Join us for a captivating night celebrating the work of Lauren Gunderson - America’s most produced playwright of the 2025–2026 season. Experience a dynamic selection of scenes and monologues from Gunderson’s rich catalogue, brought to life by the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama’s Acting Ensemble, Class of 2027.

The evening is presented by the CMU Center for New Work Development with support from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, and we’re honored to welcome Lauren Gunderson herself in attendance. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the next generation of performers engaging with one of the most exciting voices in contemporary theater.

The Center for New Work Development connects the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama and Pittsburgh’s established theaters to generate new work initiatives, creating a collaborative hub between higher education and regional theaters to sustain new live theatrical performance. Whether it be readings, masterclasses, workshops, or developmental productions, the Center provides students for-credit learning opportunities to engage with leading theatremakers as they develop their latest creations. Partners for the inaugural year are City Theatre Company, Kelly Strayhorn Theater, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Public Theater, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and Play On Shakespeare.