Insider sessions

SCNPF’s “Insider Sessions” are professional development workshops and masterclasses for those in the industry, including established professionals, emerging and early-career artists, and theatre students.

All sessions are led by experienced arts leaders and luminaries and provide a seminar-environment where discussion is highly encouraged.

Early-bird price of $100 gives you admission to all six Insider sessions (does not include VIP tickets to staged readings and is not tax-deductible).

In July we will open individual tickets for Insider Sessions at 30$ per session.

Insider Session Schedule for the 2024 Festival

  • 10:00am Coffee and Meet Up

    Start off Saturday with a coffee and tea gathering designed to bring together theatre folx from across the spectrum. Meet and mingle and have a good time before a day full of the most exciting new theater happening in the country!

  • 11:30am Secrets from a Casting Director

    Merri Sugarman’s Broadway casting credits include School of Rock, Spamalot, Jersey Boys, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Jesus Christ Superstar, It Shoulda Been You, Miss Saigon, A Bronx Tale and Ain’t Too Proud. Hear her stories and learn how an actor goes from a dream to a TONY win by being cast in the biggest Broadway show.

  • 12:30pm Stage to Screen

    Join two leading stars of the Broadway stage and TV Screen as they lead an insightful panel on their journey from the stage to the screen and share insights on the differing acting styles required.

    Together, Celia Keenan Bolger (TONY winner for To Kill a Mockingbird and series regular on "the Gilded Ages") and John Ellison Conlee (TONY nominee for the Full Monty and series regular on Boardwalk Empire) s will share their experiences bringing complex characters to life on stage and screen, the nuances of navigating their craft, and how they connect with audiences through authentic performances. They'll talk about the different acting styles required for plays, musicals, and television/film. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to engage with two theater legends and gain a deeper appreciation for the skills required to succeed on both stage and screen. Spots are limited to sixty people—reserve your spot today!

  • 4:30 Voice Over and Video Games

    Join a multifaceted talent behind some of the most iconic voices, as they share their journey from musical theater stages to the dynamic world of voiceover work.

    In this exclusive session, they will delve into their transition from live performance to voicing unforgettable characters, the unique challenges and rewards of voice acting, and the creative process behind bringing an animated character to life. Whether you're a fan, a budding voice artist, or simply curious about the evolving intersection of theater and vo work, this is a rare opportunity to learn from an industry trailblazer.

  • 6:00pm Writing your Play or Pilot

    Join an award-winning composer, lyricist, and writer for an inspiring panel on the art and craft of writing for the stage. Learn to weave heartfelt stories with compelling music and lyrics and how to develop original works, collaborating with creative teams, and find your unique voice as a writer. This session is a must for aspiring playwrights, composers, and anyone passionate about storytelling. Discover the creative process behind some of today’s most innovative theater and leave inspired to bring your own ideas to life.

  • 9:30pm Broadway Karaoke Night: Sing Your Heart Out

    Ready to steal the spotlight? Join us for an unforgettable Broadway Karaoke Night, where YOU take center stage! Belt out show-stopping tunes alongside fellow theater lovers. Whether you’re channeling Elphaba, Alexander Hamilton, or the Phantom of the Opera, this is your chance to shine and sing your Broadway favorites. With a lively atmosphere, surprise guest appearances, and plenty of iconic hits, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Bring your voice and your love for all things Broadway!

The 2025 Staged Readings

This year’s developmental music stand presentations will include:

Merlin Returns excerpts from a new play by Piff the Magic Dragon

The Vegas Headliner and “Magician of the Year” Piff the Magic Dragon is cast as Merlin in a revival of the 1983 Broadway flop starring Doug Henning in "Merlin Returns". This laugh-out-loud parody focuses on the backstage drama as Piff and his Vegas sidekicks come into increasing conflict with the Musical Theater stars playing the roles originated by Chita Rivera, Nathan Lane, and Christian Slater. Expect jaw-dropping tricks, over-the-top characters, and an outrageous story that proves Broadway can benefit from some magic right now.

TBD a new musical by TBD

Our full season will be announced on April 14. The South Carolina New Play Festival is dedicated to bringing fresh, innovative voices to the stage by showcasing plays and musicals that inspire, challenge, and entertain. With a focus on works in development, the festival celebrates bold storytelling, dynamic characters, and compelling themes that resonate with today’s audiences. Whether it’s a heartfelt drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a groundbreaking musical, the SCNPF champions pieces that push creative boundaries and offer a glimpse into the future of theatre.

TBD a new play by TBD

Our full season will be announced on April 14. The South Carolina New Play Festival is dedicated to bringing fresh, innovative voices to the stage by showcasing plays and musicals that inspire, challenge, and entertain. With a focus on works in development, the festival celebrates bold storytelling, dynamic characters, and compelling themes that resonate with today’s audiences. Whether it’s a heartfelt drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a groundbreaking musical, the SCNPF champions pieces that push creative boundaries and offer a glimpse into the future of theatre.

TBD a new multi-generational play by TBD

Our full season will be announced on April 14. The South Carolina New Play Festival is dedicated to bringing fresh, innovative voices to the stage by showcasing plays and musicals that inspire, challenge, and entertain. With a focus on works in development, the festival celebrates bold storytelling, dynamic characters, and compelling themes that resonate with today’s audiences. Whether it’s a heartfelt drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a groundbreaking musical, the SCNPF champions pieces that push creative boundaries and offer a glimpse into the future of theatre.

  • Hotel Information

    SCNPF has great discounts at several hotels on Main Street. All are within walking distance of every SCNPF event. The Insider Sessions will be held ath Downtown Hyatt.

    Click below to learn about our hotel partners.

  • Travel Information

    Traveling to Greenville is incredibly easy. The Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) airport has been named one of the two best airports in the country.

    There are 6 non-stop flights from NYC to GSP every day. United flies EWR-GSP, Delta and American fly LGA-GSP.

    There is a non-stop flight from LAX to GSP on Breeze airways.

  • SCNPF Party for Insiders

    All full-package insider ticket holders are invited to attend an SCNPF bash on Saturday, August 10, following the evening performance. The party will be located in the Westin Poinsett.