SC New Play Festival Expands with More Free Performances

Greenville Braces for an Exciting Array of Free Events

Greenville – Now in its third year, the South Carolina New Play Festival is set to be bigger and better with a host of new free events, outdoor performances, and an exciting new play commission about Greenville blues legend, Josh White.

Highlights to Look Forward To

From the 8th to the 11th of August, Broadway talents will be gracing various venues across downtown Greenville. Esteemed actors such as Andy Mientus, Jon-Michael Reese, Siri Howard, and Eliza Pagelle will perform a public reading of Adam Gwon’s musical, “All the World’s a Stage,” at the Gunter Theatre on August 9 at 7 p.m. This musical centers on a closeted math teacher who helps a student prepare for a state drama competition.

Notably, Broadway star and Greenville native, Phillip Boykin, will star in the festival’s annual cabaret, scheduled for August 11 at 7 p.m. at Greenville One Center.

An Array of Events to Enchant Everyone

This year, the festival has taken a giant leap forward by adding new features, including outdoor street-circus-style entertainment at Falls Park from 3 to 8 p.m. on August 10 and 11. Executive Director West Hyler is excited about the festival’s growth, attributing it to Greenville’s passionate arts supporters.

The “Insider Sessions”, happening on August 9 at Greenville One Center, will offer industry insights from theater insiders from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival also boasts some engaging performances:

• A Trip Around the Sun (August 10-11 at the Warehouse Theatre) – A dark comedy featuring a couple of parrot heads planning their final days.
• The Dark Lady (August 10, 7 p.m., Greenville Theatre) – A synth-pop musical delving into the life of Emilia Bassano, theorized to be the true author behind Shakespeare’s works.
• Stuntboy (August 11, 3 p.m., South Carolina Children’s Theatre) – A musical for young audiences about a middle-schooler with the superpower to protect his loved ones from bullies.

Dedicated to Greenville’s Rich Cultural Heritage

The festival will kick off on August 8 with a reading at Centre Stage of a work-in-progress about the influential singer-songwriter Josh White, penned by playwright Donnetta Lavinia Gray. This play, the festival’s first commissioned work, celebrates White’s significant contributions to music and culture despite the adversity he faced, including being blacklisted due to his civil rights advocacy.

The reading will be followed by a town hall discussing White’s lasting impact. Featuring familiar faces from the Greenville theater scene like Chip Egan, Matt Giles, and Clark Nesbitt, the play promises to be a heartfelt homage.

Connecting Greenville to Broadway

By combining both Broadway and local talent, the festival aims to build a vibrant bridge between Greenville and Broadway. With most events being free, it’s the perfect opportunity for the community to dive into the rich tapestry of theater.

Want to join in on the festivities? Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Carolina New Play Festival
When: August 8-11
Where: Various venues in downtown Greenville
Tickets: All events are free (some require tickets), except for the cabaret featuring Phillip Boykin.
Info: Visit southcarolinanewplayfestival.org for more details and to secure your tickets.