MISSION

Durango PlayFest empowers playwrights by providing a collaborative environment to develop new work with professional actors and directors, culminating in thought-provoking play readings and talkbacks that engage audiences. We create educational and employment opportunities for students and the community, while contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of Southwest Colorado.

PROCESS

Each summer, professional and emerging playwrights, actors and directors gather for a week in Durango, Colorado, to develop and workshop new plays. Each has two script-in-hand readings before local audiences who experience an up-close-and-personal journey into the art of storytelling. Talkbacks following the readings are an opportunity for attendees to provide feedback to the playwrights as part of a creative, collaborative process. Free events throughout the week allow the community to interact and ask questions in a casual atmosphere.

HISTORY

After having performed on stage in Durango in 2016 and 2017, actors Wendie Malick and Dan Lauria grew to love the area and the community’s commitment to arts and culture. In late 2017, Malick, Lauria, and a group of local arts-minded individuals decided Durango was the perfect setting for a new play development festival. Early supporters included Christina Erteszek, Fritz Geisler, Richard G. Ballantine, Terry Bacon, Jim Foster, Bud and Fran Franks, and Felicia Lansbury Meyer, who became the nonprofit’s artistic director. Durango PlayFest premiered in August 2018, with Malick and Lauria returning in numerous seasons as hosts and actors.