←Premiere Stages at Kean University

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre company in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize Snowbirds by Lauren Holmes as a Semi-Finalist for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival. Snowbirds rose through a competitive process to become one of 65 Semi-Finalists out of 894 submissions. The piece is a unique, moving look at topics such as retirement for the working class, aging, and the reality of working and living in America. Our congratulations and thanks to Lauren.

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize Episodes by Kallan Dana as a Semi-Finalist for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival. Episodes rose through a competitive process to become one of 65 Semi-Finalists out of 894 submissions. Our panel was impressed by the success of the episodic form; the piece is an authentic, compelling exploration of cycles, girlhood, and a nature vs nurture argument. Our congratulations and thanks to Kallan.

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize Beshert by Daniel Kushner as a Semi-Finalist for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival. Beshert rose through a competitive process to become one of 65 Semi-Finalists out of 894 submissions. Our panel was engaged by the touching exploration of an intercultural, queer relationship in the 1920s-- and the social implications of that relationship. Our congratulations and thanks to Daniel.

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize Mama, I wish I were silver as a Semi-Finalist for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival. The play rose through a competitive process to become one of 65 Semi-Finalists out of 894 submissions. A simultaneous sibling drama and a magical excavation of history, the play asks important questions about legacies within both families and societies. Our congratulations and thanks to Amanda.

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre company in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize Mud & Fire: The Pottery Play as a Semi-Finalist for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival. The play rose through a competitive process to become one of 65 Semi-Finalists out of 894 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the relationships with the characters, showing an audience how this small pottery group has truly become a family. Our congratulations and thanks to Lindsay.

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize A Visit From San Cristóbal as a Semi-Finalist for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival. The play rose through a competitive process to become one of 65 Semi-Finalists out of 894 submissions. A dreamlike and nightmarish comedy, the play is an energetic exploration of marginalized people, class divisions, and family dynamics across diaspora. Our congratulations & thanks to Gregory.

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize You Can Tell a Tree by its Fruit as a Semi-Finalist for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival. The play rose through a competitive process to become one of 65 Semi-Finalists out of 894 submissions. The play is a compelling exploration of systemic discrimination and power, looking through a human lens at issues of capitalism, race, and the American Dream. Our congratulations and thanks to comfort.

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize KRAV MAGA IN THE TEMPLE BASEMENT...by Rebecca Salzhauer as a Semi-Finalist for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival. The play rose through a competitive process to become one of 65 Semi-Finalists out of 894 submissions. This play is an urgent and compelling exploration of safety, defense, healing, and violence, with distinct, engaging characters. Our congratulations and thanks to Rebecca.

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize Darwin and his Daughter by Gino DiIorio as a Semi-Finalist for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival. The play rose through a competitive selection process to become one of 65 Semi-Finalists out of 894 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the exploration of this "side" of a historical figure, as well as the themes of sacrifice and family. Our congratulations and thanks to Gino.

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize Breaking Night as a Semi-Finalist for the 2026 Premiere Play Festival. Breaking Night rose through a competitive process to become one of 65 Semi-Finalists out of 894 submissions. The panel was engaged with the characters, as well as the themes of the “cost” of medical research, realities of healthcare, and how we strive for wellness and rest. Our congratulations and thanks to Stephanie.