I became aware of World Premiere Wisconsin sometime last year but I wasn’t totally in tune with just how big and far reaching they are. Happily, World Premiere Wisconsin’s Samantha Martinson, Festival Producer, and Allie Babich, Assistant Festival Producer, sent me their press release for 2026! So here’s looking at you kids!!
Three years ago, World Premiere Wisconsin (WPW) launched its inaugural statewide festival, bringing together nearly 50 theater companies, hundreds of artists, and thousands of audience members from across Wisconsin to celebrate bold new work created right here at home. The 2023 festival not only energized the state’s creative ecosystem—it captured national attention. Among the six finalists for The American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) 2024 Harold and Mimi Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award were two plays, The Heart Sellers by Lloyd Suh and I Carry Your Heart With Me by Jennifer Blackmer, which proudly premiered at Milwaukee Repertory Theater and Third Avenue PlayWorks, respectively, as part of the groundbreaking World Premiere Wisconsin initiative. The festival was recognized in outlets such as American Theatre Magazine and The New York Times for its innovation and statewide impact.
In 2026, World Premiere Wisconsin returns—bigger, bolder, and now spanning an entire year. Festival Producer Samantha Martinson and Assistant Festival Producer Allie Babich, in tandem with the board of directors, are spearheading WPW’s second incarnation. Now a newly-minted not-for-profit, WPW continues its mission to build connections amongst Wisconsin artists, strengthen the state’s creative economy, and showcase the vibrant arts, culture, and tourism that make this an extraordinary place to live and visit.
WPW remains the only statewide festival of its kind in the country—a coordinated, multi-institution effort focused exclusively on launching new theatrical work. Its model has been cited by arts leaders nationwide as a potential blueprint for collaborative revitalization in the performing arts sector. The 2026 festival aims to build on that success, demonstrating that Wisconsin remains a national leader in new-play development and community-centered arts innovation.
“WPW proved in 2023 that when Wisconsin’s theater community comes together, remarkable things happen,” said WPW Founder and Board Chair, Jen Uphoff Gray. “The success of that first festival exceeded our hopes—it built new relationships, amplified Wisconsin on the national stage, and celebrated the incredible storytelling happening in every corner of our state. In 2026, we’re expanding that work across a full year, deepening our investment in local artists and inviting even more people to discover the power of original Wisconsin-made theater.”
WPW Festival Producer Samantha Martinson added: “WPW continues to show what’s possible when creative artists get together to build something new. This festival proves that Wisconsin theaters know how to lead the way forward.”
About the 2026 Festival
The 2026 World Premiere Wisconsin festival will run January 1 – December 31, 2026 and feature new world premieres from theater companies statewide; workshops, readings, and productions supporting both emerging and established writers; community partnerships that link theater with cultural tourism and local businesses; and statewide events designed to engage audiences and highlight regional arts ecosystems.
As in 2023, WPW will highlight the breadth of Wisconsin’s theater-making—urban and rural, emerging and established, experimental and traditional—inviting audiences to travel, explore, and celebrate stories born from Wisconsin communities. WPW welcomes any and all theaters, producers, and artists to join the festival and produce new works throughout the year with no financial barriers.
WORLD PREMIERE WISCONSIN 2026 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
WPW Festival Schedule
Please refer to the website for additions and any updates to the full WPW festival schedule. Listings are subject to change. For specific production updates, please refer to the producing theater’s website for the most up-to-date information, including runtimes and how to purchase tickets.
This list captures the world premiere productions that are currently announced. Additional performances from other participating theaters will be provided as theaters release information and season announcements.
Currently announced productions:
MILWAUKEE/SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN
- MAYBE WE’LL FLY by Marie Kohler and Josh Schmidt at Milwaukee Opera Theater, January 16-18
- GEORGE & GRACIE: A LOVE STORY by Tami Workentin at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, May 1-June 14 and at Northern Sky Theater fall 2026
MADISON/CENTRAL WISCONSIN
- BEFORE THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS by David Daniel at Two Crows Theatre Company, January 22-February 1
- A LOVE LETTER by AJ Juarez of BARRIO Dance and Theater LILA at ART House 360, February 5-15
- EVERLASTING FAINT music by Scott Gendel and libretto by Sandra Flores-Strand at Madison Opera, February 13-15
- MIDWESTERN GOODBYES by Charly Sparks at Madison College, February 20-28
- TIARA’S HAT PARADE by Paige Hernandez at Children’s Theater of Madison, March 7-22
- MISS DOOR COUNTY by Nathan Fosbinder at Music Theater of Madison, March 20-21
- STEADY SHE GOES by Erica Berman and Scott McKenna Campbell and DAN SEAVEY: CONFESSIONS OF A GREAT LAKES PIRATE by Tom Kastle at Four Seasons Theatre, March 28-29
- LADY DISDAIN by Lauren Gunderson at Forward Theater Company, April 9-26
- THE IMMORTAL’S GUIDE TO DEATH by Grace Heine at Parkview Playhouse, October 25-November 1
DOOR COUNTY/NORTHEASTERN WISCONSIN
- DR. BELLBOY AND THE FANTASTICAL BATTLE WITH THE ENERGY VAMPIRE with book & lyrics by Thomas Cambell and music by Benjamin Olejniczak at UW-Green Bay, February 20-21
- THE THING WITH FEATHERS by Robin Share and Clay Zambo at Northern Sky Theater, Summer 2026
- THE CALL LIST by Brian James Polak at Third Avenue Playworks, September 23-October 11
Current full festival participant list: https://worldpremierewisconsin.com/join/
Extra Credit Reading: World Premiere Wisconsin FAQs