From: Adrian Cory < adriancory1@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2026 6:40 AM
Subject: OPP New Play Festival
As one of America's longest-running dramatist groups, Old Pueblo Playwrights presents staged readings of eight original works — each performed just once, script in hand, on a simple set with full lights and sound. Post-performance talkbacks invite the audience into the creative process.
"Like Hamlet, we believe the play's the thing. Each play is performed just once… talkbacks allow the audience to participate in improving our plays."
— John Vornholt, 2026 Festival Coordinator
FULL SCHEDULE
The 2026 Festival Program
THURSDAY April 2 7 PM | "HOA Blues" Debra Vassallo · Dir. Dennis O'Dell The HOA fund is down to $77.13; streets are filled with potholes, the liability insurance is set to expire, and a hedge fund plans to tear down homes and build high-rises. What's the Sparkling Springs board to do? |
FRIDAY April 3 7 PM | "AI AI O" Mel Hector, MD · Dir. Zach Wetzel Whose intelligence is more "artificial"? How does AI impact ethical choices? Are meaningful safeguards even possible? |
SATURDAY April 4 2 PM | SATURDAY SHORTS MATINÉE — FOUR PLAYS "Clutch" Liisa Rose · Dir. David Sewell Gunshots, watermelon, a Mallard duck. A pair of siblings deal with their shared childhood trauma in very different ways. "What a Trip" Leslie Powell · Dir. Dave Sewell Two sisters tangle with a federal agent and learn to see each other as never before. Comedy ensues. "Change" Leslie Powell · Dir. Pat Timm In a world of "haves" and "have-nots," three characters trapped underground learn the dangers of disconnection from basic humanity. "Moving Day" Kristen Kallen-Keck · Dir. Drew Kallen-Keck A missing cat might just derail a couple's big, exciting move. |
SATURDAY April 4 7 PM | "The Chemo Lounge" John Vornholt · Dir. Stan Sutherland Whoever we may be on the outside, we share our demons, fears, and decisions here as we fight to survive. The infusion center of a cancer clinic — where equals meet in the most human of struggles. |
SUNDAY April 5 7 PM | "Don't Feed the Troll" Adrian Cory · Dir. Adrian Cory When an op-ed columnist's world is ripped apart, she seeks to take down the online troll causing her despair. Strong language, depictions of violence, and sexual content. Previously debuted at Tucson Fringe. |
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Plan Your Visit
VENUE Invisible Theatre 1400 N. First Avenue @ Drachman Tucson, Arizona 85719 Wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, and restrooms. | ADMISSION Pay What You Will No reserved seats. Pay at the door via cash, check, or Venmo. No credit cards. Free bottled water. Donations welcome. |
CONTACT John Vornholt, Festival Coordinator 520-548-3484 · johnvorn@aol.com Adrian Cory, Communications 206-851-2818 adriancory1@gmail.com | ABOUT OPP Old Pueblo Playwrights 501(c)(3) nonprofit inspiring writers for over four decades. Table-reads every Monday at 7 PM. Donate via Venmo or PO Box 775, Tucson AZ 85702. |
Special thanks to the Arizona Commission on the Arts for their ongoing support.
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