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
Audition for the Kayenta New Play Lab
We are excited to have the return of Kayenta’s New Play Lab! We will be hosting new plays for staged readings. All events will be held at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta in Ivins, UT. We are prioritizing in person auditions, but if you would like to submit a video audition, put the link to an unlisted YouTube video in the additional comments section of this form.
Please read through our summary of dates and expectations carefully.
AUDITIONS:
Friday, May 22nd 5pm-6:30pm
Saturday, May 23rd 5pm-9pm
Center for the Arts at Kayenta | 881 Coyote Gulch Ct. Ivins, UT 84738
SCHEDULE:
Play Lab Schedule – July 29 – August 23rd
Performances – August 7-9, 14-16, 21-23
Rehearsals:
Each play will have a first read through (Wednesday or Thursday), followed by a 5 day break for the playwright to make edits. Then there will be 3 rehearsals; Each rehearsal will be around 4 hours. Exact times TBD, but typically 10am-2pm, and 2pm-6pm. Rehearsals will be Tuesday – Friday.
Performances:
Each show will then have two public performances. One in the evening (Friday or Saturday), and one matinee (Saturday or Sunday).
COMPENSATION:
You will receive a $250 stipendfor each project you are cast in.
PLAYS: TBD
Our panel of reviewers is currently selecting 6 new works to be presented as part of our lab! \
Questions? Email Wil@KayentaArts.com.
