Presented by Berkshire Theatre Group, Jewish Plays Project and plays2gather
Live theatre has the power to spark conversation, deepen empathy and bring communities together. This Labor Day weekend, Berkshire Theatre Group, in collaboration with the Jewish Plays Project (JPP) and plays2gather (p2g), invites you to the 2nd Festival of New Jewish Plays—a bold, three-day celebration of Jewish voices, stories and imagination.
This year’s Festival builds on the energy of its sold-out debut with a vibrant lineup of readings, rituals, artist conversations and participatory events—all designed to engage the heart and mind. Rooted in JPP’s signature Artistic Democracy model, the Festival puts audiences at the center of the creative process, inviting them not only to witness new work, but to help shape it. Artistic Democracy empowers theatergoers to read, reflect and vote on new Jewish plays—elevating stories that resonate most deeply with real communities. At its core, the Festival asks not just what’s on stage, but why now—sparking dialogue, fostering connection, and ensuring that Jewish theater remains as relevant, diverse, and alive as the people it serves.
BTG Artistic Director Kate Maguire shares: “Last year, something extraordinary happened—audiences connected deeply with the work and with one another. There was laughter, reflection, joy, and a sense of discovery. This year, we’re expanding the experience—with more stories, more dialogue, and more ways to be part of it.”
The 2025 Festival is generously sponsored by Diane Troderman and Harold Grinspoon. Select events throughout the weekend will also feature readings of original poetry by Harold Grinspoon, woven into the programming as a lyrical complement to the plays and conversations.
Schedule of Events
Reading:
Provenance
Winner of the 14th National Jewish Playwriting Contest
written by Jennifer Maisel
On-Stage at The Colonial Theatre
Thursday, August 28 at 7pm
A stolen portrait remains lost for decades. How can one piece of art tear at the hearts of generations? Chosen by over 1,500 audience members across 11 cities, this new play receives the JPP’s signature Reading+ format—script-in-hand with targeted design support and an all-star cast—followed by a talkback with the artists and JPP Artistic Director David Winitsky.
Panel:
Knosh & Knowledge:
Making Jewish Theater in the 21st Century
at The Colonial Theatre in The Garage
Friday, August 29 at 10am
A spirited panel of contemporary Jewish theatre makers, moderated by David Winitsky, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires. Explore the pleasures and pitfalls of making Jewish work today and the urgent questions artists are facing.
Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires.
Ritual:
OOF! On One Foot: 10-Minute Play Festival
On-Stage at The Colonial Theatre
Friday, August 29 at 7pm
Six brand-new 10-minute plays inspired by Hillel the Sage and dedicated to “Moving Forward at the Edge of the Unknown.” This magical evening is part new-play showcase, part Shabbat ritual, and 100% healing theatrical experience. Curated and presented by JPP and plays2gather.
Participation:
Wondering Jews: An Interactive plays2gather Salon
at The Colonial Theatre in The Garage
Saturday, August 30 at 12pm
Join playwright Wayne Firestone and director Illana Stein in a participatory reading of short works from Jewish voices across the globe. Audience members step into the roles of actors and thinkers in this unique salon-style theatre-making experience.
Study:
Jewish Dramaturgy: Study and Discussion
at The Colonial Theatre in The Garage
Saturday, August 30 at 3pm
Clergy, scholars and lay leaders come together for a deep dive into the themes of Provenance and other Festival plays. How does Jewish thought frame art, memory and resilience? What makes a play “Jewish”? A dynamic discussion for the intellectually curious.
Vote:
The Berkshire Jewish Playwriting Contest
at The Colonial Theatre
Saturday, August 30 at 7pm
The JPP’s signature event comes to the Berkshires for the very first time! Three of the most exciting, brand-new Jewish comedies and dramas—read by a stellar cast—compete for the Festival’s first-ever Audience Award, and YOU are the judge. Help us choose the most important new Jewish play of the summer. Followed by the Festival wrap-up party!
About the Organizations
The Jewish Plays Project (JPP)
The Jewish Plays Project, founded in 2011, identifies, develops and presents new works of theater via one-of-a-kind explorations of contemporary Jewish identity between audiences, artists and patrons. The JPP’s innovative and competitive development process engages Jewish communities in the vetting, selecting and championing of new voices and secures mainstream production opportunities for the best new plays.
The JPP has featured some of the best artists working in New York, including writers David Hein and Irene Sankoff (Come from Away), Robert Askins (Hand to God) and Lauren Yee (Cambodian Rock Band); directors Marc Bruni (Beautiful), Daniella Topol (Artistic Director, Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre) and Tamilla Woodard (WP Theater, 3LD); and actors Andrew Polk (The Band’s Visit), Ronald Guttman (Mad Men, Homeland), Kirrilee Berger (Amazon’s Just Add Magic) and Obie and Drama Desk nominee Marcia Jean Kurtz.
plays2gather (p2g)
plays2gather (p2g) incubates plays at homes, stages and unusual places that are inspired by a vision of both ancient and inclusive Jewish culture. Founded in 2018 in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia region) as a volunteer grassroots play makers network, it has evolved around the Jewish World and virtually to curate theater readings and the OOF! Short play competition.
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires mobilizes the local Jewish community to care for those in need, ensure the continuity of Jewish life, and address issues important to the Berkshires. Supported by generous donors, Federation offers social services, vibrant cultural and educational programs, and inclusive opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate Jewish life throughout the region.
