As the only Actors’ Equity theatre company in the country devoted to developing new works by Indigenous playwrights, Native Voices has become the cornerstone of American Theatre in cultivating opportunities for Native artists, which we have proudly done for 29 years. Our Festival of New Plays is a ten-day residency where playwrights are partnered with an artistic team, a dramaturg, and professional actors to explore their scripts in front of an audience for the first time – a critical piece in any play development process. 

We are thrilled to invite you to the first reading and behind-the-scenes opportunity as the actors and playwright make discoveries only explored with you - a live audience! Join us as we celebrate these inspiring and talented playwrights as they regale us with their stories of being Native today.

Other weekend activities include: 

• American Indian Arts Marketplace - Our yearly American Indian Arts Marketplace is back and better than ever! Celebrate contemporary and traditional Native art forms and purchase one-of-a-kind artwork, jewelry, and fashion. 
• Central Standard Time by Maddox Pennington (Cherokee) on Saturday, June 10, 2:30 p.m.
  • After moving back to their family hometown in rural Oklahoma, Jay confronts chasms of generational and cultural differences in their hopes of contributing to their Nation and family. Jay’s reconnection is tested by resistance from relatives, scrutiny at work, but most of all by an uncertain and shifting notion of home.
• And more, including an exclusive screening from Sundance Film Festival!