McKinney New works Play Reading Festival

Thanks to a generous gift from Rainer & Sandra Schulte, MRT proudly presents the inaugural McKinney New Works Play Reading Festival and Young Playwright Competition, a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and NTX voices in theatre. This new event will showcase three original works by local playwrights - two established and the winner of the Schulte Prize for Young Playwrights.  Each original theatrical work will be performed as a live staged reading in the intimate, historic setting of the Heard-Craig Carriage House in downtown McKinney.

The 2026 festival will feature:

• Better Half Dead by Joan Torres on February 12, 2026 at 7 PM
   
• Tar-Tuff by Dr. Andrew Harris on February 19, 2026 at 7 PM
   
• Book Bound by Jordan Madison Teeling (Winner of the Schulte Prize for Young Playwrights) on February 26, 2026 at 7 PM

We are especially proud to honor Jordan Teeling’s Book Bound as this year’s Schulte Prize for Young Playwrights winner — selected for its heart, originality, and promise. The staged reading on February 26 will be a highlight of the festival, giving audiences a first glimpse of a new theatrical voice in our region.

Tickets for all three (3) staged readings in the festival are $30, or $15 for individual readings. Secure your seats now and be among the first to experience these exciting new works!  Tickets available by clicking here!

Named in honor of Rainer & Sandra Schulte, whose generous gift made the New Works Play Reading Festival and Young Playwright Competition possible, this award was created to encourage and recognize young playwrights in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. The winning playwright receives a $500 cash prize and a staged reading of their play as part of the McKinney New Works Festival.

Please note:  All staged readings are rated PG-13.