Join us for the seventh annual Pegasus PlayLab, a celebration of innovation and creativity in theatre! At Pegasus PlayLab, we serve as an arts incubator for the next generation of theatre. A place for creativity, passion, and storytelling, dedicated to nurturing emerging playwrights and launching new works into the spotlight. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of theatre as you witness the early stages of development for these new productions.
Festival FAQ
What is Pegasus PlayLab?
Pegasus PlayLab is a festival dedicated to developing plays by emerging playwrights. Playwrights are invited to UCF's campus for a two-week residency to develop their new play with students and faculty. Audiences are to hear staged readings and experience a full production of a new play first workshopped at Orlando Shakes’ PlayFest. Follow these plays into the next stage of development and be part of the creative process with playwrights, casts and artistic teams!
When is Pegasus PlayLab?
Pegasus PlayLab spans six weeks starting mid-May through the end of June. Selected playwrights are expected to commit to a two-week residency within that timeframe.
What Should I Expect at a Workshop?
What you will see on stage is the culmination of 8 days of rehearsals, script changes and discussions between the actors, playwright, director, dramaturg, and designers. Actors will bring the new work to life in front of the audience with scripts in-hand and minimal staging.
After the performance, discuss what you saw and heard with the playwright, director, cast and the rest of the creative team. You play a crucial role in the work’s development through your feedback.
What Should I Expect at a Full Developmental Production?
This is a play that has already been through workshops and readings and is ready for a fully-staged production with a set, costumes, lighting and a full rehearsal schedule.
This does not mean that this is the final version of the script. After developmental productions, the playwright will use what they saw and the feedback you give to continue to revise the script.
How do I get involved as a UCF student?
All UCF students can audition to be in the readings and workshops. Auditions for Pegasus PlayLab are typically held in March. Check the Theatre UCF Production Audition page for the most up to date audition information. Design, technology and stage management students may also be assigned roles on the performances.
How Do I Submit My Play?
Please upload a draft of a full-length play and complete the required questions on the Pegasus PlayLab Google Form.
We are seeking four full-length plays, including devised works and Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) pieces, which we will rehearse for two weeks in collaboration with the playwright and subsequently present as workshop productions. There is a possibility that one play will be fully mounted into a production.
As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, UCF encourages all qualified applicants to apply, including women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.
If you have any questions, please email ucfpegasusplaylab@gmail.com.
Pegasus PlayLab 2025 Package
This package includes all three workshops — Visiting Hours, Moments of Wonder and Public Wickedness–and the full production of The Drolls. Package benefits include: priority seating, free ticket exchanges and exclusive ticket discounts!
$60 Standard | $40 UCF Student | $40 UCF Faculty/Staff
Ticket Packages on Sale Now!Workshops | Studio 1
Visiting Hours
Playwright: Avery Lewis | Director: Tara Kromer
When Gram receives a terminal diagnosis, she’s placed in a senior care facility against her will, left to spend two lonely months in quiet resentment. Then, one morning, she heard a knock. Not just any knock, but a sudden, specific knock. It’s her granddaughter, Maggie. Upon learning why her grandmother has been locked away, Maggie refuses to let Gram fade into solitude. Week after week, she finds new ways to remind her that life still holds joy, even as they wrestle with the weight of choices made for them, the ache of the past, and the power of forgiveness.
May 30–31, 2025 at 7 PM | $15, $10 student
Please join us for a talkback following both performances
About the Playwright
Avery Lewis
Playwright
Avery Lewis is a recent graduate from Augusta University, where she obtained her BFA in Digital & Visual Storytelling. In the fall she will begin working towards her MFA in Theatre Directing at the University of Alabama. Previous credits include Verlassen (Playwright & Director), Keely & Du (Keely), The Bacchae (Co-Director & Agave).
