Artist Salon with the 2026 NPC Playwrights at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center

Artist Salon with the 2026 NPC Playwrights at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center offers audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of some of today’s emerging playwrights. Held on Friday, July 3, in the O’Neill’s Amphitheater, the evening program invites the public to hear directly from the writers participating in the prestigious National Playwrights Conference (NPC), one of the nation’s leading programs for the development of new plays.

Moderated by Artistic Director Melia Bensussen, the salon provides an opportunity to learn how new works evolve from initial ideas to scripts in development. Members of the 2026 National Playwrights Conference cohort will discuss their projects, creative inspiration, and experiences during their residency at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, offering audiences an inside look at the collaborative process of bringing new theater to life.

Whether you’re a theater enthusiast, aspiring playwright, or simply curious about the creative arts, the Artist Salon offers a rare opportunity to engage with artists at work. Admission is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis, making the event accessible to anyone interested in contemporary theater and the future of American playwriting.

Event Details

• Event: Artist Salon with the 2026 NPC Playwrights
• Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
• Time: 7:00 p.m.
• Venue: Amphitheater
• Location: Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Waterford, CT
• Admission: Pay what you can

Program

The evening features:

• Conversation with the 2026 National Playwrights Conference cohort
• Discussion moderated by Artistic Director Melia Bensussen
• Insights into works in development
• A look at the playwrights’ creative process
• Reflections on the writers’ residency at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center

About the National Playwrights Conference

The National Playwrights Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center is one of the country’s premier programs for developing new theatrical works. Each year, selected playwrights work alongside directors, actors, and theater professionals to refine new plays before they reach audiences and stages around the world.

Who Should Attend

This program is ideal for:

• Theater lovers
• Playwrights
• Writers
• Actors
• Students of theater
• Anyone interested in the creative process behind new plays

Important Information

• The event is open to the public.
• Admission is pay what you can.
• Seating is in the Amphitheater at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center.