About Outcry Reads

Outcry Reads presents a yearly festival with four readings of plays by DFW playwrights to help them with further development of their work. Plays are read and selected by Benjamin McElroy, who also directs. Local actors are cast. Readings take place at the Outcry Theatre Rehearsal Location in Plano. Readings are free to attend, with limited seating for up to 20 audience members. A talkback follows the readings, moderated by the director, where the audience members and actors can discuss the play with the playwright.
2026 Outcry Reads Festival
May 15-17, 2026

Queer Camp
by Trent Clifford
Performs May 15th at 7:30pm

The Up and Down Detective Agency
by Mike Byham
Performs May 16th at 2:00pm

Tartarus
by Dahlia Parks
Performs May 16th at 7:30pm

Earth & Stars
by Meagan Majors
Performs May 17th at 7:30pm

Auditions are Friday, April 24, 2026 at 6-10pm
Festival Location
Outcry Theatre Rehearsal Location
1915 North Central Expressway, Suite 120
Plano, TX  75075

Submissions

We are currently seeking plays for our 2027 Outcry Reads Festival.

Submission Guidelines

  • All submitting playwrights must live in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and be able to attend the reading and the rehearsal that will take place the previous Friday.
  • Playwrights will need to provide a list of what they would like to learn from the talkback, including specific questions they would like answered.
  • Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.
  • Playwrights may only submit one play per season.
  • Only non-musicals will be considered.
  • Plays must be between 45 and 135 minutes.
  • Submissions must include a short description