New Works 2026
UVA DRAMA TO PRESENT 2026 NEW WORKS: AN EVENING OF SHORT STUDENT WORKS BRINGIN FRESH STORIES TO THE STAGE, INCLUDING A NEW MUSICAL!
FEBRUARY 19-21, 2026, AT 8PM IN THE HELMS THEATRE
Click here to reserve tickets!
UVA Students - NEW WORKS is Arts$ eligible! Reserve your free ticket at least 24 hours in advance!
The University of Virginia Department of Drama invites audiences to experience New Works, a captivating and multi-faceted evening of original theatre written, directed, and performed (almost) entirely by UVA students. Performances run February 19–21 at 8:00 PM in Helms Theatre.
Featuring five short plays and one short musical, New Works celebrates emerging student playwrights and a vibrant range of stories created on Grounds today. From romantic comedy and campus satire to time-bending drama and heartfelt musical storytelling, this fast-paced and eclectic production offers an enjoyable evening for everyone.
In a process overseen by faculty co-producers Dave Dalton and Doug Grissom, students travel the entire road from concept to page to stage. The pair split their areas of expertise, with Grissom helping mostly on the playwriting side, working closely with students on the writing and revision processes, while Dalton focuses more on production.
“New Works is one of the most exciting parts of our season because it puts student voices at the center of the creative process,” say Dalton and Grissom. “These artists are taking risks, experimenting, and telling stories that feel immediate and personal.” The production is also unique in offering the playwright, director, and the rest of the creative team the opportunity to collaborate on the full process from casting through performance, learning about the intricacies of the creative experience in real time.
This year’s NEW WORKS:
Five Last Moments
Written and directed by Braden Williams (2nd Year, Drama & Media Studies)
Trapped in an endless cycle of his own creation, Lucas desperately uses a mysterious watch to reset the tragic passing of the love of his life, Christa. However, the two face many new and unnatural obstacles with each reset. Can Lucas and Christa change Christa's fate? Or is fate a beast that can't be matched?
Karate Kody Grows Up
Written by Julia Shuttleworth (3rd Year, Politics, Drama) | Directed by Dave Dalton
Devin has been the star of the hit children’s TV show “Karate Kody: Preteen Powerhouse” since he was 12 years old — and now he’s 27. When Janet, the showrunner, is presented with a new opportunity, and a new face kicks down the dojo door, Devin is confronted with the fleeting nature of his own youth…will the landslide bring him down?
Rumspringa
Written by Claudia Hunn (3rd Year, English and Drama, Art History minor)
Directed by Kate Hovey (3rd Year, Computer Science and Drama)
Outside a movie theater showing the raciest rom-com of the year, Esther gets her first taste of the world beyond the Amish community from curious teens Marissa, Katie, and Claire. Over popcorn, cuss words, butterfly clips, and bonnets, the girls share their stories for one unforgettable encounter.
(S)expectations
Written and directed by Anika Kashyap (2nd Year, Undeclared)
When a late-night meetup brings an unexpected guest, Rhea and Sam are forced to navigate gendered expectations of sex and sexuality on their college campus. Through an awkward but revealing encounter, the piece examines how young adults negotiate desire, agency, and self-worth.
So Much Drama
Written and directed by Maggie Polistina (4th Year, Political and Social Thought)
Jane is in the audience of a terrible play, on the worst (and probably longest) date of her life. When she runs into her ex in the crowd, there’s no way for her to escape. Everywhere she turns, she’s surrounded by So Much Drama.
To Whoever it May Concern
Written by Daniel Kilmartin (2nd Year, Drama and English, Psychology minor)
Directed by Brianna Whitaker (3rd Year, Drama and Astronomy)
In his free time, Ted writes inspirational letters and hides them in people's bags. On the verge of losing his motivation, his passion is reignited after meeting a recipient of one of his letters, Erin. This piece includes an accompanying piano and vocal duettists.
PERFORMANCE INFO
Feb 19–21, 8PM – Helms Theatre
Tickets: $7 General Admission
Free Arts$ tickets for UVA students - reserve yours at least 24 hours in advance through the link below!
Reserve tickets at artsboxoffice.virginia.edu
CONTENT ADVISORY: This production includes use of a non-firing prop gun, depictions of death and dying, explicit language, and mature content, including discussion of sexual behavior.
Questions? Contact us at shf9rr@virginia.edu