The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) has announced a call for submissions and actors for the return of its acclaimed Literary Classics Series, aimed at nurturing bold new voices and promoting work that redefines representation on the American stage.
The Literary Classic Series program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with City Council Member Shaun Abreu, the Coalition of Theatres of Color, and Cultural Immigrant Initiative, as well and the Axe-Houghton Foundation, Jarvis & Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, and the Lucille Lortel Foundation.
The free Literary Classics series will run throughout the 2025–26 season. Readings are scheduled at the Harlem School of the Arts, 645 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY.
“We are thrilled to bring back this transformative series, with Playwrights’ Playground to test new pages and Future Classics to elevate full length works, creating a clear path from page to stage,” said Shawn Rene Graham, Literary Director of CTH. “It is a chance for actors, directors, and playwrights to gather, learn from one another, and keep the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance alive.”
The Literary Classics series invests in the development of work that shifts the conversation around representation in theatre. It is dedicated to providing a platform for voices that have been historically underrepresented on the American stage.
Special Announcement: Playwrights’ Playground on December 8 at 7 PM
CTH will host its next Playwrights’ Playgroundreading on December 8 at 7 PM at Harlem School of the Arts. This lively evening features new pages from emerging playwrights, cold readings by actors cast on the spot, and a moderated audience feedback session that offers a unique look into the development process of new American theatre.
Actors: Please arrive by 6:30 PM for the chance to be cast. Limited spots available.
What is Playwrights’ Playground?
Playwrights submit 10–12 pages of a new work in early development. Selected material is read publicly by actors in a cold-reading format, followed by facilitated audience feedback. The program supports writers in refining their scripts while giving audiences a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on how new plays evolve.
Program Schedule for 2025–26 Season
Playwrights’ Playground and Future Classicswill alternate throughout the season, offering artists opportunities to share works-in-progress and new full-length plays.
Tentative Dates:
- December 8, 2025 – 7:00 to 9:00 PM: Playwrights’ Playground; actors who are interested in reading should arrive by 6:30 PM
- January 26, 2026 – 7:00 to 10:00 PM: Future Classics
- February 8, 2026 – 6:00 to 9:00 PM: Playwrights’ Playground; actors who are interested in reading should arrive by 6:30 PM
- February 23, 2026 – 6:00 to 9:00 PM: Playwrights’ Playground; actors who are interested in reading should arrive by 6:30 PM
- March 23, 2026 – 7:00 to 10:00 PM: Future Classics
- April 27, 2026 – 6:00 to 9:00 PM: Playwrights’ Playground; actors who are interested in reading should arrive by 6:30 PM
Program Details
Playwrights’ Playground:
Ideal for works-in-progress, this program invites playwrights to submit 10–12 pages of a new piece. Selected submissions will be performed as cold readings, followed by audience feedback sessions that help writers refine their material.
Future Classics:
Focused on completed full-length works, this program spotlights playwrights exploring urgent social themes. Participants work closely with CTH’s dramaturg, directors, and actors to present a staged reading and receive professional feedback from industry peers.
How to Submit
Submit your work, along with a brief bio and project description, to Ms. Shawn René Graham, Literary Director, at shawnrene@cthnyc.org. No phone calls, please. For full details, visit www.cthnyc.org.
This announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for CTH, as the organization advances its vision as the next great American theatre company, redefining what classical theatre can be in the 21st century and deepening its roots in Harlem. With support, CTH can continue building a sustainable, community-centered future, including a dedicated space for performance, education, and gathering that brings Harlem’s vibrant energy to accessible, transformative work for artists, students, and audiences alike.
Founded in 1999, The Classical Theatre of Harlem has long been a cultural cornerstone in Upper Manhattan, known for its dynamic reinterpretations of classical works, commitment to social justice, and its free summer productions in Marcus Garvey Park, which serve thousands of New Yorkers each year.
For more information about the show, please visit cthnyc.org. WNYC is a media partner of The Classical Theater of Harlem.
About The Classical Theatre Of Harlem
The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is an American theatre company that tells stories through the lens of the African diaspora. CTH combines original adaptations, music, and dance to present great classics of world literature and contemporary works that will stand the test of time. Since its founding in 1999, CTH has presented works ranging from traditional classical playwrights (Sophocles, Euripides and William Shakespeare) to established 20th-century playwrights (August Wilson, Langston Hughes and Jean Genet) to new plays by emerging playwrights. CTH also proudly provides theater-based training and live theater experiences to Harlem youth and their families through its arts education program, Project Classics. The organization incorporates other theater-related programming including Future Classics, Playwrights’ Playground, and Revisited Classics to engage new audiences, invest in artistic development and give exposure to emerging creators.
The company serves over 35,000 live audience members per year. Its online offerings have drawn over 500,000 viewers. To learn more, visit https://www.cthnyc.org/.