September 2025
by Stacey Isom Campbell
The cast and team of my play at the Modern Works Festival, Urbanite Theatre, Sarasota.
After a dream week at the Modern Works Festival in Sarasota, I’ve finally landed back on earth—grateful, inspired, and still replaying every moment.
It’s hard to describe an experience that meant so much. Every part of the festival felt charmed—from the phenomenal cast (Laura Parker Samson, Amber Danielle McNew, Cat Turner, and Jan Wallace) to the incredible behind-the-scenes team (Adilyne McKinlay, Alisha Vail, and everyone at Urbanite Theatre). The audiences were generous and deeply engaged; the space itself—intimate and electric—was exactly how I imagine my plays living in the world.
I was honored to share the bill with the brilliant Jenny Stafford and Sarah Cho, and to have Nan Barnett from the National New Play Network championing my play even before the festival ended. Every detail—from rehearsal to final reading—reflected professionalism, artistry, and genuine care for new work.
Under a pink light, me, Jenny Stafford, and Sarah Cho, the playwrights! Jenny’s play Ahoy Hoy brought the house down. Sarah’s play was so smart and thought-provoking! I have a playwriting crush on them both!
On Collaboration
Now for the part where I gush: working with my director (and Modern Works producer—and Queen of Urbanite Theatre) Summer Dawn Wallace was pure joy. I keep saying it felt like we’d been working together for twenty years. There’s an unspoken trust there—rooted in decades of shared devotion to new play development. She listens to every word, every comma, every breath.
Before our first reading, when we had a few extra minutes, Summer asked the actors what they needed most. They said quiet. So that’s what we did. A simple, generous, pro move that said everything about how she leads a room—with respect, confidence, and care.
The mega-talented Amber Danielle McNew and me at the festival kickoff party.
Gratitude
I’d work with Summer and her remarkable team anytime, anywhere. It’s every playwright’s dream to have their work treated with such artistry and love. My heart is full. The festival was a gift—to me, to my play, and to my creative spirit.
If you find yourself near Sarasota, Florida, do yourself a favor and visit Urbanite Theatre. Whatever’s on their stage will move you, challenge you, and stay with you.