The Emerging Playwrights Reading Series fills gaps in the theatre ecosystem by combatting challenges facing early career artists during a challenging period for Toronto’s theatre sector. The workshop series and reading festival returns featuring new plays by Anahita Dehbonehie, Alten Wilmot, and Kian Diab, after a successful first iteration in 2024.

Created by early careers artists to encourage early career playwrights to develop their artistic voices and connect with professionals in the industry, the Emerging Playwrights Reading Series provides playwrights the opportunity to develop a new work over the course of a one-week workshop. The workshops are guided by experienced directors Philip Riccio (Artistic Director, The Company Theatre), Andrew Moodie (Stratford, GCTC), and Diana Bentley (Artistic Director, The Vault). The plays-in-process are shared through a public festival of stage readings taking place January 24 and 25, 2026 at The Theatre Centre’s BMO Incubator.

The Series helps to launch Canada’s next generation of playwrights. It is curated through an open, juried submission process, with this year’s plays selected by Steven Hao (director, writer, performer), Mollie Garrett (literary manager), and Series producers Aurora McClennan and Liza Hersh.

“The Emerging Playwrights Reading Series was such a help in the development of both my script and my career. It provided me the opportunity to reach out and work with so many artists I admire, and gave me space and resources to really elevate my draft into something I’m proud of.

As an artist who came to Toronto relatively recently, [the Series] was essential in helping me place roots in this artistic community and continue building the foundation of my career.” -Keara Voo, 2024 Playwright Participant

“This series was created to bridge a gap felt by many of our peers in the theatre sector. There are a finite number of opportunities with too many artists forced to self-produce. Our greatest hope is that we can introduce these outstanding new playwrights to the sector.” -Liza Hersh, Producer

Tickets are now on sale on The Theatre Centre’s website at theatrecentre.org. All shows run at The Theatre Centre - 1115 Queen St. W, Toronto. Tickets to the Series are available for $17.50 per reading or $40 for all three plays. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling The Theatre Centre’s box office at 416-538-0988.

About the Plays:

Swallow the Fire by Anahita Dehbonehie

Directed by Philip Riccio

A bomb is about to go off but it’s unclear whether it will change the world or merely feed the algorithm. As the clock ticks toward detonation, the play unspools in real time: a confrontation between generations, between reform and revolution, and between public performance and private conviction. Swallow the Fire asks what happens when activism becomes theatre, when maternal love becomes collateral, and when the end of the world is less terrifying than the end of our illusions.

Saturday, January 24 at 7:30pm

Sunday, January 25 at 3:30pm

Girls Trip, Bwitches! by Kian Diab

Directed by Diana Bentley

When a long-awaited Muskoka trip finally makes it out of the group chat, best friends Sabrina Deliah, Felicia and Messica (plus one unwanted boyfriend) are ready for an unforgettable weekend getaway until they are shaken by cheating accusations within the group. A confrontational text with an unfortunate typo sends the night spiraling into a full-blown witch hunt, filled with confessions, confrontations, and a brewing cauldron of delusion. Will the girls and their friendships survive the night? Girls Trip, Bwitches! is a wacky, campy comedy about a being brought together through chaos.

Featuring Jaydn Nasato, Trinity Lloyd, Lucy Hill, Izzi Nagel, and Anthony Goncharov.

Saturday, January 24 at 5:00pm

Sunday, January 25 at 1:30pm

Facing a Widowed Father by Alten Wilmot

Directed by Andrew Moodie

When Alliston, a high-achieving graduate student, discovers that the $35,000 from his mother’s life insurance – meant to cover his tuition – has gone missing, he spirals into crisis. As he enters desperation, he is forced to confront his estranged father, Daniel, and the unresolved grief that has fractured their relationship.

Set against the backdrop of university life, the play explores the tension between personal ambition and familial obligation within a Caribbean immigrant household. Through humour, heartbreak, and moments of deep vulnerability, Facing a Widowed Father examines how grief shapes the way we love, forgive, and move forward.

Saturday, January 24 at 3:00pm

Sunday, January 25 at 6:00pm

The Emerging Playwrights Reading Series is presented with leading support from B Street Collaborative, and venue support from TAPA, B Street Collaborative, and The Theatre Centre.