PCS’s JAW New Play Festival Returns
Featuring readings of bold new works
Portland Center Stage’s annual JAW New Play Festival returns July 25–27, 2025, at The Armory, continuing a two-decade tradition of celebrating new work through staged readings, workshops, and community performances. All events are free and open to the public.
Each July, playwrights, directors, actors, and dramaturgs gather to develop new scripts in a collaborative setting, with the public invited to attend readings, offer feedback, and join post-show discussions. This year’s JAW lineup centers queer stories during Portland’s PRIDE month, featuring the new musical Out There along with works from local playwrights Amy Driesler, Virginia Baeta, and Carlos Zenen-Trujillo. PCS will also partner with Fuse Theatre Ensemble for the Say Gay Plays, a series of short works created in response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
“Come join us for the rush of a new play reading this summer,” says PCS Artistic Director Marissa Wolf. “This lineup is on fire, offering space to celebrate collective humanity and queer joy in the face of violence and erasure.”
Festival highlights include The Sugar Hole on July 25 at 7:30 p.m., a time-hopping comedy exploring lesbian community and belonging; the JAW Teen Playwrights Showcase on July 26 at 4 p.m., featuring bold 8–10 minute plays from local teen writers; and Out There on July 26 at 7:30 p.m., a new musical exploring love and friendship against a stormy Pacific Northwest backdrop. On July 27 at 1 p.m., Say Gay Plays will bring short plays from top queer playwrights to the stage, curated by Voyage Theater.
The festival will also feature Press Play pre-show events with local artists, including street dance showcases, the Bridging Voices Choir, Ballet Folklórico, and a Queer Literaoke Drag Edition, ensuring The Armory buzzes with creative energy throughout the weekend.
For schedules and more details on attending, visit pcs.org.
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