After DPI produced the original play “Saying Goodbye” that went on to Humana Fest John Riley conceived the idea of an annual festival of new plays.  In 1990 he developed the framework; and in 1991, with the help and dedication of Dodie Lockwood, Jim Payne, Nancy Campbell, and countless volunteers, the dream became a reality. It was at the first committee meeting that Dodie came up with the name – FutureFest was born.

Each year from August to April, the original playreading committee narrows the submissions down to twelve semifinalists. Each play receives at least 3 reads, with semifinalists being read by the full committee. A second committee selects the six finalists. The FutureFest winner is decided by five adjudicators made up of New York and regional theatre professionals. There is also an additional category for audience favorite.

During FutureFest weekend, playwrights are brought to Dayton as our special guests. Their plays are presented as either fully staged or staged readings, and are judged both as raw scripts, and how the scripts translate to the stage. Playwrights benefit from professional adjudications, networking opportunities, and speaking with our very knowledgeable and supportive FutureFest audiences.