The At First Sight New Play Festival 2023

Coordinated by the M.F.A. Playwriting and Dramaturgy cohorts

Now in its eleventh year, At First Sight will feature two new plays by M.F.A. playwrights Annalise Cain and David Davila. The Festival’s culminating weekend includes the popular Undergrad Shorts and a series of panels hosted by M.F.A. Dramaturgy students. Students are joined by the Katy Bigge Kestner Festival Guest Artists, industry professionals who provide their insight and expertise throughout the weekend.

Running Time: Festival runs March 3 through March 10

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Buy tickets online
March 3-10, 2023

Wells-Metz Theatre

  • 7:30 P.M.
March 7-10, 2023

Studio Theatre

  • 7:30 P.M.

Learn more about IU Theatre ticket options

Designers Exhibition: Art Gallery (March 3-10)

Friday, March 3

  • Why Liliya Why, by Annalise Cain | 7:30 p.m. | Wells-Metz Theatre

Saturday, March 4

  • Why Liliya Why, by Annalise Cain | 7:30 p.m. | Wells-Metz Theatre
  • Kick-off Party & Mixer |9:00 p.m. | Art Gallery & Mezzanine
  • Undergrad Shorts, staged readings of short plays by undergraduate students | 10:00 p.m. | A201 Acting Studio

Monday, March 6

  • Multicultural Writers’ Room – free and open playwriting workshop with Dr. Ana Carneiro, head of the M.F.A. in Playwriting program | 4:00 p.m. | Art Gallery

 Tuesday, March 7

  • Asianness, Theatre, Justice Conversation with Dr. Takeo Rivera, playwright and specialist in performance studies, ethnic studies, and queer theory in U.S. American cultural production (Boston University) | 12:00 p.m. | A300 Aquarium
  • New Plays in Indiana – Participatory round table with local and regional theatre artists and producers |5:00 p.m. | A200
  • Networking hour | 6:00 p.m. | Art Gallery & Mezzanine
  • 1-minute play booths | 6:30 p.m. | R. Keith and Marion Michael Lobby
  • 1970’s College Sex Comedy, by David Davila (première) | 7:30 p.m. | Studio Theatre
  • Why Liliya Why, by Annalise Cain | 7:30 p.m. | Wells-Metz Theatre

Wednesday, March 8

  • At First Sight 2023 New Plays in Context – panel with award-winning multiplatform playwright Migdalia Cruz (Princeton University/Fornés Institute) & Dr. Eric Mayer-García (IU Bloomington) | 5:00 p.m. | Aquarium
  • 1970’s College Sex Comedy, by David Davila | 7:30 p.m. | Studio Theatre
  • Why Liliya Why, by Annalise Cain | 7:30 p.m. | Wells-Metz Theatre

Thursday, March 9

  • 1970’s College Sex Comedy, by David Davila | 7:30 p.m. | Studio Theatre
  • Why Liliya Why, by Annalise Cain | 7:30 p.m. | Wells-Metz Theatre

Friday, March 10

  • Best Practices in New Play Development – Howlround livestreamed panel with guests Martine Green-Rogers (De Paul University), Celise Kalke (Synchronicity Theatre), and Bradley Michalakis (Alley Theatre) | 12:00 p.m. | A152
  • Asian Solidarity Flashmob | 7:10 p.m. | R. Keith and Marion Michael Lobby
  • 1970’s College Sex Comedy, by David Davila | 7:30 p.m. | Studio Theatre
  • Why Liliya Why, by Annalise Cain | 7:30 pm | Wells-Metz Theatre

Saturday, March 11

  • When is a Play Ready? – closing round table with guests Martine Green-Rogers (De Paul University), Celise Kalke (Synchronicity Theatre), and Bradley Michalakis (Alley Theatre) | 11:00 am | A300 Aquarium