SWEET NOISE FESTIVAL OF READINGS-2026

Join us for a weekend of readings of 5 powerful scripts from NPTC's innovative laboratory for new plays by women.

Reading Admission is by Donation ($15 suggested). Workshop tickets are $15 for non-LAB members.

Your donation helps support the more than 40 actors participating in the Festival!

Each reading is followed by a short talk-back with the audience.

FRIDAY, November 13:

FIRST LOOK: Simon by Christine Benvenuto, 7:00pm

At home in the murky spaces of Jewish noir, Simon always has a story for his longtime friend Vida—usually about the younger women he dates and photographs. But, when a teenage girl is murdered, Simon’s obsession with youth appears less benign, especially to the detective investigating the crime. Directed by Melody Brooks

SATURDAY, November 14:

WORKSHOP: How Can I Get My Play Produced?, 11:00am-1:00pm

A conversation with commercial and not-for-profit producers on the steps writers can take to get their scripts into the hands of producers. With Sharon Fallon from Sharon Fallon Productions and Mark Rubinsky and Tony Castrigno from MTTM Theatricals.
$15 Admission for non-LAB members. Coffee and pastries provided.

FIRST LOOK: DOŇA Q by Teresa Mella Fogel, 3:00pm

When she loses her grasp on reality after a tragic accident, Doña Q sets out to right the wrongs of the modern world with a toy sword, makeshift armor, and an unshakable belief in her quest. With a young Sancho by her side, she finds purpose in healing a struggling neighborhood-a journey that will lead her back to herself. Directed by Jenny Greeman

FIRST LOOK: ALL IS WELL AT 37TH PLACE by Anel Carmona, 7:30pm

All is disastrous in a condo taken over by a board president whose political views cause increasingly outrageous rules and fines. When the residents finally decide to rebel, they realize that by turning a blind eye to small injustices over time, they have invited a dictatorship into their own home. Directed by Liadin Stewart,

SUNDAY, November 15:

UP & COMING: Last Transit of Venus by Lynn Marie Macy, 3:00pm

An astronomer in love with the stars is brutally brought down to earth by avenging Furies (doubling as a girl band!), forcing her to become the hero she was meant to be. Directed by Kathy Curtiss.

FIRST LOOK: The Grimm Sister by Patricia Lynn, 7:00pm

Facing the end of her life, Charlotte Grimm imagines the fairy tales her famous brothers might have written if they had given a voice to the over-looked mothers in them. In a forest of her own creation, she gives those women a chance to tell their stories and wrestles with the sacrifices, doubts, and joys of motherhood. Directed by Christine Cirker.

NPTC's Women's Work Project has been developing and producing award-winning, provocative scripts since its inception in 1994. We invite our friends as well as colleagues in the industry for a preview of what we have been working on this year!