Long Beach Shakespeare Company's New Works Festival to Feature Original Works This June
LIFE AND DEATH IN COWBOY COUNTRY, REFLECTIONS IN A D'BACK'S EYE, and more will be staged at the Helen Borgers Theatre.
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Long Beach Shakespeare Company will continue its 2026 New Works Festival with a second weekend of performances on June 6 and 7 at the Helen Borgers Theatre.
Part of the company's 2026 season, The Stuff of Legends, the festival highlights new plays and developing works by contemporary writers. The June lineup includes Life and Death in Cowboy Country / The Deed, Reflections in a D'Back's Eye, and Department – Episode 2: "Anchor Store."
Reflections in a D'Back's Eye By: Deanne Stillman
Reflections in a D'Back's Eye explores gun violence explores gun violence in America in an unexpected way takes a look at how gun violence is baked into the country's DNA. The dates for performances will be: 6/6 4:30 PM and 6/7 4 PM.
Life and Death in Cowboy Country written by Andrew Tyrell-Smith.
Life and Death in Cowboy Country where a bounty hunter's quarry is only mortally wounded rather than outright killed, it gives the hunter an opportunity to talk to a dead man.
The Deed By: Jessica Wienecke
The Deed in which Mack has a permanent solution for Julie’s temporary problem. Julie has always wanted to die. Mack has always wanted to kill someone. The dates for this double feature performances will be: 6/6 2 PM and 6/7 8 PM.
Among the featured presentations is Department – Episode 2: "Anchor Store," in which Chancy is back from vacation in this Mad Men meets murder mystery set in a Department store in 1946 Chicago a live radio-style presentation that combines voice performance, sound effects, and theatrical storytelling. The production continues one of the festival's recurring formats, blending elements of classic radio drama with live theater. It's written by Christopher Bucca Taylor with performances are 6/6 8 PM and 6/7 1 PM.
The New Works Festival provides opportunities for playwrights, directors, actors, and audiences to engage with new material through staged readings, workshop productions, and audience feedback. The program is designed to support the development of original work and encourage dialogue between artists and audiences.
"The New Works Festival is one of the most exciting parts of our season because it allows audiences to encounter stories at the very beginning of their journey," said Artistic Director Holly Leveque. "Every classic play was once a new work. This festival gives audiences the opportunity to be part of that creative process."
Founded in 1990, Long Beach Shakespeare Company produces both classical and contemporary theater and has expanded its support of new work through initiatives including the New Works Festival.
Ticket Information
Performances will take place June 6–7, 2026, at the Helen Borgers Theatre, located at 4250 Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach.
General Admission Price: $30 and Student Admission Price: $20
Tickets available at LBShakespeare.org or at the Helen Borgers Theater. Tickets, information, and directions to The Helen Borgers Theatre, at 4250 Atlantic, Long Beach, CA, 90807, available at www.LBShakespeare.org.
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