Premiere Stages at Kean University

Premiere Stages at Kean University

Premiere Stages is committed to serving the cultural needs of northern and central New Jersey through the development and production of high-quality Equity theatre premieres, professional development and educational initiatives for the local and campus communities, and the support and cultivation of emerging playwrights and theatre artists.

As a professional theatre company in residence at Kean...
Premiere Stages is committed to serving the cultural needs of northern and central New Jersey through the development and production of high-quality Equity theatre premieres, professional development and educational initiatives for the local and campus communities, and the support and cultivation of emerging playwrights and theatre artists.

As a professional theatre company in residence at Kean University, Premiere Stages actively engages and enhances the specialized training programs at Kean, while embracing and serving a culturally diverse audience, underserved local youth, and a broad pool of gifted regionally-based artists.

Recommended by Premiere Stages at Kean University

  • #GodHatesYou
    3 Mar. 2020
    Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize “#GodHatesYou” by Emily Dendinger as a semifinalist for the 2020 Premiere Play Festival. “#GodHatesYou” rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 26 semifinalists out of 939 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by how balanced, smart, funny, and unsentimental this play is. The nuanced arguments between friends about belief are engaging and prompt meaningful self-reflection by Laurel. Our congratulations and thanks to Emily.
  • GOD TEST
    3 Mar. 2020
    Premiere Stages is pleased to recognize “God Test” by Jess Honovich as a semifinalist for the 2020 Premiere Play Festival. “God Test” rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 26 semifinalists out of 939 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by how hilarious and absolutely charming Alexis and her dreams and imaginary Greek Chorus of stuffed animals are. And yet Alexis’ questioning her own identity and faith is done in a nuanced and thoughtful way. Our congratulations and thanks to Jess.
  • When We Fall
    3 Mar. 2020
    Premiere Stages is pleased to recognize “When We Fall” by Emma Gibson as a semifinalist for the 2020 Premiere Play Festival. “When We Fall” rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 26 semifinalists out of 939 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the use of the stars and the roof as metaphor for escapism, and the way that the characters speak candidly about the struggles of getting older and feeling lonely is done in a gentle and honest way. Our congratulations and thanks to Emma.
  • Cacti
    3 Mar. 2020
    Premiere Stages is pleased to recognize “Cacti” by Daphne Macy as a semifinalist for the 2020 Premiere Play Festival. “Cacti” rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 26 semifinalists out of 939 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the complex family dynamics, and the specificity of the world in which they live. The theatricality of the child that follows Yael around, as well as the sonic element of the “lonely whale” songs were very engaging. Our congratulations and thanks to Daphne.
  • 28 Light Years From Now
    3 Mar. 2020
    Premiere Stages is pleased to recognize “28 Light Years From Now” by Rachel Bykowski as a semifinalist for the 2020 Premiere Play Festival. “28 Light Years...” rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 26 semifinalists out of 939 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by how the characters are so robust and full of life, and found the double-casting to be an effective decision. The premise and the scenes in the field between Josie and and Fran are highly compelling. Our congratulations and thanks to Rachel.