New American Play Festival
by Texas State University Department of Theatre, Dance and Film

Sep. 01 - Sep. 07
All week

Texas State University's School of Theatre, Dance, and Film (SoTDF) presents the New American Play Festival (NAPF), Sept. 1-7 on the Texas State campus. Succeeding its predecessor, the Black and Latino Playwrights Celebration, the 23rd annual NAPF is a reimagined celebration of new voices in American theatre.

The festival welcomes submissions from playwrights nationwide, while continuing its tradition of championing the craft and celebrating the work. Following the usual event structure, the week begins with a company meeting, followed by public rehearsals of the new play readings, Umoja and Sanctuary. Play-in-hand readings will take place Saturday and Sunday in the Performing Arts Center. 

This year’s festival culminates in a special Friday evening event, “Writeous Endeavors”, a tribute not to one playwright, but to the enduring power and relevance of playwrights as theatrical architects. The panel will be a thought-provoking evening honoring the art of playwriting. Panelists include Michael Barnes (Austin American-Statesman), Taylor Gilbert (guest director), Timothy Boland (guest playwright), Robert Faires (former arts editor of the Austin Chronicle), and LaDarrion Williams (guest playwright. Together, panelists will discuss challenges, inspirations, and the evolving role of playwrights in the current state of American art.

The New American Play Festival is a week-long event that begins on Sept. 1 , 2025 and offers public rehearsals throughout the week. Friday’s panel is open to all, and admission is free. The readings on Saturday and Sunday are ticketed events. Join the next generation on Sept. 1- 7 at Texas State University.

For the full event agenda, visit napf.finearts.txst.edu. For tickets, visit txstatepresents.com. 


Fact Sheet

  • Artistic Director: Eugene Lee
  • Associate Artistic Directors: Nadine Mozon and Joe Luis Cedillo
  • Guests:
    • Panelists:
      • Playwright: LaDarrion Williams
      • Playwright: Timothy Boland
      • Director: Taylor Gilbert
      • Critic: Michael Barnes (Austin American-Statesman)
      • Critic: Robert Faires (former arts editor of the Austin Chronicle)
    • Reading: Umoja
      • Playwright: LaDarrion Williams
      • Director: Ignacio Miles
      • Dramaturg: Dr. Kevin Byrne
      • Actor: Nicolette Ellis
    • Reading: Sanctuary
      • Playwright: Timothy Boland
      • Director: Taylor Gilbert
      • Dramaturg: Joe Luis Cedillo
      • Actor: Marc Pouhe

 For the full event agenda, visit napf.finearts.txst.edu. .When:

 

Poster: Lauren Jurgemeyer

New American Play Festival
by Various - Texas State University
Texas State University Department of Theatre, Dance and Film

All week,
September 01 - September 07, 2025
Texas State University Performing Arts Center Recital Hall
405 Moon Street
San Marcos, TX, 78666

September 1 - 7, 2025

Texas State University (various locations)

For tickets, visit txstatepresents.com. Where:Performing Arts Center405 Moon Street
San Marcos, Texas 78666

  • Performances:
    • Panel: FRIDAY, September 5 at 7:30 PM

Umoja Reading: SATURDAY, September 6 at 7:30 PM

Sanctuary Reading: SUNDAY, September 7 at 12 PM

Cost:

  • The panel is free admission.
  • Readings:
    • Public: $10
    • TXST Students / Faculty / Staff: $8


Parking will be directed to the Edward Gary Parking Garage (401 Edward Gary Dr.) behind the Performing Arts Center.