The fourth annual Kayenta New Play Lab is transforming the Center for the Arts at Kayenta into a hive of theatrical creation this August. This unique program invites audiences to step behind the curtain and witness new works as they take shape, offering a rare look into the collaborative process between playwrights, actors, and the community. Rather than presenting finished productions, the lab focuses on development, culminating in public staged readings and interactive discussions where audience members can provide direct feedback to the creators.
Six playwrights, selected from a pool of local and national talent, are participating in ten-day residencies against the inspiring backdrop of Ivins. The 2026 roster features Tyree Marshall, Lisa Quoresimo, Rook Reilley, Peter Sham, Chandra Thomas, and Jennie Webb. Each artist undergoes a rigorous process that includes a preliminary readthrough, internal feedback, a five-day writing residency, and active rehearsals with guest directors and local actors. This intensive schedule allows the plays to evolve rapidly before they are shared with the public.
The diverse lineup of scripts explores a wide range of human experiences. Rook Reilley’s dramedy, “Am I a Good Dog?”, explores identity and family in rural Utah, while Lisa Quoresimo’s “A Matter of Perspective” offers a historical look at the genius behind the Duomo in Florence. Modern philosophy meets theater in Peter Sham’s “The Franklin Event,” and Tyree Marshall’s “If the Creek Don’t Rise” explores survival in a post-Civil War dystopia. Rounding out the lab are Jennie Webb’s “Wound Care,” which tackles the heavy legacy of forced sterilization, and Chandra Thomas’s untitled play exploring privilege and history at a destination wedding.
Executive Director Miranda Wright noted that the lab creates a partnership between artists and the community, making the resulting work even richer. The stakes are high for these developing works, as a community panel will ultimately select one play from the lab to be fully produced for Kayenta’s 2027-28 season. This ensures that the local voice plays a direct role in shaping the future of the regional theater scene.
Public readings are scheduled throughout the month, with performances held on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3 PM. Tickets for individual readings range from $10 to $25, with a package available for those wishing to experience all six works. More information and tickets can be found at kayentaarts.org.
