Be Part of the Process with Play Readings!

In partnership with the Chelsea District Library, the Purple Rose offers free concert readings of new plays as well as occasional lectures and panel discussions with playwrights, directors, designers and actors. These readings are free to the general public and do not require a library card.

Zoom readings offer advance looks at plays under consideration for upcoming seasons. These special events are free of charge and feature open forum discussion with the playwright and director. Audience feedback helps shape the script as it moves toward full production and gives us valuable insight into what you are interested in seeing on our stage.

Our panel discussions provide Purple Rose artists an opportunity to share their stories with you, stories about the production behind every great production.

Upcoming CDL Reading:

Saturday, November 14, 2026:

Peril in the Alps by Steven Dietz

CLICK HERE to register. While this is a free reading, you must register to secure your spot by November 13th. CDL Library card is not required to register.

In this new comic mystery romp, the twin sister of Captain Hasting’s wife, Dulcie, has been kidnapped — and Hercule Poirot expects not only extortion to follow, but murder! Using elements of Agatha Christie’s “Poirot Investigates,” Steven Dietz creates a sequel-of-sorts to his wildly popular Murder on the Links, taking us on a thrilling and dangerous trip to the snow-capped Alps where the famed Belgian detective may finally meet his match. Six actors bring to life dozens of eccentric characters and clever suspects in this diabolically funny play.

This reading is made possible through support from:

Saturday, November 14, 2026

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Special thanks to Equity and SAG-AFTRA.

Previous 2020-2026 Purple Rose Zoom Readings:

Under Ceege by Jeffry Chastang

Human Error by Eric Pfeffinger

Cloud Tectonics by José Rivera

The Purple Rose Theatre 10-min Play Festival by Various Artists

“Deactivated” by Jeffry Chastang
“A Rose by Any Other Name” by Ann E. Eskridge
“Happy Born Day” by Shawntai Brown
“The Date Conflict” by Kia T. Barbee
“First-come, First-served” by Cam Blackwell
“The Guardian” by Jay Walker II
“Clubbing” by Charity Clark-Anderson
“One More Day at at Time” by Rhonda English
“Boedie and Carrie” by Angela G. King
“Where Are You?” by Alvaro Saar Rios
“When You Know You Know” by Jeff Daniels

Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine by David MacGregor

Deadline by Marcia Kash and Douglas E. Hughes

Piggsville by Alvaro Saar Rios

Light by Jarrin Davis

The Islanders by Carey Crim

The Fisherman by Jayme McGhan

In Common by Quinn D. Eli

Ichabod by Joseph Zettelmaier

if nobody does remarkable things by Emma Gibson

Stick Fly by Lydia R. Diamond

Our Daughters, Like Pillars by Kirsten Greenidge

Forget About Me (The Breakfast Club Play) by David Hansen

A Lovely Day To Kill Your Spouse by Lindsey Brown

Dirty Legal Secrets by Sarah Feingold

Fourteen Funerals by Eric Pfeffinger

The Antichrist Cometh by David MacGregor

The Tropical Pickle by Jeff Daniels

Last Call at the Aardvark by Paul Stroili

What Springs Forth by Carey Crim

Mildred Whiskey by David MacGregor

Office Christmas Party Grinch in Fight with Rudolph Police Called by Jeff Daniels

Always Come Back by Matt Letscher

Dinner Party by Pardeep Toor

My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War by Paul Stroili

Murder On The Links by Steven Dietz

Surrogate by Lauren Knox Mounsey

Apartment 3A by Jeff Daniels

Norma & Wanda by Jeff Daniels

Vineland Place by Steven Dietz

The Classic King by Richard Johnson

Demolition by Matt Letscher

Uncle Vodka by McAdoo Greer & Rebecca Reynolds

Be Well by Steven Banks

Cornhole! by David MacGregor

2026 PRTC New Works Comedy Fest, Part of Chelsea District Library Literary Walk

There’s No Bad Ravioli by Paul Stroili

King of Vinyl by Jeffry Chastang