There is a unique kind of magic in being the very first audience to see a play come alive.
Before a show becomes a Broadway giant or a regional classic, it starts in a room with a fresh script, a bold director, and actors taking their very first steps into brand-new characters. That spark of discovery is at the heart of World Premiere Wisconsin, a one-of-a-kind statewide festival, with more than 100 brand-new plays produced across Wisconsin this year.
At Kettle Moraine Playhouse, we are thrilled to bring Confluence to the stage as part of this extraordinary festival.
Confluence: A Fresh Voice, A Historic Milestone
Confluence, by Oconomowoc writer Rebecca Richards, isn’t just the second show of our 10th anniversary season, it’s a landmark event. Written by a talented local Wisconsin playwright, this production marks its official launch into the theatrical world.
For 10 years, KMP has embraced the creative thrill of new works, and Confluence marks our sixth world premiere. We view our theater as an incubator for creativity: a place where talented local voices get the spotlight they deserve, and where our audiences get to experience stories no one else in the world has seen yet.
Putting on a brand-new production is an electric experience for our cast and crew as well. Our actors and directors aren’t inheriting someone else’s interpretation. They are imagining the characters from scratch. It’s a tremendous challenge, and it’s also a tremendous opportunity that only a few actors experience.
How KMP Champions Wisconsin Playwrights
Bringing a play from the page to a full stage production takes a lot of steps. Beyond mounting full productions like Confluence, KMP supports local writers at every stage of their journey:
- Table Reads: Writers with a fresh draft get to hear their words spoken aloud by a full cast for the very first time, followed by a lively Q&A run by the playwright. It’s an incredibly valuable step in shaping a polished script.
- KMP Shorts: For emerging writers, our 3-to-5-minute micro-plays serve as a pre-show warmup before select weekend matinees (think of it as the live-theater equivalent of a Pixar animated short before a movie!).
- Open Doors for Everyone: And it’s not just new writers we support. Every season, we welcome new actors, directors, and crew members into our community. Whether you want to write, perform, operate sound and lights, build sets, or simply grab a seat in the front row, theater belongs to you, and KMP wants to help make it happen.
Be Part of the Beginning
When you buy a ticket to Confluence, you aren’t just watching a play—you’re helping launch a piece of Wisconsin art into the world. You get to be in the room where it all begins.
Ready to experience the thrill of a world premiere? Get Your Tickets for Confluence Here
To learn more about the statewide festival, visit World Premiere Wisconsin.