Back Door to Broadway Festival at American Theatre of Actors

Step into the excitement of the First Annual Back Door to Broadway Theatre Festival in the heart of New York City's theater district, April 13 through 19, 2026. Featuring 1 original plays and musicals, this dynamic new festival brings together a wide range of comedies and dramas by playwrights from the NYC area, throughout the U.S., and the U.K. From emerging new writers to seasoned playwrights, Back Door to Broadway shines a spotlight on bold original voices and fresh theatrical storyteling. With the chance to see a different show every night and vote for a favorite production for a cash prize, audiences can be part of the journey as some of these works take the stage in NYC for the very first time. All performances will be held at the American Theatre of Actors, 314 West 54th Street, 4th Floor Sargent Theater, New York, NY. Founded by Elise Maurine Milner, Founder and Artistic Director of Hanging Cow Productions, the festival is proudly family owned and operated.