m. Jean McDuffie, a crime-fighter called the Cracker, a family legacy of violence. What could go wrong?. By j Snodgrass. Directed by Harry Dean Nemplestein. Food/Bev theme: Canadian Superheroes and Ham
• ROAD TO EMMAUS —Nov. 21 – 6 p.m. Scandals and shortages hang over 6 diocesan priests’ monthly card game. Written and directed by Matt Boyle. Food/Bev theme: Red Roman Roads & Cheese 
• THE GRAND CONSPIRACY THEORY CONTRIVED IN THE KURT VONNEGUT RESTING HOME — Nov. 28 – 6 p.m. Harvey meets One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at the Kurt Vonnegut Rest Home. Written and Directed by Michael Fanelli. Food/Bev theme: Tin Foil Highlands 
• NAUGHTY OR NICE-ISH — Dec. 12 – 6 p.m. Naughty & Nice-ish is a wickedly raunchy holiday comedy about truth, power and villains who have absolutely no interest in being nice. By Yianna E Russo-Pavlatos. Directed by Catherine Burkhard. Food/Bev theme: Holidazing with the Best

Post Industrial Productions’ First Draughts 

Producing works that hold social awareness and advocate for change using the universal language of theatre, Post Industrial Productions’ First Draughts series features reading from local and national playwrights. Hosted at Amy’s Place in University Heights, the company invites people to come and have a drink and enjoy a cool new play. Discussions and/or talkbacks after the readings. Info: PIP 

What to see:

• DEAR STUDENTS — Nov. 17, by Anne Valentino 
• Feb. 16  —  TBD
• May 18  —  TBD 

Any play readings in your theater’s future? Let us know at the Hive.