Renaissance Theaterworks to Premiere Great White Throne
The new play written by Cara Johnston opens in Milwaukee on October 17, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Children’s Theater
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Renaissance Theaterworks is set to debut the world premiere of the play Great White Throne on October 17, 2026. The production will run through November 8 at the venue located at 225 S. Water St. in Milwaukee.
Why it matters
The company chose this production to launch its season because it was originally developed during its 2025 Br!NK New Play Festival. The staging also marks a significant transition period for the organization under its new leadership.
The production features actors Libby Amato and Marcella Kearns under the direction of María Amenábar Farias. Ticket inquiries for the show can be made by calling 414-278-0765.
The players
Emily Trask
She is the current artistic director of Renaissance Theaterworks who began her tenure in August 2026.
Cara Johnston
She is the playwright who wrote Great White Throne, which was developed through the Br!NK New Play Festival.
Renaissance Theaterworks
This Milwaukee-based theater company focuses on producing works that are often developed within its own internal festivals.
The details
The play was refined through workshops involving the cast and crew following its initial development in the company's New Play Festival. It is being presented as part of the broader World Premiere Wisconsin festival at the shared theater space of Renaissance Theaterworks and Next Act.
Timeline
The script was developed during the 2025 Br!NK New Play Festival.
Emily Trask assumed her role as artistic director in August 2026.
The play opens on October 17, 2026.
The production closes on November 8, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This production highlights the growing trend of regional theaters prioritizing home-grown scripts developed through internal laboratory festivals. By premiering work from the Br!NK New Play Festival, the company aligns with broader efforts to cultivate original regional content within the World Premiere Wisconsin festival.
Local audiences can attend the production at the 225 S. Water St. venue throughout its three-week run. Potential attendees should contact the box office at 414-278-0765 to secure seats for this limited engagement.
The takeaway
Supporting new works developed in local festivals allows regional theaters to bridge the gap between initial concept and professional performance. Theatergoers interested in contemporary drama can see how these workshops evolve into full-scale public productions.
Further reading
Learn more about local performance art in our Milwaukee Children’s Theater section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shepherd Express.
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