The Finger Lakes New Works Festival is…

dedicated to bringing innovative theater to Tompkins County while positioning Ithaca, NY, as a premier hub for developmental theater. By connecting local artists with high-profile industry professionals, the festival fosters creative collaboration, enriches our community, and attracts visitors from across the country.

This festival solves multiple challenges simultaneously. It provides affordable development space for major NYC theater producers, offering them a unique opportunity to refine their work outside the high costs of the city. It also creates educational opportunities for local students and emerging artists, allowing them to engage with and learn from industry leaders. Most importantly, it establishes Ithaca as a major force in American theater, ensuring that our region is recognized for its artistic contributions.

More than just a festival, the Finger Lakes New Works Festival is a sustainable and growing cultural institution that strengthens our community. As it expands, it will drive tourism to Tompkins County and the greater Finger Lakes region, enriching the local economy while celebrating the power of storytelling.

Join us in building a lasting artistic legacy—one that brings joy, engagement, and groundbreaking theater to Ithaca and beyond.