Playcraft Originals

May 25th at 7:00pm & May 28th, at 5:30pm

PlayCraft Originals: your behind-the-scenes look at potential plays for future seasons at KCPT. Road Work Ahead! Come see readings with a cast of actors (both new and familiar) as we delve into innovative work like you've never seen before.

Buy Tickets For 25thView dates & select seats

Buy Tickets For 28thView dates & select seats

STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION - Featured Plays

Blueprint - Early scene development of commissioned plays

In turn-of-the 20th century Washington state, amidst the green moss and towering evergreens of the Olympic Peninsula, lived the notorious hermit outlaw John Tornow – known as the “Wild Man of the Wynoochee.” From 1912-1913, Tornow became subject of the longest manhunt in state history – wanted for the murders of six men, including his twin nephews. His greatest crime, though, was being different - a man who was more at home in the wilderness than civilization. A classic outcast protagonist whose story has resonated with many Washingtonians over the years, Tornow was a controversial character who is a villain to some and folk hero to others. Though our musical is inspired by true events that took place more than 100 years ago, its themes are hugely relevant in light of its subject matter dealing with the tragic effects of gun violence on communities, discrimination based on differences, fake news and more. Our hope is that through this musical, we can create a powerful, thought-provoking work of art that sparks meaningful dialogue and inspires positive change.

When your cultural identity is one thing, but your physical identity is another, how do you navigate self-expression? When do the words, rhythms, and landscapes of your speech enhance rapport with those around you, and when does it confuse or cause aggression? What effect does that have on the soul inside the skin? Living IncogNegro is both a humorous love-letter, and an academic discourse, dedicated to those who find themselves in the middle of a cultural battle they never asked for.

Framework - First drafts of commissioned plays

A Mystery Carol by Doug Given (Thursday, May 25th)
- Ebenezer Scrooge meets Sherlock Holmes in this hilarious holiday hodgepodge of humbug and hugger-mugger.

Turn Key - New scripts ready for performance

Sips & Scripts (Read More)

Show CalendarView dates & Times

Key City Public Theatre has revitalized the spirit of PlayFest from its 25 year history to present fresh, exciting work from regional playwrights and beyond with PlayCraft Originals and Sips & Scripts. Paired with a stunning lobby bar and house, these events promise to be packed full of laughter, introspection, and the highest caliber of talent Port Townsend has to offer. A community extravaganza, all tickets are pay-what-you-wish for a chance to have a behind-the-scenes look at innovative stories in the works.

PlayCraft Originals is your theatrical construction site with new plays in different ‘stages’ of development. Featured readings include a new musical by Linda Dowdell & Jessica Welsh, a mystery mashup by Doug Given, and award-winning solo artist Gin Hammond’s latest play.

Dowdell & Welsh’s Phantom of the Forest centers on a notorious outlaw from the turn of the 20th century John Tornow- the “Wild Man of the Wynoochee.” In 1912, Tornow became subject of the longest manhunt in WA state history – wanted for the murders of six men, including his twin nephews. His greatest crime, though, was being different - a man who was more at home in the wilderness than civilization. A classic outcast protagonist in the tradition of Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd and The Beast, Tornow is a controversial character who is a villain to some and folk hero to others. An original two-act musical, the show’s songs will combine contemporary elements of folk and rock music - for though John Tornow is a figure from Pacific Northwest history, his struggles are universal and timeless.

Given’s A Mystery Carol stacks Ebenezer Scrooge against Sherlock Holmes in this hilarious holiday hodgepodge of humbug and hugger-mugger. What will happen when this holiday grump from Dickensian London meets one of the most iconic detectives of literary history? Watch to find out how this conundrum concludes through wit, exhilarating fun, and merriment that blesses us, every one!

Hammond’s Living IncogNegro asks: When your cultural identity is one thing, but your physical identity is another, how do you navigate self-expression? When do the words, rhythms, and landscapes of your speech enhance rapport with those around you, and when does it confuse or cause aggression? What effect does that have on the soul inside the skin? Living IncogNegro is both a humorous love-letter, and an academic discourse, dedicated to those who find themselves in the middle of a cultural battle they never asked for.

Sips & Scripts - Grab your sips and enjoy fun scripts! Three 10-minute comedic imaginative plays accompanied by cocktails occupy the KCPT stage with adult content, four-letter words, and the chance to see a cast of actors think on the fly for a shaken & stirred final performance of the night with emcees Brendan Chambers & Denise Winter. Featured playwrights and their works include: Paul Kiernan’s “Numb,” hot coffee in your lap and typing with your face, Bry Kifolo’s “DIY Book Boyfriend,” where reality and your high-strung fantasies collide, clash, and climax, plus D.D. Wigley’s “Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself,” where The Prince of Darkness meets The Trickster. A truly raucous night for all!

New Work SponsorTeresa Goldsmith

Call the box office: (360) 385-5278

Walk-up sales available 3 hours prior to curtain.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain.
Concessions Available: Wine, beer, mixed drinks, coffee, snacks, cookies, etc...
Show-up early and enjoy a treat before the show!