The concept of the “Preview Production” is unique in the American theatre. As a fully-realized production without the pressures of the commercial world, the play stays in previews through the run of the show, allowing the writer to continue revising as the piece evolves through performance. We started this program in 2005 and are proud to have supported so many great playwrights and plays on their journey from incubation to professional world premieres. 

Director Risa Brainin with actors Annie Torsiglieri and McKenna Hill
Rehearsing Standing Still by Melinda Lopez / April 2026

"I feel so lucky to have had the chance to explore my play in the LAUNCHPAD program.  I don't know of any other new play workshop opportunity that gives the writer the experience of developing her play all the way through readings to rehearsal to full production.  Risa Brainin, through LAUNCH PAD, has created a nurturing and exciting environment that challenged my play to grow, while giving students the invaluable experience of helping to develop a new work."

~ Enid Graham, playwright, What Martha Did

2025 Company / Strange Birds by E. M. Lewis

(photo by Jeff Liang)

Enjoy this March 13, 2013 article about LAUNCH PAD.

LAUNCH PAD provides "The Missing Piece"
in this article by Tom Jacobs for American Theatre Magazine.