Forestburgh Playhouse Celebrates the 5th Anniversary of the In the Works~In the Woods Festival, September 5–7, 2025
Forestburgh Playhouse Celebrates the 5th Anniversary of the In the Works~In the Woods Festival, September 5–7, 2025
FORESTBURGH, NY — The Forestburgh Playhouse is proud to announce the fifth anniversary of the IN THE WORKS~IN THE WOODS Festival, returning September 5–7, 2025, to the idyllic Forestburgh Playhouse campus in the heart of the Catskills.
Now in its milestone fifth year, this vibrant, three-day festival continues to serve as a dynamic incubator for new theatrical voices—celebrating bold, diverse works across plays, musicals, cabaret, and family theatre. This special anniversary edition will feature a packed schedule of staged readings, artist conversations, cabaret performances, open rehearsals, and immersive audience experiences—drawing theater lovers and creators from around the country.
2025 FESTIVAL LINEUP INCLUDES:
A NEW PLAY:
The Telling of the Bees
By Chandler Hubbard
Directed by Casey Stangl
Friday, Sept. 5 at 7:00 PM — Reading + Q&A (Barn Theater)
Saturday, Sept. 6 at 2:30 PM — Encore Reading (Church)
A mysterious young man arrives at the doorstep of a grieving family, stirring memories of a national tragedy—and the possibility of healing.
Featured reading + Q&A
A NEW MUSICAL:
The Enlightenment of Percival von Schmootz
By Christopher Dimond & Michael Kooman
Directed by Ashley Rodbro, Music Director Cynthia Meng
Friday, Sept. 5 at 4:45 PM — Behind-the-Scenes Open Rehearsal (Back Deck)
Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 PM — Reading + Q&A (Barn Theater)
Sunday, Sept. 7 at 4:00 PM — Encore Reading (Barn Theater)
The world’s last optimist tries to end the Dark Ages! What could possibly go wrong?
Staged reading, artist talkbacks, and VIP open rehearsal
A NEW MUSICAL FOR FAMILY AUDIENCES
Book of Wonder
By Kate Brennan & David Lee White
Directed by Roque Berlanga | Musical Director Erik Wakar
Saturday, Sept. 6 at 11:00 AM — Reading + Q&A (Garden Patio Stage)
Sunday, Sept. 7 at 11:00 AM — Encore Reading (Garden Patio Stage)
A whimsical quest for stories that come alive. Perfect for audiences of all ages.
Readings in the Garden Patio with Q&A
NEW CABARET (THE CATSKILLS CAB LAB):
Original Solo Cabarets by Broadway Talents Robert Anthony Jones and Shereen Ahmed
Musical Direction by Andrew David Sotomayor
SUNDAY SOLO EVENT:
What Would Meryl Do?
A new play Written & Performed by Neal Lerner | Directed by Colin Hanlon
Sunday, Sept. 7 at 1:30 PM — Reading + Q&A (Church)
One man. One mission. One obsession with Meryl Streep. A comedic masterclass in reinvention.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS & SPECIAL VIP EVENTS
- THURSDAY, SEPT 4 | 7:30–9:30 PM
Kick-Off Party for Passport Holders — meet the artists, enjoy a few sneak peeks, and toast to 5 incredible years of ITW~ITW! - FRIDAY, SEPT 5 | 2:30 PM
Off the Cuff: Conversation with Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Jerry Mitchell - SATURDAY, SEPT 6 | 5:00 PM
Off the Cuff: Conversation with Tony Award-winning Lighting Designer Natasha Katz - VIP Open Rehearsal The Enlightenment of Percival von Schmootz
- Do Good Spirits Tasting Tent
- Catskills Canteen: Open Mic Night (Saturday at 10 PM)
- Grizzly Bagels Morning Mixer (Sunday morning on the front patio)
TICKETS & FESTIVAL PASSES
Festival Passports unlock the full ITW~ITW experience:
VIP access to events
Priority seating
Invitations to the Kick-Off Party & Open Mic
Behind-the-scenes experiences
All in the stunning, wooded charm of the Forestburgh Playhouse campus
Visit fbplayhouse.org for ticketing, full schedule, and artist bios.
A FESTIVAL 5 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Since its founding in 2021, IN THE WORKS~IN THE WOODS has grown into a must-attend festival for creators and theater lovers alike. With a focus on process, community, and the power of storytelling, ITW~ITW has nurtured dozens of new works and continues to serve as a launchpad for tomorrow’s most compelling theatrical voices.
Join us as we celebrate 5 years of creativity, connection, and magic in the woods.
Contact:
Forestburgh Playhouse
845-791-1194
845-794-2005
About the Forestburgh Playhouse
Founded in 1947, the Forestburgh Playhouse has served as a beacon of the arts in the Sullivan Catskills for over 75 years. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Franklin Trapp, the Playhouse continues to deliver high-quality theatre productions and foster the development of new works. With a mission that encompasses professional theatre, arts education, and youth programming, the Playhouse attracts over 30,000 patrons each summer and is a proud pioneer in the resurgence of live performances.
The Forestburgh Playhouse is a non-for-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of the arts in Sullivan County, NY. (Federal ID #46-4432375, NYS Charities #44-50-97, NYS Tax Exempt #259887)
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