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Producing and developing work by emerging playwrights that embrace the queer experience through authentic, modern, and innovative storytelling.

Introducing our 2025 season:
past // present // future

  • Dear friend, 

    2025 marks the 5th Anniversary of The Strides Collective. What began as a group of creatively ambitious emerging theatremakers creating virtual, audio theatre has exploded into a full-pledge nonprofit dedicated to developing and producing queer theatre for the stage. Since our inception, we have worked on and developed over 20 new plays, many of which have gone on to be produced and developed at some of the most prestigious theatres across the country. We are proud to have created a safe-haven for queer artists to tell queer stories in Philadelphia.

    However, everything feels different now. This past month alone the LGBTQIA+ community at large has faced hate and scrutiny on a level we have not seen in quite some time. And to be honest, we are scared. We join so many of our siblings around the country who are currently unsure about what the future holds for us. Each day represents new challenges. It is seemingly impossible to speak eloquently during this time of uncertainty. How do you make sense of the nonsensical? 

    With so much changing rapidly, one thing remains constant - we are not going anywhere. Queer people cannot be erased.  Existence is resistance. And so we shall exist. Loudly.

    Join us for our 2025 Season - Past // Present // Future - as we learn from the queer trailblazers of the past, boldly take up space in the present with daring new work, and dream up a brighter, more inclusive future with plays yet-to-be-written. We are proud to bring a full season of programming, from readings to workshops, to Philadelphia this year. 

    We welcome you to check out our programming below, and please mark your calendars for these events. We all believe in the power of community during these trying times, and we look forward to gathering with you soon. 

    Yours in solidarity and pride, 
    Jonathan V. Edmondson
    Founding Artistic Director
    he/him/his

    P.S. Did you know The Strides Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit? Make a tax-deductible donation today to support vital queer storytelling. 

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Billy Gets a Bloody Nose

A Staged Reading Event

Written By Nathaniel Foster
Directed by Jonathan Edmondson

June 12 and 13, 2025

LOCATION: To Be Announced

Synopsis

Billy is a normal enough gay guy who has normal enough gay guy sex, and he likes it that way. Or so he thought. When he receives an unexpected invitation to participate in a kinky wrestling match, Billy is forced to confront his complicated feelings around his own sexual urges and societal views on queer sexuality. Billy Gets a Bloody Nose is a fun, slutty romp that examines the ways in which we stop ourselves from accessing our deepest desires, and explores what would happen if we fully embraced them instead.

Cast & Creative

 

DIRECTOR
Jonathan Edmondson (he/him)

PLAYWRIGHT
Nathaniel Foster (he/him)

 
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friend request.

A Workshop

Written by Jonathan V. Edmondson
directed by james bruenger-arreguin

November 2025

LOCATION: To Be Announced

Synopsis

When an unexpected friend request from an estranged former classmate sends Ethan spiraling, his longtime best friends plan a weekend getaway for distraction. But when a surprise visitor derails their trip, everyone begins to question their relationships to each other, and to themselves. friend request. examines queerness, brotherhood, and love in the face of unspeakable trauma.

Cast & Creative

 

DIRECTOR
James Bruenger-Arreguin (he/him)

PLAYWRIGHT
Jonathan V. Edmondson (he/him)

 
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untitled new play.

a workshop

Written by Rayne
Directed by Bryan Hagelin & Satchel Williams

November 2025

LOCATION: To Be Announced

synopsis

In Fall 2025, we will be workshopping a new play with music by Rayne that explores the beautiful, complicated, and dangerous dynamics of the creative process through the lens of a queer popstar.

 

Cast & Creative

 

DIRECTORS
BRYAN HAGELIN (he/him) and SATCHEL WILLIAMS (she/they)

PLAYWRIGHT
Rayne (they/all)

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new strides,
a play festival

3 Emerging Playwrights.
3 Creative Themes.
3 Never Before Seen Plays.

December 4 and 5, 2025

LOCATION: To Be Announced

Synopsis

Part developmental opportunity, part community event, New Strides showcases staged-readings of brand new one act plays by emerging queer playwrights!

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Last Summer at
Bluefish Cove

A Staged Reading

Presented in Collaboration with EgoPo Classic Theater
as part of the B-Side Series

Written by Jane Chambers
Directed by Caitlin Alvarez

March 1, 2025 at 2pm
LOCATION: Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia

Synopsis

Last Summer at Bluefish Cove is a landmark piece in lesbian dramatic literature and the first mainstream play of its kind.  The piece follows a close-knit group of friends in the 1970s who take refuge each summer at the isolated beach resort, Bluefish Cove, to live and love freely. When a straight woman named Eva wanders unknowingly into their midst, she sends The Cove into a tailspin. Bluefish Cove is about chosen family, the freedom to exist, and caring for the people you love, no matter what.

Presented as a staged reading in collaboration with EgoPo Classic Theater’s Queer Revolutions Season.

Cast & Creative

 

DIRECTOR
Caitlin Alvarez (they/them)

LIL
Dana Lee Capanna (she/her)

EVA
Eliza Waterman (she/her)

SUE
MaryRuth Stine (they/them)

KITTY
Satchel Williams (she/they)

ANNIE
Em Harnett (they/them)

RAE
Jameka Wilson (they/she)

RITA
Max Gallagher (she/they)

DONNA
Taylor Morgan (she/her)

 
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Strides Collective
Commission 2025

An inaugural new play opportunity

APPLICATIONS OPEN: January 21, 2025
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: February 23, 2025

SYNOPSIS

The Collective is seeking a passionate and self-motivated queer playwright for our inaugural commission. As we seek to expand the theatrical canon of great, modern queer stories from queer playwrights, we are launching this commission to support the entire development process of a play, from idea inception to completed draft of a full-length script.

One selected playwright will work closely with the Collective over the course of a year to develop their original idea for a queer play. The process will begin in April 2025 and culminate in Spring 2026.

The submission window has closed for our 2025 Commission. Thank you to all who applied. Final decisions will be made by April 15, 2025.

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