BEST OF PLAYGROUND(NY) ’26 at Playground-NY

Help celebrate the best writers and short works from PlayGround-NY’s fifth season! The Best of PlayGround(NY) features a special in-person and simulcast presentation of six short plays originally developed through the Monday Night PlayGround staged reading series.

PlayGround-NY presents Season 5
BEST OF PLAYGROUND(NY) ’26
April 20, 2026 at 7pm ET at The Producers Club & Simulcast
Admission: Free (Suggested Donation: $10-$30)

ABOUT THE PLAYS

Friendly Skies by Dana Leslie Goldstein
Marion has finally made a New Year’s resolution to face her fear of flying.  What could possibly go wrong?

Jung by Matthew Park
A prickly nursing home resident receives a new caregiver with whom she cannot communicate. Can they transcend the divide of language and the generations to find connection? 

Carnivores by Jacob Marx Rice
Zeke is a cat. He's led a good life of belly rubs and tuna fish. But owner is lying dead on the floor and he's getting hungry.

Human Programming by Natalie Sacks
An android therapist and the scientist who built her have an ethical debate with unanticipated and far-reaching consequences.

The Holiday Party by Gaven Trinidad
Three gay friends prepare for their annual very intimate Holiday Party, but a huge misunderstanding forces the three to change course last-minute just before the guests arrive.

Best Christmas Ever by Leela Velautham
Max's plans for a peaceful, solo Christmas get derailed. 

Honorable Mention Finalists:
Duckling by Maisa Chiang
Ghost Light/The Light That Waits by Melvin Ningyao Yen

Best of PlayGround-NY People’s Choice & New Play Commission
Support your favorite play/playwright by casting your “vote” (i.e., making a tax-deductible donation) for the Best of PlayGround-NY People’s Choice Award. The top vote-getter will receive a paid commission to adapt their award-winning ten-minute play into a new full-length over the next year. It’s one of the ways we can work together to help launch tomorrow’s great playwrights today! You can also vote/donate via Venmo (@playgroundsf) and Zelle (info@playground-ny.org). Indicate your choice of play(s) in your order comments and/or “in honor of” section.