Premiere Stages Announces 2026 Premiere Play Festival Semi-Finalists

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The festival received 894 submissions, with finalists set to receive staged readings in June.

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Premiere Stages, the professional theatre company in residence at Kean University, has announced the semi-finalists for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival.

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The festival panel and literary staff reviewed 894 submissions before selecting 65 semi-finalists, marking an increase of 89 submissions from the previous year. According to the organization, the selected plays represent a range of subjects and genres. A complete list of semi-finalists is available through Premiere Stages .

“We were thrilled to read the work of close to 900 playwrights,” stated Nick Gandiello , Premiere’s Managing Director, who supervised the submission process. “Every submission was treated with care, and it was both a challenge and an honor for our literary team and staff to select the 65 Semi-Finalists. These plays showcase the exciting, urgent, and entertaining voices of the American Theatre.”

Four finalists will be selected later this month for staged readings, scheduled to take place June 4–7 at the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center. One finalist will ultimately receive a full production as part of Premiere Stages’ 2027 season.

Since its founding, the Premiere Play Festival has received more than 9,500 submissions and developed over 105 plays. According to Premiere Stages, several plays produced through the festival have received recognition from the American Theatre Critics Association, secured agency representation, and been published by companies including Concord Theatricals , Dramatists Play Service , and Broadway Play Publishing . Festival winners and finalists have also gone on to productions in New York, regional theatres, and international venues.

Premiere Stages stated that it remains committed to producing plays and programs that reflect a broad range of identities, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Founded in 2004, Premiere Stages serves as the professional Equity theatre company in residence at Kean University and develops productions, educational programs, and professional opportunities connected to the university’s curriculum and campus programming.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/Premiere-Stages-Reveals-Semi-Finalists-for-2026-Premiere-Play-Festival-20260507)._