WinterWorks New Play Festival

Following the success of our previous WinterWorks Play Reading Series, Third Avenue PlayWorks is leveling up its new play development. Launching in February 2027 as a landmark biennial event, this festival offers selected playwrights a vital, week-long in-person workshop residency to experiment, interrogate, and elevate their scripts here in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
Submissions will be accepted July 6 - August 2, 2026. Playwrights from around the country are encouraged to apply to have their work developed as part of the inaugural WinterWorks New Play Festival. There is no fee to apply, and submissions are open from July 6 through August 2, 2026. Projects selected for the festival will receive a full professional workshop, and playwrights will be provided with transportation, housing, and a $600 honorarium. A public announcement of the festival plays is planned for November.
The expanded festival spans the entire month of February and features free workshop readings on Saturdays of three new plays, as well as two other readings of new and contemporary plays.
The expanded WinterWorks New Play Festival is sponsored by Joseph and Gwenn Graboyes.