Headwaters New Play Program
2025 HEADWATERS FESTIVAL WEEKEND
AUGUST 29–31
Experience New Play Development at all stages of the process
All events are at the Ruth Humphreys Brown Theatre (120 S. Main St.) unless otherwise noted. The pass gets you in to all events including the Kings of Midnight reading, puppetry demo, and Sunday brunch.
The YAOT and Tiny Tour performances are free to attend; however you must purchase a pass to attend the staged reading, puppetry demo, and Sunday brunch.
Friday, August 29
10am – YAOT World Premiere: Raquel’s Purple Pineapple Adventures (Cast A)
11:15am – Tiny Tour premiere
1:00pm – Kings of Midnight staged reading and puppetry demonstration with Dragoncillo Puppet Troupe
Saturday, August 30
10am – YAOT World Premiere: Raquel’s Purple Pineapple Adventures (Cast B)
Sunday, August 31
10am – Brunch and Chat Back @ The Cliffside Patio (just north of the Mainstage Theatre at 124 N. Main St.)
** PLEASE NOTE that the Pass will get you in to ALL the Headwaters events for the weekend. The Dragoncillo reading will be assigned seating which you will select when purchasing the pass, but all educational performances (YAOT & Tiny Tour) are General Admission. To attend the brunch on Cliffside Patio, please show your ticket at entry. The Headwaters Pass is not included with the season Flex Pass.
NEW PLAYS PROGRESS:
Dragoncillo Puppet Troupe – 2025 Commission
We are thrilled to be commissioning a new play from Jason Yancey and Esther Fernandez, in partnership with Dragoncillo Puppet Troupe. Known for their vibrant and imaginative storytelling, Dragoncillo seamlessly blends puppetry and music to create magical all-ages performances. Their latest work weaves a beautiful tale about the gifts of family, memory, friendship, and storytelling to help us process grief. We can’t wait to help bring their vision to life and share this heartfelt, inspiring new play with CRT audiences! Our 2025 New Play Commission is directed by CRT alumnus Matt Zambrano.
WHAT IS HEADWATERS?
The Headwaters New Play Program commissions, develops, and produces new American plays, amplifying the voices and culture of the San Luis Valley and the rural Southwestern United States. New stories are essential for keeping theatre relevant by offering fresh perspectives, diverse voices, and innovative narratives. They push artistic boundaries and provide opportunities for emerging talent, ensuring theatre remains responsive to our ever-evolving culture. Since 2012, eight plays from the program have premiered during Creede Repertory Theatre’s main season.
2012 Harry the Great by John DiAntonio
2015 Ghost Light by Nagle Jackson
2016 The History Room by Charlie Thurston and Kind of Red by John DiAntonio
2017 General Store by Brian Watkins
2019 Hazardous Materials by Beth Kander
2023 Mountain Octopus by Beth Kander
2024 Prima’s Guide to Funerals by Leonard Madrid
Our annual world premiere productions for CRT Education—Tiny Tour, The KID Show, and the Young Audience Outreach Tour (YAOT)—are also commissioned and produced as part of Headwaters.