Coconut Grove Theatre Festival

The spirit of bold, locally-driven theatre returns to Coconut Grove as the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove hosts a new showcase of Miami’s emerging and established talent. The Coconut Grove Theatre Festival (CGTFest) takes place May 8–11, offering eight original play readings that highlight the depth and diversity of the city's theatrical voices.

Building on Coconut Grove’s historic role as a center for groundbreaking arts—from its early 20th-century amphitheaters to the premiere of Waiting for Godot—CGTFest invites audiences to experience theatre at its earliest, most dynamic stage: the first reading. The festival, produced by WJLH Productions in collaboration with the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove’s Arts and Culture Committee and Lost Girls Theatre, aims to revive the Grove’s storied artistic energy while introducing works destined for full production in the future.

The festival lineup includes:

Thursday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Liberty City Vignettes
Written by Lolita Stewart-White | Directed by Hattie Mae Williams
A poetic coming-of-age story centered around 14-year-old Liberty City Red, whose community unites against the displacement of Miami’s historic Liberty Square. Told through lyrical vignettes, this piece reflects on resilience, redlining and the enduring fight to remain rooted.

Friday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Humanization
Written by Michael Yawney | Directed by Maha McCain
Father Chris faces the erosion of his parish as an eccentric donor with spiritual visions challenges his faith and stability. This sharp comedy examines belief, desperation and the blurry lines between grace and scandal.

Friday, May 9 at 8:30 p.m.
A Shiva for Joseph: Day Two
Written by Brandon Urrutia | Directed by Charisma Jolly
As a Brooklyn family mourns the death of Joseph, his son Joshua grapples with being viewed as a divine figure. This layered exploration of grief and belief blends realism with biblical themes.

Saturday, May 10 at 2:30 p.m.
The Death of Kings: An Encyclopedia
Written by Vanessa Garcia | Directed by Victoria Collado
A journey through memory and modern history led by Quin, a harlequin figure rewriting canonical knowledge in a fragmented post-9/11 world. The piece mixes commedia dell'arte traditions with lyrical storytelling.

Saturday, May 10 at 5:30 p.m.
The Queer Séance at #3 Sutton Place
Written by Hannah Benitez | Directed by Amy Coker
In a 1903 tearoom, schemes and secrets swirl as an heiress attempts to summon Leonardo da Vinci to validate a controversial Mona Lisa. This dark comedy blends historical intrigue with themes of queerness, privilege and legacy.

Saturday, May 10 at 8:30 p.m.
Turbo Hybrid
Written by William Hector | Directed by Gladys Ramírez
Set against a competitive Formula 1 season, this fast-paced play follows racer Anna Scholl’s quest for victory in a sport haunted—literally and figuratively—by past champions. A vibrant meditation on ambition and identity in high-stakes arenas.

Sunday, May 11 at 4:30 p.m.
When the Sea Wall Cracks
Written by Alejandro Rodríguez | Directed by Karina Batchelor-Gómez
After a devastating hurricane, a Cuban business owner and his activist daughter navigate Miami’s submerged landscape and their own fractured relationship. Combining live music and theatre, the story dives into generational conflict amid disaster.

Sunday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m.
The Feral Spinster Society
Written by Andie Arthur | Directed by Melissa Almaguer
In 1912 Ohio, a reserved woman finds her life upended when her suffragist niece draws her into political rebellion—and unexpected self-discovery. This feminist comedy honors those who resisted societal expectations with wit and heart.

Admission includes opportunities to engage with the creative process and get to know Miami's top theatre talent, amid all that the Grove has to offer from cafés to shops and restaurants. Donations are welcome and tax-deductible, helping to support Miami’s growing theatre community.