Website: www.averylewis.info
Instagram: @Averyclewis
Visiting Hours Playbill
Visiting Hours
Playwright: Avery Lewis
Director: Tara Kromer
Associate Director & Dramaturg: Leigh Green*
Production Stage Manager: Freddy Cycholl*
Stage Managers: Mia Boshoff,* Aurora Ulrich*
*Theatre UCF student
CAST
MAGGIE: Riley Shanahan*
ANGIE: Sarah Gruber*
GRAM: Jeanine Henry
U/S ANGIE: Tristen Mendoza*
U/S MAGGIE: Anna Reed*
*Theatre UCF student
DESIGN TEAM
Design Advisor: Vandy Wood
Design Advisor: Olivia Dieter
Scenic: Ivey Roberson*
Costumes: Cadence Zenkel*
Lighting: May Gold*
Sound: Samuel Gomez*
SHOW CREW
J'lyssa Herbert*, Corey Hicks*, Hannah Rushing*
E-SHOP (LIGHTING AND SOUND)
Samantha Perry*, Jackson Reed*, Alexander Robal*, Melina Gonzales*, May Gold*, Allison Fowner, Sal Ripley*, Samuel Gomez*, Mace Lentini*, Ivanamarie Roncevic*
COSTUME SHOP
Chloe Evans*, Aisha Bader-Ortega*, Lissa Ortega*, Cadence Zenkel*, Sabrina Cervilla*, Veronica Mcgrath*
SCENIC SHOP
Lilianna Jacobson*, Gabriel Sanchez Canceres*, Anastasia Silva*, Rex Maltby*, Ivey Roberson*, Oliver Petersohn*, Anna Varias*, Savannah Clarington*
BOX OFFICE
Charlie Vega-Franz*, Zachary Berman*, Trinity Wortham*, Piper Sunvold*, Gineysha Gonzalez*, Jacob Jones*, Christian Perry*, Ally Hagenbuch*
USHERS
Jacob Jones*
PEGASUS PLAYLAB/Theatre UCF
Artistic Director: Julia Listengarten
Design Advisor: Vandy Wood
Stage Manager Advisor: Claudia Lynch
Production Manager: James Cleveland
Technical Director: Tramaine Berryhill
Interim Assistant Technical Director: David Jackson
Production Sound/Design Advisor: Olivia Deiter
Production Electrician: Kevin Barkman
Costume Shop Manager: Allison Rexrode
Costume Shop Workroom Supervisor: Amanda Roberts
Marketing Communications Manager: Jillian Sterritt
Marketing Coordinator: Jessica Compton
FOH/ Box Office Manager: Imari Point-du-Jour
Production Manager PA: Odalys Lopez*
Production Manager PA: Jonas Winter*
Artistic Associate / Company Manager: Ty Simons*
Artistic Associate: Leigh Green
* Theatre UCF student
Cast Bios
Sarah Gruber (Angie) is a rising second year in the MFA Acting program. She was last seen on the UCF stage in The Last Firefly (Puppeteer) and Rhinoceros (Logician) as well as Assistant Directing Fiddler on the Roof at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Up next, Sarah will appear as Ferdinand in The Tempest with Ithaca Shakespeare Company in Ithaca, NY. She has her BA in Theatre and Sociology from Smith College. www.sarahgruber.com @sarahrgruber
Jeanine Henry (Grams) is excited to be making her Pegasus PlayLab debut. Favorite stage credits include Mary Tyrone (Long Day’s Journey into Night), Violet Venable (Suddenly, Last Summer) Paige Connor (Hir), and Vivian Bearing (Wit) at the Ensemble Company. She is the former Director of Theatre Arts at Eastern Florida State College where she taught acting, directing, voice and movement. She is a National Michael Chekhov Certified Teacher and Certified Meisner Teacher through True Acting Institute. She holds a B.A. in Theatre from Agnes Scott College and an M.A. in Theatre from Florida State University.
