The next show from Orlando’s Whiskey Theatre Factory will feature short plays that reference places and events in Central Florida — from the controversy over the rainbow-colored crosswalk commemorating Pulse to one of Orlando Science Center’s most popular exhibitions ever.

The eight plays, ranging from 10 to about 30 minutes, also will provide a view of Central Florida through a queer lens: The program is titled “”Here and Queer: Short Plays for Hes, Shes and Theys.”

“There are comedies, there are dramas, there are explorations of queer trauma, there are explorations of queer joy,” says Max Pinsky, Whiskey Theatre Factory’s artistic director and author of two of the program’s short plays. “There’s truly a little something for everyone.”

The plays will be presented as part of the organization’s Distillery Series of staged readings. An ensemble of local actors will shift from character to character to tell the eight stories.

Whiskey Theatre Factory specializes in the development of new plays, and shows in its Distillery Series are the “penultimate step” before a full production, Pinsky says. The playwriting collective hosts informal artist salons, in which writers can drop in with scripts in progress. From there, Whiskey Theatre Factory can also help with dramaturgy and feedback before the play is ready for the public.

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In that respect, Whiskey Theatre Factory is akin to the Playwrights’ Round Table, another Central Florida organization that champions new work. Coincidentally, the PRT has a night of fully staged new, short plays with a Florida connection ahead: Its “Native Voices: Gator Bites” will run Nov. 7-16 at the Imagine Performing Arts Center in Oviedo — which also will host “Here and Queer.” (Details on “Gator Bites” at imagineperformingartscenter.org/events)

Staged readings have grown in popularity as a way to bring new work before the public, from Winter Park Playhouse’s summertime Florida Festival of New Musicals, to Orlando Shakes’ Playfest, which presents five new plays over two weekends starting Oct. 24. (Details on Playfest at orlandoshakes.org)

Pinsky thinks the proliferation of staged readings is good for the art form of playwrighting — because it lets theatergoers have a say in the final version of the work through their feedback.

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“The more that you put them in front of people’s faces and tell them ‘You can be part of developing this play,’ the more people get involved,” says Pinsky, who calls this stage of new-play development “a magical time.”

Here’s a quick look at the eight short plays that comprise “Here and Queer: Short Plays for Hes, Shes and Theys.”

‘After Party’: In one of the two plays by Pinsky, a couple returns to their apartment after a night out to discover more than just their evening may be coming to a close.

‘All the Colors’: Irene L. Pynn’s play, inspired by the controversy over the Pulse crosswalk, tells of a community where some have concerns over children seeing the rainbow.

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‘Bisexual Storytime’: Simmy has something to tell Loren and hopes a familiar conversation will go differently this time, in this play by Bethany Dickens Assaf.

‘Final Skate’: In another work by Assaf, a roller rink’s farewell provides an opportunity for Chrys and Shannon to get things off their chests.

‘Finding Time’:  A student contemplates the future while competing in a pre-graduation scavenger hunt in Ken Preuss’s play.

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‘Kaycee’s Comet’:  Ashley Alonso writes about two roommates who plan to watch a comet flying overhead, not knowing someone has a different plan that will upend their evening.

‘Looping’: Sam is stuck in a time loop on the subway with his best friend, Darwin, in this play by Reese Twila. Darwin suggests an unorthodox way to break the loop, which could have a lasting effect on their friendship.

‘Perfectly Preserved’: Pinsky’s second offering is about a big surprise related to a science center’s exhibit on ancient Pompeii.

Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment or sign up to receive our weekly emailed Entertainment newsletter.

‘Here and Queer’

What: A night of short plays from Whiskey Theatre Factory
Where: Imagine Performing Arts Center at Oviedo Mall, 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd.
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 10-11
Cost: $15-$20
Info: imagineperformingartscenter.org/events

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/10/07/here-and-queer-plays-whiskey-theatre-factory/