CIRCLE
FESTIVAL
August 30th-
October 19th
Weekends Only at AMT Theater
RAW | BARE | UNFILTEREDIn a city that thrives on theatrical innovation, the Circle Theater Festival boldly steps forward, offering an audacious alternative to Broadway's sheen. This festival, with its European fringe influence and Off-Broadway experimentation, presents hybrid theater at its most elemental—raw and rough.
The festival’s productions are a far cry from the predictable polish of mainstream theater. Instead, they offer unvarnished performances that are as gripping as they are honest. Here, theater is stripped to its core, allowing the raw talent and passion of the performers to shine through. It's a bold reminder that great theater doesn't require elaborate sets or costumes—just a powerful story and the courage to tell it.
Critics’ Choice
Three Short Plays by Edward Allan Baker
“There is no better acting
anywhere in New York City
on Broadway or off.”
-Nicole Jesson, Theatre Beyond Broadway
LINEUP
INTO YOUR HANDS by Nick Navari
PACKED by Elise Wilkes
ENMESHMENT by Caity Ladda
ANOTHER KIND OF HOLDING ON by Genevieve Scott
LODESTONE by Constance Lake
SUNBREAK by Jonathan Goetzman
WOMEN WHO CUT by Ariella Carmell
SUGAR AND SALT directed by Andy Reiff
THREE SHORT PLAYS by Edward Allan Baker
MOM PLAY by Madelyn Slattery
REPLICA by Paul Tully
DON’T PUSH THE RED BUTTON by Zachary Mailhot
SLEEPOVER SHOW from Pretty Funny Comedy
Special Event - Things I Am Totally, Completely, and Utterly Ashamed Of
WEEKLY
SCHEDULE
A Look Into Sunbreak
PRESS
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RJ Theatre Company has revealed the complete lineup for Circle Festival 2025, returning August 30 through October 19 with twelve groundbreaking productions at AMT Theater. Produced in association with The Actor Launchpad, this year's festival builds on the momentum of its sold-out debut, which drew over 1,000 audience members to The Flea Theater. Read more here.
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Sunbreak, a haunting family drama by Jonathan Goetzman, will make its Equity debut as a headlining selection of Circle Festival 2025, produced by RJ Theatre Company and The Actor Launchpad. Directed by Leah Reddy, the production stars Alix Curnow (American Horror Story, Mean Girl Murders, Finding the Strength to Heal) and Martina Ferragamo, making her Off-Broadway debut in what promises to be the start of her most eventful season yet. Read more here.
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“There is no better acting anywhere in New York City on Broadway or off. Prepare to have your heart broken, but your soul enriched.”
Circle Festival 2025 Photos By Tamar Shemesh
CIRCLE
FESTIVAL
2024
RAW | BARE | UNFILTERED
In a city that thrives on theatrical innovation, the Circle Theater Festival boldly steps forward, offering an audacious alternative to Broadway's sheen. This festival, with its European fringe influence and Off-Broadway experimentation, presents hybrid theater at its most elemental—raw and rough.
The festival’s productions are a far cry from the predictable polish of mainstream theater. Instead, they offer unvarnished performances that are as gripping as they are honest. Here, theater is stripped to its core, allowing the raw talent and passion of the performers to shine through. It's a bold reminder that great theater doesn't require elaborate sets or costumes—just a powerful story and the courage to tell it.
LINEUP
10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Princess Hamlet A gender-bent reimagining of the prince(ss) of Denmark. Experience Shakespeare’s classic tragedy through a fresh lens, where the roles and perspectives are redefined, casting new light on timeless themes of ambition, revenge, and madness.
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm | Private Struggle, Public Stage
Three short plays exploring the hidden narratives behind public personas. Unveil the personal battles and intricate emotions that remain unseen in public life, highlighting the masks we wear and the stories we hide.
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm | PVT. Wars
A poignant and darkly humorous play set in a veterans' hospital, where three Vietnam War soldiers grapple with the aftermath of their experiences. Their conversations reveal deep scars and the camaraderie that helps them survive. Written by James McLure.
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm | Shakespeare Unraveled
Three inventive reinterpretations of Shakespeare’s classics. Discover new dimensions and unexpected turns as familiar stories are given fresh life and perspective.
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm | The Maids
A gripping drama about two sisters, Claire and Solange, who serve as maids to a wealthy woman. In their employer's absence, they enact disturbing role-playing games, blurring reality and fantasy as they plot her murder. Written by Jean Genet, this intense play explores themes of power, identity, and rebellion.
8:30 pm - 10:00 pm | Gidion’s Knot
A tense and emotional drama that unfolds during a parent-teacher conference. As a grieving mother and a conflicted teacher confront each other, painful truths about a young boy’s life and death come to light, leading to an unforgettable climax. Written by Johnna Adams.
PRESS
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Circle Theater Festival is inviting you to see theater in a new light. Spanning six weekends from September through November 2024, Circle Festival is a bold reminder that great theater doesn't require elaborate sets or extravagant costumes; just a powerful story and the courage to tell it. Read more here.
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Artistic adaptations and gripping dramas, dark comedies, and psychological thrillers showcase a versatile ensemble of theatrical talent, from emerging artists such as Scarlett Strasberg to seasoned professionals like lifetime members of The Actors Studio, Suzanne DiDonna and Kirsten Russell. Read more here.
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RJ Theatre Company, in collaboration with The Actor Launchpad, have revealed the lineup for the much-anticipated 2024 Circle Theater Festival. Set to take place in New York City, this year's festival promises a dynamic blend of established stars and emerging talents, with productions that challenge the boundaries of traditional theater. Read more here.
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Contemporary themes and uncensored voices, artistic adaptation and gripping dramas, dark comedies, and psychological thrillers invite you to experience the power of authentic storytelling. Read more here.
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After opening weekend, Circle Theater Festival will be back at The Flea Theater in Tribeca for the second of six weekends. Catch one or more of their shows running from 10.30 am to 8.30 pm. Full article here.
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