Riley Shanahan (Maggie) is a rising sophomore at the University of Central Florida, currently studying Acting and Criminal Justice. She was most recently seen in The Book Club, produced by Project Spotlight and That’s Why I’m Single at the Orlando Fringe Theatre Festival. Up next, she will appear in Public Wickedness as part of UCF’s Pegasus PlayLab. Riley is thrilled to be part of Visiting Hours and deeply grateful to work with such a talented team. @Rileyshanahan.official
Tristen Mendoza (U/S Angie) is a second-year in the BFA Acting Program. Tristen was last seen on the UCF Stage in Rhinoceros (Botard). Other theater credits include The Book of Will (Ben Johnson), Urinetown (Old Man Strong/ Tenor Ensemble) and The Little Mermaid (Ursula). This past Celebrates the Arts she also worked on UCF Opera production of Cendrillon as Hair/Makeup/Wardrobe/Props Coordinator. @tristenm_arts
Anna Reed (U/S Maggie) is thrilled to be making her Pegasus PlayLab debut! Anna is a current Junior studying Political Science and Theatre Studies. Her previous credits include Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider) Puffs! (Leanne) and Shakespeare in Love (Nurse). Anna is thrilled to be back on stage and is grateful for this amazing team! @anna__e_reed
Creative Team Bios
Mia Boshoff (Stage Manager) is a rising second year in the BFA Stage Management program. Her most recent role at Theatre UCF was as a Production Assistant and U/S PUPPETEER for The Last Firefly. @orlandostagemanagers @miaboshoff
Freddy Cycholl (Production Stage Manager) is a rising second year in the BFA Stage Management program. Her most recent role at Theatre UCF was being a Production Assistant/Automation Operator on Imogen Says Nothing. Previous credits include Urinetown (Stage Manager), Company (Stage Manager), Hello, Dolly! (Stage Manager) and Theory of Relativity (Stage Manager). @orlandostagemanagers @freddycycholl
May Gold (Lighting Designer) is a rising second year in the BFA Design and Technology program.This is her first production role with UCF Theatre. Previous credits include Inherit the Wind (Set Designer), Mean Girls (Lighting Designer), and Henry IV (Lighting Designer). @masgold.design
Sam Gomez (Sound Designer) is a rising second year in the BFA Design and Technology program. This will be his first production role as a part of UCF Theatre. Previous credits include The Night Witches (Sound Designer), Mamma Mia (Sound Designer), and All My Sons (Sound Designer). @samuelgomez1225
Leigh Green (Associate Director/Dramaturg) is a rising third year in the MFA TYA program. She is also a graduate of the UCF BFA Musical Theatre program (c/o 2016). Directing credits include: The Last Firefly (Co-Director), The Lighting Thief (Assistant Director), Heathers: The Musical, Puffs!, and Pinkalicious: The Musical. Besides directing, Leigh is also a performer with an extensive list of professional credits. Currently, Leigh performs at Universal Orlando, works with Theater West End as their Marketing/Social Media Associate, and has just wrapped up a successful run at the Orlando Fringe Festival. Upcoming, Leigh will be starring as Jeannie in Hair with Renaissance Theatre Co. @leigh.shani.green
Ivey Roberson(Scenic Designer) is a rising second year transfer student in the BFA Design and Technology program. This will be her second production with Theatre UCF. Previous credits include Fiddler on the Roof (A3), Guys and Dolls (Carpenter), Little Shop of Horrors (Carpenter), Catch Me If You Can (Carpenter and A3), Kiss Me Kate (ASM), and Matilda (A2).
Aurora Ulrich (Stage Manager) is a rising second year in the BFA Stage Management program. Her credits include UCF Celebrates the Arts. Her prior credits include New Jersey Renaissance Faire (Assistant Stage Manager), Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire (Stage Manager), and Hedda Gabler (Volunteer Assistant Stage Manager). @auroraeulrich
Cadence Zenkel (Costume Designer) is a rising second year in the BFA Design and Technology program. This is her first production role with UCF Theatre. Previous credits include The Prom (Costume Designer), Concord Floral (Costume Designer), and Anatomy of Grey (Costume Designer). @czenkel_costuming
Playwright Note
“Aging is a privilege that not everyone gets to experience.”
It was this quote that I saw posted on Facebook that inspired me to write Visiting Hours. I, like many others, have had friends pass away long before it was their time to go, teaching me the hard lesson that growing older isn’t an occurrence to fear, but the result of a life well lived.
While exploring these ideas of aging, loss, grief, and intergenerational relationships, I realized that I was writing more than just a story about the beauty of life. I was also writing about the nuances and strengths of women. The characters of Grams, Angie, and Maggie became so special to me, and I wanted to uplift their stories as much as I could. It’s because of this that I decided to take the Bechdel Test to the next level; Visiting Hours wouldn’t simply feature female characters, it would only have female characters. Women wouldn’t need to talk to each other about something other than men, they wouldn’t mention men at all. Because there’s more to women’s stories than love interests and heartbreaks, and their lives don’t end after thirty- it’s merely beginning.
Visiting Hours is a love letter to the women in our lives who have built us, taught us, and shaped us. May their impact never be taken for granted.
