Virginia Repertory Theatre
Virginia Rep does not accept unsolicited submissions. Projects submitted through professional representation should be sent to either rlhammerly@virginiarep.org or, for children's scripts, to tdnorris@virginiarep.org
For information about supporting this initiative, please contact mhaber@virginiarep.org
New Play Development at Virginia Rep is a flexible and dynamic initiative, able to commission and develop from inception, support development already in process, and shepherd a play to its World Premiere and beyond.
Virginia Rep engages in a limited number of developmental projects each season, collaborating with inspiring people and compelling projects.
Virginia Rep does not accept unsolicited submissions. Projects submitted through professional representation should be sent to either rlhammerly@virginiarep.org or, for children's scripts, to tdnorris@virginiarep.org.
Heralded as a "groundbreaking production" (Broadway World) and "a theatrical moment that clearly has an appointment with destiny" (Richmond Times-Dispatch), Eva DeVirgilis’ globally researched one-woman show set Richmond audiences ablaze in our 2018/19 Season.
In collaboration with Greg Schaffert (Peter and the Starcatcher) and Glass Half Full Productions (Matilda), Richmond audiences were the first ever to catch a glimpse of Matthew Lee Robinson, Scott Anderson Morris and Ken Cerniglia’s dazzling new musical.
Premiering at Hanover Tavern Spring 2021, Bonnie and Claire is a funny and heartwarming story about two sisters who reluctantly reunite after a forty-year separation. Now in the autumn of their lives, Bonnie and Claire find themselves increasingly reliant on their niece, Zoe, who is trying to start a business and a family of her own while conducting delicate diplomacy between the feuding siblings.
Virginia Rep continues development on a stirring and ultimately uplifting pop/rock musical exploring the relationship between teenage depression and our ever-increasing reliance on technology. A tragic car accident has left the Husk family struggling to define their new reality. As Valerie, paralyzed from the waist down, dives deeper into a VR world to escape the loss of her mother, her father goes to dangerous measures to reestablish connection.
Nathaniel Shaw (left), worked for over five years with Matthew Mooney Keuter on the script of River Ditty. In 2016 we held a two week workshop which included intimate presentations with donors and select patrons. This world premiere, produced in partnership with Tony and Olivier Award-winning Glass Half Full Productions, opened April, 2018.
Videography by Matt Polson
Lempicka, a musical developed here in RVA in 2017 as part of Virginia Rep's New Plays Initiative, has scheduled a pre-Broadway West Coast premiere this spring at La Jolla Playhouse in California.
We congratulate collaborators Matt Gould (music), Carson Kreitzer (book and lyrics) and Rachel Chavkin (director) on Lempicka's success.
Watch this video for a glimpse into Lempicka’s developmental period right here at Virginia Rep.
Richmond writer David L. Robbins’ critically acclaimed novel was adapted for the stage for the world premiere of The End of War in 2017.
In the press: Marcus Schmidt's interview with director Nathaniel Shaw and playwright David L. Robbins. Visit the Richmond Times-Dispatch
Established with a leadership gift from Mary and Ted Linhart, the Muriel McAuley Fund for New Plays and Contemporary Theatre honors the legacy of Barksdale founder, Muriel McAuley, and supports the development and staging of new plays.
Supporters of the McAuley Fund share in the excitement as new plays move to the next level, become an important sounding board for playwrights, and gain a better understanding of the creative process through:
For information about supporting this initiative, please contact mhaber@virginiarep.org.