Preview Productions

 

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. 

Click here for our full
Gallery of Preview Productions.

"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 

Strange Birds
by E. M. Lewis

company photo for Strange Birds
2025 Company
(photo by Jeff Liang)

poster for the play


>Cast List    >Department/Production Staff 

>Meet the Design Team    >Meet the Cast    >Meet the Crew

>Special Thanks


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Photo of Entire Production Company by Jeff Liang

Strange Birds Company
photo: Jeff Liang

>More photos<


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PRESS for Strange Birds

Strange Birds Takes Flight by Steven Libowitz
Montecito Journal, page 16 (Feb 20-27, 2025)

"An intense thriller with feminist overtones" by Tom Jacobs
Strange Birds is in UCSB's The Current (February 18, 2025)

February 10, 2025: BroadwayWorld 

SB Independent article by Maggie Yates (February 8, 2025)

 


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.