THEATER

Kayenta New Play Lab

July 30-August 23, 2026

Now in its fourth year, the Kayenta New Play Lab is where bold new voices in American theater come to life. Over three weeks, six visionary playwrights—chosen by a panel of esteemed local and national theatermakers—dive into an intensive creative residency, shaping fresh, original works for the stage.

Audiences are invited to witness the magic unfold through staged readings of these brand-new plays—raw, real, and alive with possibility. Stay after each reading for an engaging dialogue with the artists, where your feedback helps shape the evolution of each piece.

Check back soon for this year’s play selection and to purchase tickets!

“Supporting the creation and development of new work is a vital piece of our  vision at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta. Our New Play Lab aims to support artists – both locally and nationally – as they tell the stories of the past, present, and future, for the benefit of us all,  as we continue to learn and grow into the ever changing world around us.” 

Miranda Wright, Executive Director

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We are currently accepting Playwright applications for the 2026 Kayenta New Play Lab!

This year’s Kayenta New Play Lab will run July 30 – August 23. Selected playwrights will participate in the Lab for two consecutive weeks. Each playwright will receive:

• a preliminary read-through, followed by internal feedback from participating artists
• a five-day uninterrupted writing residency
• 3 days of active rehearsal with professional and student actors, and a guest director
• two staged readings, in front of a public audience
• opportunities to receive feedback from audience members and fellow artists

Modest stipends of $800 will be available to playwrights participating in the Lab, and housing and travel will be provided for selected artists who are not based in Southern Utah. 

Up to 6 new plays will be selected through a committee review process. 

For the last three years, one of the selected scripts has been given a workshop production as a part of our main stage. 

To receive full consideration, your submission must be received by 11:59pm Mountain Time on Sunday, April 15th

Questions? Email Wil@KayentArts.com.