New Art City Theatre Festival ’26 – 4 days. 4 plays. 4 free.
WHERE: Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa Street in Ventura, CA
WHEN: June 18 — 21, 2026. Daily matinee and evening performances. Admission is free.
New Art City Theatre, a Ventura County-based professional theatre company dedicated to discovering and developing new original works for the stage, announces the four finalists for Festival ’26, the company’s third annual festival of new works.
Finalists include: The Henry Clyde Canning Murder House by Christian Missonak, Laughing Matter by Rob Ulin, John Dillinger Gets a Manicure by Elise Forier Edie, and Tesseract by Scott C. Sickles.
Semi-finalists were: T. Adamson (The Annunciation), Jeffrey Binder (Remember: Based on the Story of Abe Price), Kevin Collins (And The Sea Was Calm), Dave Hanson (Goliath and David), Donna Kaz (The Docent), Sarah Kelly (Closing Time at Graceland), Ellie Melick (Edge Call), and Michael Perlmutter (A Temporary Distraction).
The four final plays were chosen from a field of 364 submissions. The blind selection process is carried out by a volunteer reading team of more than 45 individuals, including both industry professionals and theatre enthusiasts.
A different play will be featured each day with staged readings at 2pm and 7pm June 18-20, and 2pm and 5:30pm on Sunday, June 21. Admission is free to the public. Audience talkback sessions follow each reading giving attendees the opportunity to meet the writers and actors, share their impressions, and offer feedback. Each play is guided by professional directors and performed by actors cast from the Los Angeles and Ventura area.
New Art City Theatre was founded to create opportunities for playwrights, composers, librettists, and lyricists, while expanding audience access to professional theatre through free or low-cost tickets. The company’s long-term goal is to move the most compelling new works through the workshop and developmental production stage, ultimately helping new projects advance to larger regional theatres or commercial venues.
Accessibility remains a cornerstone of the company’s vision. “Ticket prices have risen to the point where theatre is becoming inaccessible for most,” says Founder and Co-Producing Executive/Artistic Director Kirby Ward. “At NACT, we want to change that by making high-quality live performance available to everyone.”
To that end, all readings at Festival ’26 are free to attend. “With a different play featured each day, we encourage audiences to return daily. They’ll have a completely unique experience each time.” says Beverly Ward, Kirby’s partner at NACT.
Though admission is free, reservations are required. A reservation portal will be opening soon on the company’s website at http://newartcitytheatre.org. To be alerted when tickets go live, sign up at https://newartcitytheatre.org/sign-me-up/. For general info not found on website, call (805) 242-8575.
About New Art City Theatre
New Art City Theatre (NACT) is a groundbreaking theatre company based in Ventura, California. Founded by Beverly Ward and Kirby Ward, both renowned theatre professionals, the company is dedicated exclusively to the development of new works and offers a platform for emerging playwrights to showcase their talents. New Art City Theatre also focuses on audience accessibility by keeping tickets free or deeply affordable. NACT is forging a new path to opportunity for the writers who create theatre. By giving equal access to diverse voices and inviting a broader audience to participate, NACT aspires to elevate all that is compelling about original theatre and its ability to promote unity, inspire curiosity and provide joy. For more information, visit www.newartcitytheatre.org, email info@newartcitytheatre.org or connect on Facebook or Instagram.
Ventura Breeze Local News and More
- FOTM Archive & Library Presents: Where Art Begins
by Ventura Breeze on May 14, 2026 at 4:04 amEnjoy studio visits with three renowned FOTM documented artists; Paul Lindhard, Joe Adams and Karen Kitchel. These artists will open their studios to art lovers for a special visit to benefit the Focus on the Masters Arts Archive & Library education outreach. The tour will begin at the Art City Sculpture Studios, a renowned artist enclave The post FOTM Archive & Library Presents: Where Art Begins appeared first on Ventura Breeze.
- Keeping Seniors with Dementia S.A.F.E. from Scams and Fraudby Ventura Breeze on May 14, 2026 at 3:25 am
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Offers S.A.F.E. Tips as Part of National Senior Fraud Awareness Day on May 15 By the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America – With scammers stealing an estimated $7 billion from senior citizens each year according to the FBI, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering S.A.F.E. tips as part of National Senior The post Keeping Seniors with Dementia S.A.F.E. from Scams and Fraud appeared first on Ventura Breeze.
