Hybrid Event
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New Dramaworks: Short Play Festival
Hybrid Event
May 6 – May 10
Date & Time
Wednesday–Saturday, May 6–9, 2026 (7:30–9:30 p.m.)
Sunday, May 10, 2026 (2–4 p.m.)
Location
Kenilworth Square East, Kenilworth Five-0-Eight and Virtual
The New Dramaworks Short Play Festival is back! The UWM Department of Theatre presents an exciting showcase of original plays celebrating hope and resistance. Don’t miss the premiere of these brand-new works written, directed and produced by UWM students.
Directed by UWM Theatre Students
Mentored by Ralph Janes
Curated by Alvaro Saar Rios
Accessibility Options
The New Dramaworks Short Play Festival is presented as part of World Premiere Wisconsin, a state-wide festival celebrating new plays and musicals.
Festival Lineup
Late Night Shopping
Written by Olivia Hindt
Major: Music
Major: Music
Five teens on the hunt for prom outfits get more than they bargained for when they’re locked inside a clothing store.
The Door
Written by Annalese Wenthur
Major: Theatre Production
Major: Theatre Production
Three young adults approach the door they’ve been searching for. Upon their arrival, one of them grows afraid of what might lie beyond.
Moving Story
Written by Dean MacKenzie ‘25
Major: Architecture
Major: Architecture
A group of friends realize their differences while packing for a move.
How to Tie a Tie
Written by Max Stern ‘25
Major: English – Creative Writing
Major: English – Creative Writing
A child and their father struggle to tie a tie.
The Message
Written by Duleon Duran
Major: Theatre Performance – Acting
Major: Theatre Performance – Acting
Two people on a record cold December night argue about the relativity of art.
Proper Protocol
Written by Ambrose Schulte
Major: Theatre Practices
Major: Theatre Practices
Two employees fight to regain control of their careers (and their lives) after the company they work at is bought out by a corporate raider.
Now: Still
Written by Joy Heatherly Kirk
Major: Theatre Performance – Acting
Major: Theatre Performance – Acting
Three teens in an adolescent psychiatric ward prepare to perform Hamlet.
Bunk Buddies
Written by Hailey Wurz ‘25
Major: Theatre Performance – Acting
Major: Theatre Performance – Acting
A child learns to befriend the monster under their bed.
Problem Solver
Written by Josh Thone
Major: Theatre Performance – Musical Theatre
Major: Theatre Performance – Musical Theatre
The World and its problems line up to see the Problem Solver at Twenty-One Forty North Worrisome Lane to find the answers to their questions. She can answer all problems and inquiries, until she meets a Question that she can’t quite keep away.
Dreamland 2: Rise of Evil Beep Boop
Written by Jackson Vining
Major: Theatre Performance – Acting
Major: Theatre Performance – Acting
A continuation of the Dreamland Saga exploring the depth behind characters that were once seen as one-off gags. After Beep Boop drinks an evil potion, who will protect Dreamland from his reign?
In-person Tickets
| General | $13 |
| Seniors 65+, *UWM Faculty, Staff & Alumni | $11 |
| Youth 17 and Under | $9 |
| *UWM Student | $7 |
| *PSOA Student (events ONLY in your department) | FREE |
Livestream Tickets
| Livestream | $12 |
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