Rough Draft Festival 2026 March 10-19

The Rough Draft Festival is a theater festival that provides innovative and boundary-pushing artists with space, resources, and support to further develop their works-in-progress.

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The festival showcases a series of in-progress performances and staged readings, offering artists the chance to put their work on its feet while giving audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process.

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Each year, LPAC selects up to 5 compelling and impactful projects and provides the time, space and resources to advance their development. These presentations often reflect the strength and depth of fully realized productions. 

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Presented by the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, the Rough Draft Festival is committed to offering meaningful exposure and professional support to artists creating new work. Submissions are reviewed by a selection committee composed of theater industry professionals, ensuring that all applications are evaluated with artistic rigor, fairness, and an eye toward innovation.