– Avery Lewis, Playwright
Dramaturg Note
At its core, Visiting Hours is about what we carry across generations, silences, and hospital room thresholds. It’s a story of three women connected by blood, distance, and the ache of things left unsaid. Set in a sterile senior care facility, the play invites us into a space where memory, grief, and humor collide.
What struck me most while working on this piece is how much tenderness can live beneath sarcasm, and how much love can go unspoken when survival becomes the priority. Maggie’s presence—vibrant, persistent, a burst of color in a whitewashed world—offers the possibility of connection, even in the face of loss and despair.
Visiting Hours doesn’t tie things up neatly. It asks us to sit in our discomfort, to listen, and to reconsider the conversations we’ve been avoiding. My hope is that audiences leave this play not with answers, but with the courage to ask questions of their loved ones and of themselves.
– Leigh Green, Associate Director and Dramaturg
Moments of Wonder: Stories That Endure
Director: Sage Tokach
A devised theatre project that brings together students with and without disabilities to create a theatrical piece about childhood and nostalgia inspired by participants’ early memories and using the source material “Millions of Cats,” the oldest picture book still in print. This project builds on the 2023 Building a Shared Home and 2024 Daring to Dream processes, but participants will create an original story.
This workshop is supported by a Pabst Steinmetz Foundation Arts & Wellness Innovation Award and the Bert W. Martin Foundation
June 6-7, 2025 at 7 PM | $15, $10 student
Please join us for a talkback following both performances
About the Director
Sage Tokach
Director
“One of the biggest things Theatre UCF students are learning from our community participants is the idea of throwing away inhibitions and taking big risks and thinking in different ways.”
Building on last year’s Daring to Dream and 2023’s Building a Shared Home, Moments of Wonder marks Sage Tokach’s third time leading Pegasus PlayLab’s devised theatre project. This initiative brings together students with and without disabilities to create an original theatrical piece. Sage is a 2022 alumna of UCF’s Theatre for Young Audiences MFA program, where she worked on Pegasus PlayLab as a graduate student. She is currently the Director of Education at the New London Barn Playhouse.
Public Wickedness
Playwright: Lee Osorio | Director: Adonis Perez-Escobar
Based on a true story, Public Wickedness explores a lesser-known chapter in Queer History. In 1966, Laud Humphreys is searching for a dissertation topic … and for so much more. When his advisor encourages him to choose something that scares him, Laud dives headfirst into the world of tearooms — public restrooms where men meet to have sex. Determined to prove that these men aren’t monsters, he learns that they are something much more complicated. They’re human. Can Laud make peace with their — and his own — fallibility, or will his desire to deny who he is ultimately destroy him?
Public Wickedness contains adult themes, explicit language, and sexual content. Viewer discretion is advised.
June 13-14, 2025 at 7 PM | $15, $10 student
Please join us for a talkback following both performances
About the Playwright
Lee Osorio
Playwright
“I live with a play in my head for so long, but it’s imperative I get in a room with actors to learn how a play really works.”
Born and raised in Georgia, Lee Osorio turned to playwriting after realizing he wasn’t seeing enough stories with characters he connected with. Public Wickedness, Osorio’s fourth play, is based on the true story of Laud Humphreys, whose 1968 dissertation challenged myths about men engaging in homosexual behavior. Osorio believes this crucial chapter of queer history deserves more attention and is excited to collaborate with student actors, eager to hear their perspectives on his work.
Developmental Production | Black Box
The Drolls
Playwright: Deborah Brevoort | Director: Nick Bublitz
The Drolls is a comedy with music that tells the story of the outlaw actors who kept the theatre alive during one of the darkest chapters in England’s history — and in the process, rescued Shakespeare from the dustbins of history.
June 11-14, 2025 at 7:30 PM | $25, $10 student
Talkbacks will follow the performances on June 11 and June 12
About the Playwright
Deborah Brevoort
Playwright
“The breath of life really comes from the performers.”
Deborah Brevoort, an opera librettist and instructor of musical writing and playwriting at NYU, returns to Orlando for Pegasus PlayLab 2025, marking her third visit after workshopping a play at Orlando Shakes’ 2019 PlayFest. The Drolls is a comedy rooted in history, set during England’s dark Puritan era when the monarchy was overthrown, and theatre, music, and poetry were banned. The play highlights the unemployed actors, known as The Drolls, who performed on street corners to keep theatre alive, preserving Shakespeare’s works in the process.