Announcing the Fifth Annual New Works Festival Finalist!
Bionic By Jenna Jane
In a future where everyone is swapping out their body parts with the latest tech, this full-length sci-fi drama explores the relationship between the body and the self. Bionic tackles the implications of what it means to be human in a future of technology-assisted body modification. Will these “upgrades” bring people closer to their authentic selves or push them farther away?
Jenna Jane is an internationally-produced playwright, based in the Tampa area. She primarily writes comedies and sci-fi for the stage. Jenna’s writing puts authenticity front and center, blows up gender expectations, and explores the relationship between the body and the self. A national award-winning investigative journalist, she graduated summa cum laude from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Jenna is a member of the Dramatists Guild.
New Works Festival celebrates Florida playwrights.
February 23- March 1, 2025
Chosen from 43 playwright submissions, the Fifth Annual finalist will work with directors, actors, and producers to develop and workshop their play before showcasing it in a staged reading in front of an audience. Experience this new work while participating in the creative process by sharing your reactions directly with the playwright and the production team at a post-show talk back.
New Works Festival on 2nd Stage
Saturday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and advanced reservation is highly recommended.
We’d also like to celebrate the Fifth Annual Semi-Finalist Titles:
The Robots of Walmart by Jenny A. Kokai
Napkins by K.E.Mullins
Combined by Max Pinsky
Of The Lake by Connie Schindewolf
Swiped by Samara Siskind
Meet the Behind the Scenes Team
"The NWF allows us to support and be part of theater growing and changing which is what theater does best. Bringing new voices into the conversation and supporting emerging artists is a dream come true and an integral part of our mission. The festival is my favorite time every year."
“The New Works Festival is the culmination of a dream to provide developmental support to playwrights in a welcoming, nurturing, and dynamic environment.”
5th annual NWF Guest Judge
"After two wonderful experiences participating in the New Works Festival as a playwright, I am so excited to be participating as a guest judge this year! I am passionate about new plays and cannot wait to read the submissions.”
2025 Interns
Elizabeth Insuasti
Elizabeth Insuasti is a junior at the University of Florida studying History and Media Production. With a passion for storytelling and creative expression, she is very involved with the student filmmaking projects in Gainesville, including serving as an executive producer with Chompics Productions and F.E.M Films. She is also the founder of Lucero Films, a student organization that aims to support Hispanic and Latinx students in media production. She was also a previous immersion student at WUFT Media, where she got to practice high quality videography and editing for Amplified, Greater Goods, and other projects. Beyond media, she is actively involved in UF’s Hispanic Student Association as an Alumni Director, where they contribute to building community and promoting cultural unity. She has also served as Student Government senator, serving on the Judiciary Committee her entire term.
Ava Sickler
Ava Sickler is a student at the University of Florida, currently majoring in Stage Management. They have worked on several productions at UF's School of Theatre + Dance; they were the Production Assistant for Cabaret, a Deck Stage Manager for Blood at the Root and Pipeline, and the Stage Manager for Dust. They are also interested in graphic design, linguistics, and play/screenwriting. Ava is extremely excited to be interning at the Hipp for the New Works Festival, and is looking forward to working with the playwrights as they develop their scripts on stage!