- Ventura Home, Food & Wine Expo Returns with Fresh Trends in Remodeling, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, and Tiny Homes to Ventura County Fairgroundsby Ventura Breeze on May 14, 2026 at 3:24 am
WHAT: The Ventura Home, Wine & Food Expo showcases the latest in decorating, remodeling, landscaping, and tiny homes. Plus, the AAA Travel Showcase and complimentary wine, craft beer, and food tastings. Admission is free. WHERE: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd, Ventura CA 93001 WHEN: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, June 12, 13 & 14, The post Ventura Home, Food & Wine Expo Returns with Fresh Trends in Remodeling, Landscaping, Outdoor Living, and Tiny Homes to Ventura County Fairgrounds appeared first on Ventura Breeze.
- Understanding Pet Body Language: What Your Pet is Trying to Tell Youby Ventura Breeze on May 14, 2026 at 3:13 am
By the National Humane Society – Our pets may not speak our language, but they communicate with us all the time through their body language. Understanding these signals is key to building a stronger bond with your furry, feathered, or scaly friend. Dogs: The Tail Wag is Just the Beginning Wagging Tail: A wagging tail The post Understanding Pet Body Language: What Your Pet is Trying to Tell You appeared first on Ventura Breeze.
- Shelter Pet Spotlight: Bhodiby Ventura Breeze on May 14, 2026 at 3:01 am
Bhodi is a 5-year-old pit bull-type dog, who’s been at the shelter since April 2025. In overwhelming environments like the shelter, Bhodi can become tense, but with the right person, he becomes the life of the party. He leans in for pets and loves walks with a little chaos — splashing in puddles, rolling in The post Shelter Pet Spotlight: Bhodi appeared first on Ventura Breeze.
- New Art City Theatre Festival ’26 – 4 days. 4 plays. 4 free.by Ventura Breeze on May 13, 2026 at 10:41 pm
WHERE: Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa Street in Ventura, CA WHEN: June 18 — 21, 2026. Daily matinee and evening performances. Admission is free. New Art City Theatre, a Ventura County-based professional theatre company dedicated to discovering and developing new original works for the stage, announces the four finalists for Festival ’26, the company’s The post New Art City Theatre Festival ’26 – 4 days. 4 plays. 4 free. appeared first on Ventura Breeze.
- Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan (CWPP) Presentationby Ventura Breeze on May 12, 2026 at 1:24 am
Join Ventura Land Trust, Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council, and Ventura Fire Department for an informative evening focused on community wildfire preparedness and safety. This interactive presentation will gather community feedback on VLT’s 2023 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) in advance of updates. As part of Ventura City & County requirements, fuel clearance must be completed by June 1st each year—this The post Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan (CWPP) Presentation appeared first on Ventura Breeze.
- Enduring Voices -A Free Event Exploring the Local Impacts of the Japanese American Incarceration of World War IIby Ventura Breeze on May 12, 2026 at 1:13 am
The Ventura County Library invites the community to join a special evening conversation with Dr. Lily Anne Welty Tamai. The event is presented as part of the 2026 One Book, One Coast program, centered around George Takei’s graphic memoir, They Called Us Enemy. This event brings the history home. Ventura County had a thriving Japanese American farming The post Enduring Voices -A Free Event Exploring the Local Impacts of the Japanese American Incarceration of World War II appeared first on Ventura Breeze.
- Laugh For Good – Nate’s Place Fundraiserby Ventura Breeze on May 9, 2026 at 3:35 am
Join us for a fun night of comedy, community, and connection at Laugh For Good Comedy Night and Silent Auction benefiting Nate’s Place and hosted by JEST Improv. Grab your friends, enjoy some laughs, bid in the silent auction, and help support Ventura County teens and young adults through free mental health and recovery support services. $20–$30 at the The post Laugh For Good – Nate’s Place Fundraiser appeared first on Ventura Breeze.
- Evening of Gratitude: Celebrating the Hearts and Hands of Every Volunteerby Ventura Breeze on May 9, 2026 at 2:05 am
WHEN: Thursday, May 21, 4:00 – 6:00 pm WHERE: Camarillo Public Library, Community Room, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, CA 93010 RSVP by Tuesday, May 19 Light refreshments will be served Tickling the ivories for us… Mr. Kenny Larsen Celebrating The Norm Weitzel Award Honoring Randy Alcorn, Richard & Su Countess Scholarships to student The post Evening of Gratitude: Celebrating the Hearts and Hands of Every Volunteer appeared first on Ventura Breeze.
