The curtain has come down on the 2026 South Carolina New Play Festival. For our fifth season, SCNPF brought artists and audiences together across Greenville and the Upstate for world-premiere theatre, new play development, Broadway talent, emerging young performers, late night variety and free events for the entire community.

At the center of Season 5 was the Cristal Palace, a historic European Spiegeltent that popped up in the heart of downtown Greenville.

Inside the Cristal Palace, audiences experienced the world premiere of The House I Live In: Josh White’s America, celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Greenville-born musician and activist Josh White; a Broadway Cabaret starring Drew Gehling; the live finals of South Carolina’s Next Broadway Star; and our first ever Late Night Variety Show.

And throughout the festival, our commitment to free access to new work continued at partner venues across the Upstate.

Season 5 featured staged readings of four new plays: Fission by Cindy Lou Johnson, Night Game by Octavio Solis, The Communist Revolution: A Ninth Grade European History Project (there will be a practical demonstration) by Grace McLeod, and our new work for young audiences, 12 Kinds of Ice by Ben Steinfeld.

We also brought artists and arts organizations together on Main Street for the Spinx Market Live Arts Fair, featuring free outdoor performances in downtown Greenville.

NEXT UP: SEASON 6

The next chapter is already beginning. SCNPF returns with another season of new plays and musicals, nationally recognized artists, emerging South Carolina talent, free community programming, and unforgettable live performances.

Stay connected and follow our mailing list and social media networks we reveal SCNPF 2027.