Kent Stephens’ STAGE FORCE’s annual Play Reading Series - where professional actors perform some of today’s hottest scripts without props, costumes, or sets – draws a large following of loyal fans. The series is so popular, in fact, that the company recently decided to take it to a slightly bigger venue. “We’ve always been very happy with the Kittery Art Association,” says founder and artistic director Kent Stephens. “It’s a beautiful venue. We just think it’s time for us to grow.”

The company decided on a move to The Music Hall Loft after their experience producing some of their Main Stage shows there this past year. “It’s still an intimate space, but an increased number of seats will mean fewer disappointed fans who can’t get in,” Stephens says. Ticket prices for the series will increase from $10 to $12, but will now also include a complimentary beverage: glass of wine, beer, presspot coffee, White Heron tea, or soft drink.

This year’s series will open on Monday, Feb 20, with boom by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, an epic, delightfully weird comedy about a sexual rendezvous in a mysterious underground laboratory that goes from strange to powerful as a comet barrels into Earth. The reading will feature Whitney Smith, Susan Poulin, and STAGE FORCE newcomer Brent Askari.

Titles for the readings on Monday, March 12 and Monday April 23 remain to be announced as rights are negotiated, but the series will close on Monday, May 14 with a STAGE FORCE first. The company will actually be holding the premiere public reading of a brand new play, THE PINK UNICORN by Elise Forier Edie.

The story of a Texas mother thrown into a brave new ethical world when her daughter announces that she is “gender neutral”, the playwright caught Stephens’ attention when he met Edie during his time sitting on the National Endowment for the Arts Theatre Panel last December. Edie, who lives in Washington state, will be on site during the reading to talk back with the audience about their reactions.

The Play Reading Series is sponsored by D. Pratt Framer, with support from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. All Play Reading performances start at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets for the series are $12 and go on sale through The Music Hall box office on Feb 6. They can be purchased in advance at 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, at TheMusicHall.org, or by calling 603.436.2400. Tickets are also always available on a walk-up basis on the night of performances at The Music Hall Loft, 131 Congress Street, Portsmouth. For more information about the series, visit STAGEFORCE.org.

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