Memphis theater company partners with Northern Michigan University to showcase emerging playwrights from around the globe
Playhouse on the Square has unveiled the six finalists for its 2025 NewWorks@TheWorks Playwriting Competition, selecting standout works from hundreds of international submissions. The competition, conducted in partnership with Northern Michigan University’s Mildred and Albert Panowski Playwriting Competition, will bring these fresh voices to Memphis audiences through staged readings this October.
The finalists represent a diverse range of theatrical storytelling, from supernatural horror to historical romance. Each play will receive a staged reading at Playhouse on the Square, with two finalists ultimately selected as competition winners. Those two winners will see their scripts brought to life as full world premiere productions during the theater’s 58th season. One of the winning plays will then travel to Northern Michigan University for a second production the following summer.
The Finalists
The lineup kicks off October 3rd with “White Walls” by Justin Borak, a liminal space horror that traps three strangers in an infinite maze of empty white rooms where they slowly lose their memories and must grieve the lives they’ve left behind. Kevin Cochran directs the reading.
On October 4th, audiences will experience “The Worm” by Lizzy Santana, a darkly satirical piece exploring beauty standards through the tale of Matilda, whose mother doses her with tapeworm eggs as the latest weight-loss innovation—with horrifying consequences. Courtney Oliver helms this reading.
“Snapshots” by Joe Ricci, directed by Jimbo Lattimore, closes out the first weekend on October 5th. This intimate drama reunites high school sweethearts Mark and Carol in a hotel room years after their relationship ended, examining how past connections continue to shape who we become.
The second weekend begins October 10th with “Guns&Chocolate” by Shoshannah Boray, directed by John Maness. This multigenerational Thanksgiving dinner drama tackles gun violence, family estrangement, food trauma, and school shootings as four generations confront the urgent realities of contemporary America.
“Atrium” by Hope Villanueva follows on October 11th under Hunter Steele’s direction. Set in a post-pandemic future where the wealthy live in a sterile city that prohibits touch, the play follows a young sculptor who must choose between safety and love when she connects with an enigmatic “touch worker.”
The readings conclude October 12th with “Your Romeo” by Shualee Cook, directed by Mads Jackson. This historical drama revisits the real-life 1847 romance between superstar actress Charlotte Cushman and writer Matilda “Max” Hays, whose affair mirrored their celebrated staging of Romeo and Juliet—until Max’s unprecedented lawsuit for alimony forced a final reckoning.
Cultivating Original Theater
Established in 2013, the NewWorks@TheWorks Playwriting Competition represents Playhouse on the Square’s commitment to developing original theatrical works. The scripts were evaluated by a distinguished panel including the Director of New Works, theater staff, Resident Company members, Mid-South writers, and directors.
Playhouse on the Square’s mission is to to produce a challenging and diverse repertory that speaks to the intelligence, the soul, and the imagination of the Memphis community; to provide a nurturing artistic home for actors, directors, designers, and staff in which they can practice their craft and share their talent; and to make all of our productions available through access, outreach, and educational activities to everyone in the community regardless of financial circumstances.
