Topher Payne

The Essential Theatre Play Festival Will Return to 7Stages this August
by Stephi Wild - Jul 31, 2026

Essential Theatre Festival will return to 7Stages with Susan Swavely's award-winning play Helen of the West, alongside readings and showcases from a dozen Georgia playwrights.

BRIGHT STAR, SHE LOVES ME and More Set for Kent State School of Theatre and Dance 26-27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 22, 2026

Kent State's School of Theatre and Dance has unveiled its 2026-2027 season, including ''Bright Star,' ' She Loves Me,' 'Romeo and Juliet' and more, beginning in October 2026.

Review: PERFECT ARRANGEMENT at Walking Shadow Theatre
by Jared Fessler - Jun 8, 2026

Running now through June 21, 2026, at the Crane Theater, Walking Shadow Theatre Company’s production of Perfect Arrangement finds an effective balance between comedy and drama, using laughter to draw audiences into a story with surprisingly high stakes.

Photos: First look at King Avenue Players’ PERFECT ARRANGEMENT
by Jerri Shafer - Jun 3, 2026

Set during the Lavender Scare of the 40’s-50’s, this witty, heartfelt, and timely story of love, friendship, and resilience in the face of impossible choices is one you do not want to miss.

Interview: Theatre Life with Lauren M. Gunderson
by Elliot Lanes - Apr 23, 2026

Today’s subject Lauren M. Gunderson is a prime example of an artist living her theatre life to the absolute fullest. She has had the honor of being the most produced playwright in this country three times and shows so signs of letting up with her always superb creative output. One of her latest projects is the world premiere of  I And You The Musical which is in performance at Olney Theatre Center through May 24th. The show is based on her play of the same name, which was part of a Rolling world premiere that played at Olney Theatre Center in 2015.

PERFECT ARRANGEMENT To Be Presented By Moxie TheatreWorks At The Main
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 14, 2026

Moxie TheatreWorks will present PERFECT ARRANGEMENT by Topher Payne at The MAIN in Santa Clarita. Directed by Ashley Taylor, the 1950s-set farce blends comedy with social commentary on identity and conformity.

Out of Box Theatre Will Present A FIRST LADY'S GUIDE TO KILLING THE PRESIDENT
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2026

Out of Box Theatre will return this spring with A First Lady's Guide to Killing the President, a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy by Atlanta playwright Topher Payne and directed by Matthew Busch.

Review: PERFECT ARRANGEMENT Is Perfectly Enjoyable at Elmwood Playhouse
by Bruce Apar - Jan 20, 2026

Both author Topher Payne and director Paul Russo offset the seemingly dark and heavy-handed state of affairs at the state department with effective, tongue-in-cheek deftness. The seriousness of the subject matter is no less impactful when filtered through light moments laced with wit that is delivered expertly by Dylan Coonrad as Jim, a teacher, and by Elinor Greenway as Millie, a prototypical 1950s sitcom housewife. There’s more than a little “Lucy” in her portrayal, yet her serious moments carry the requisite credibility.

PERFECT ARRANGEMENT Comes to Elmwood Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2026

Perfect Arrangement is coming to written by Topher Payne to Elmwood Playhouse this month. Directed by Paul Russo, performances run Friday January 16th 2026 — Saturday February 7th 2026.

ActorsNET to Present Topher Payne’s EVELYN IN PURGATORY This October
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 15, 2025

ActorsNET of Bucks County will present Topher Payne’s Evelyn in Purgatory October 10–26, 2025, at The Heritage Center Theatre in Morrisville, PA. The heartfelt comedy about teachers in the disciplinary “rubber room” will feature a “Pay What You Can” performance on October 18.

Cast Set for Topher Payne's ANGRY FAGS at Ghostlight Ensemble
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 9, 2025

Ghostlight Ensemble has revealed the cast and production team of our fall production Angry Fags by Topher Payne. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

The 2025 Essential Theatre Festival Returns to 7Stages This August
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 14, 2025

The 2025 Essential Theatre Festival will return to 7Stages Theatre from August 8–31, featuring a robust lineup of readings, showcases, and productions that highlight Georgia’s vibrant playwriting community.

Ghostlight Ensemble Unveils Season 9 Lineup Featuring ANGRY FAGS by Topher Payne and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 16, 2025

Ghostlight Ensemble has revealed its Season 9 lineup, which includes the fall production of Angry Fags by Topher Payne. See the full season and learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: MORNINGSIDE IS BRIDESMAIDS MEETS STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Stageworks Theatre
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - May 5, 2025

Morningside is a smart, funny, and unexpectedly impactful piece, brought to vivid life by an incredible cast and direction that understands the delicate balance between laughter and truth.

MORNINGSIDE to Return to Stageworks Theatre This Spring
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 27, 2025

Stageworks Theatre will return with another fan favorite-'Morningside,' a sharp and witty Southern comedy by Topher Payne. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Firehouse Theater Company to Present PERFECT ARRANGEMENT By Topher Payne
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 18, 2025

Firehouse Theater Company will present Perfect Arrangement, a sharp-witted and deeply compelling play by Topher Payne, running from April 5 to May 4, 2025.

Review: PERFECT ARRANGEMENT at The Bent
by Kay Kudukis - Feb 7, 2025

Sometimes I get to see a very good production of a very good play, and I go home feeling satisfied. As a reviewer, I sometimes have to see that same play again at another theatre with an entirely different cast and an entirely different directorial approach. It’s a bit like the remake of a classic. At first you wonder why it needs to be remade, and then having already seen what you consider the gold star, the outcome is less satisfactory. 

Hippodrome Theatre Presents PERFECT ARRANGEMENT, Opening August 30
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 5, 2024

The Hippodrome Theatre, in partnership with the UF School of Theatre + Dance, has announced the opening of its 52nd season with the captivating play Perfect Arrangement by Topher Payne.

The Essential Theatre Play Festival Celebrates 25 Years!
by Stephi Wild - Jul 2, 2024

 The Essential Theatre Play Festival will celebrate 25 years this August with a full schedule of new work by Georgia writers. 

Del Shores Foundation Writers Festival Comes To Atlanta This Month
by Stephi Wild - Feb 8, 2024

The Del Shores Foundation presents its second weekend-long Del Shores Foundation Writers Festival February 23-25, 2024 at Out Front Theatre Company in Atlanta. Learn more about the festival here!