OTR New Play Reading Series
Chance’s On the Radar (OTR) New Works Program consists of a new script reading series, a playwright’s residency, and a commissioning program all geared towards supporting the creation of diverse new stories by emerging U.S. playwrights. The goal of OTR is to create a deep and long-term commitment to playwrights by offering them access to a community of artists and audiences, a supportive environment, and the freedom to explore their own boundaries and interests.
Past Resident Playwrights include Dustin H. Chinn, Keiko Green, Exal Iraheta, B.J. Tindal, Krista Knight, Jessica Huang, Joanna Garner, Ted Malawer, Jenny Connell Davis, Lauren Yee, Nick Jones, Marshall Pailet, Zayd Dohrn, and Adam Szymkowicz.
“Chance is serving a vital role in American theater, creating the kind of access point that allows people to attend, and participate, and take ownership of what’s on stage in a way that other, larger institutions just can’t begin to match.”
– Jenny Connell Davis, 2016 Resident Playwright
“Chance audiences are experienced, focused and eager to support experimental and challenging work. It was so useful just to hear the play in front of them – their engagement and reactions taught me so much.”
– Jessica Huang, 2019 Resident Playwright
“The Chance has been a warm and welcoming home to my work in Orange County and has been the launching pad to numerous works that have had a continued life across the country.”
– Lauren Yee, 2015 Resident Playwright
2025 OTR Reading Series
Benjamin Benne
Benjamin Benne (he/him) was named part of “LA Vanguardia: The Latino innovators, instigators, and power players breaking through barriers” by the Los Angeles Times. His produced plays include Alma (Center Theatre Group’s Kirk Douglas Theatre, American Blues Theater, ArtsWest Playhouse, Curious Theatre Company, Central Square Theater, The Spot, Chance Theater), In His Hands (Mosaic Theater Company, First Floor Theater), Manning (Portland Stage), and What / Washed Ashore / Astray (Pillsbury House Theatre). Additionally, his work has been developed at the Colorado New Play Festival, Williamstown Theatre Festival, O’Neill National Playwrights Conference, The Public, Roundabout, Playwrights Realm, Denver Center, The Old Globe, Two River, New Harmony Project, and SPACE on Ryder Farm, among many others. He has been awarded Ojai Playwrights Conference’s Dr. Kerry English Award, Portland Stage’s Clauder Competition Grand Prize, American Blues Theater’s Blue Ink Playwriting Award, Arizona Theatre Company’s National Latinx Playwriting Award, and KCACTF Latinx Playwriting Award, among others. He is a Playwrights’ Center Core Writer and has been commissioned by South Coast Repertory and Seattle Repertory Theatre. MFA: David Geffen/Yale School of Drama. www.benjaminbenne.com
2025 OTR New Works Program Sponsors
Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation
The Elizabeth George Foundation
Jennifer Ruckman & Ken Favell
Amanda Demaio
National Endowment for the Arts
David & Judy Joss
Steven & Louise Koch
Rachelle Menaker & Eddie Schuller
Resident Playwrights
Jessica Huang, 2019
Joanna Garner, 2018
Ted Malawer, 2017
Jenny Connell Davis, 2016
Lauren Yee, 2015
Nick Jones, 2014
Marshall Pailet, 2013
Zayd Dohrn, 2012
Adam Szymkowicz, 2011
Fox Fellowships
Khanisha Foster, 2017