Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 01/17/2026
(NEW YORK, NY) -- The 2026 edition of the Chain Winter One-Act Festival takes place from February 5 through March 1, 2026, at Chain Theatre (312 West 36th Street, 3rd and 4th Floors, New York, NY). The festival has become one of the city's largest and most dynamic showcases for new work.
The festival is a carefully curated "mix-tape" of programming bringing together drama, comedy, and everything in between, welcoming Broadway actors, beloved television performers, and emerging voices to the same stage. The 2026 Winter Festival will feature more than 90 new plays and hundreds of artists, creating a vibrant playground for creativity that celebrates storytelling in all its forms. All non-union productions will be live-streamed and followed by a special moderated talkback with participating artists and Chain Theatre leadership.
Festival headliners and highlights include:
* The return of Jesse Eisenberg, who will direct the father-daughter duo Ralph Macchio* (Cobra Kai, The Karate Kid, My Cousin Vinny) and Julia Macchio* (Cobra Kai, City on a Hill, Girl Most Likely) in Jeryl Brunner's SWEET TART with Anna Strout, Barbara Toy and Eisenberg producing
* Lyle Kessler's (Orphans) SH*T KICKERS, starring two-time Emmy Award-winner and Academy Award-nominee Carol Kane* (Taxi, Dog Day Afternoon) and Margaret Ladd*
* Academy Award-nominee and two-time Obie Award-winner José Rivera, who presents the World Premiere of LOOK WHAT CRASHED THROUGH THE PORTAL AND ENDED UP IN BROOKLYN
* Three-time Emmy Award-winner Jennifer Pepperman as writer/director of RAY
* The World Premiere of STALLED, directed by David Zayas Jr., written by and starring Diego Aguirre (Dexter: Resurrection, Monsterland), and also starring Joseph Russo (The Offer, Jersey Boys) and Jacob Lumet Cannavale (The Offer, The Mandalorian)
* THE OBLIQUE, written by Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, and director Christopher Goutman, and starring three-time Emmy Award-winner Cady McClain*
* The World Premiere of THE FUSION EXPERIMENT, written by John Arthur Long (SOVA Winner), directed by Chain Artistic Director Kirk Gostkowski, and starring David Rey (I'm Okay, We're Okay) and Christina Elise Perry (Humpty Dumpty).
"We don't do safe—we do real," says Chain Theatre Artistic Director Kirk Gostkowski. "This is where audiences and artists meet on equal ground to explore the world as it is, and imagine what it could be."
Tickets range from $24-$35, and are available at www.chaintheatre.org. Running Time: Curated program blocks run 60-80 minutes.
The festival boasts a technical team led by Dariel Garcia, with stage management by Megan-Sophie Gore
Chain Theatre always seeks to reflect and react to the world around us. Culturally. Politically. Socially. Audiences can find investment in the work at the Chain because it's about them, no matter the topic. It's a place where artists and audiences can expand their perspectives.
EVENT PREVIEWS
interACT Theatre Productions presents "Psycho Beach Party"
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents Psycho Beach Party by Charles Busch presented as part of OUT IN MAPSO PRIDE 2026 with two performances June 19-20 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts.
The Road Company presents "We've Got Soul: A Tribute to Soul Train"
(WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ) -- The Road Company presents a Juneteenth Arts Celebration with We've Got Soul: A Tribute to Soul Train, performances take place June 19-20, 2026. The Grand Theatre will transform into a celebration of rhythm, culture, and soul with this show!
The Barn Theatre presents The Solstice Showcase
(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- The Barn Theatre presents The Solstice Showcase, its biennial festival of original one-act plays, from June 19-21, 2026. This three-day event showcases new works of up-and-coming playwrights from the NJ/NY area and beyond and other theatrical talent.
Chatham Community Players present a reading of "Indecent" by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel
(CHATHAM, NJ) -- The Chatham Community Players present a reading of Indecent by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. The play charts the history of an incendiary drama and the path of the artists who risked their careers and lives to perform it.
Cape May Stage presents a reading of "What Would Meryl Do?" by Neal Lerner
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents a reading of What Would Meryl Do? by Neal Lerner on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 7:00pm. This is a one-man comic whirlwind about a desperate man in a small upstate town who decides to teach a class on how to live like Meryl Streep — because why not? Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Shakespeare Theatre's Acting Apprenticeship Company presents "Love's Labour's Lost"
(MADISON, NJ) -- The Acting Apprenticeship Company at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Love's Labour's Lost on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm in the K.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. Fall under the spell of Shakespeare's sparkling comedy of romance, wit, and unexpected desire.
Middlesex County's Plays in the Park presents "All Shook Up"
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays in the Park kicks off its season with All Shook Up from June 17-27, 2026. Loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, it's 1955, and into a square little town rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets.
Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park presents "All Shook Up" by Joe DiPietro
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents All Shook Up by Jersey's own Joe DiPietro from June 17-27, 2026. Loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, it's 1955 and into a square little town rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets.
"Golden Girls - The Tribute Show!" comes to Kelsey Theatre on June 27th
(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Drag Events Unlimited presents Golden Girls - The Tribute Show! on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Kelsey Theatre. This is an evening of hilarious fun with your favorite Sassy Seniors! Live Scenes, Trivia, Games, Musical Performances, Sing-Alongs, and more! Showtime is 8:00pm.
Cumberland Players presents "Reefer Madness, the Musical"
(VINELAND, NJ) -- Cumberland Players presents Reefer Madness, the Musical across two weekends from June 19-28, 2026. When a clean-cut kid from a stand-up American family falls prey to marijuana, his descent into the pit is filled with jazz, sex and violence. This pointed polticial satire will go straight to your head!
FEATURED EVENTS
