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Herndon Today
By the People, for the People
NextStop Theatre Launches New Work Development Series, NextDraft
The inaugural NextDraft series will feature two new plays, including a dark comedy about school shootings and an ensemble period dramedy about Black actors in early talkies.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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NextStop Theatre in Herndon, Virginia is introducing a new reading series called NextDraft that will support playwrights in developing bold, in-progress theatrical works. The program will bring artists together for a weeklong workshop process, culminating in a public reading and audience feedback session. The inaugural NextDraft series will feature two new plays - "The Second Best School Shooting" by Alice Stanley Jr. and "Grass Ain't Greener" by Evan Carrington.
Why it matters
NextDraft offers audiences a rare opportunity to witness the creative process and engage with new plays as they are being shaped towards world premiere productions. The initiative reflects NextStop's commitment to championing new voices and innovative storytelling in the theater.
The details
The first NextDraft play is "The Second Best School Shooting" by Alice Stanley Jr., a dark comedy about two best friends struggling to process surviving a school shooting that is overshadowed by a much worse shooting on the same day. The second play is "Grass Ain't Greener" by Evan Carrington, an ensemble period dramedy following a group of Black actors filming one of the first all-Black talkies, who must band together as their production is threatened by the Ku Klux Klan.
- The public reading of "The Second Best School Shooting" will be on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
- The public reading of "Grass Ain't Greener" will be on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
The players
Alice Stanley Jr.
A playwright whose writing has been described as 'dark bubblegum,' blending sharp humor with emotional urgency. Her work spans film, television, podcasts, and theatre, including writing and producing for projects like SAY MORE and BUSY TONIGHT.
Evan Carrington
An actor and writer originally from Baltimore who discovered his passion for performance through an improv class in college. He is committed to developing his craft across commercials, film, television, and theatre, and recently had a sold-out run of his play "Save My Black Soul" at Laurel Mill Playhouse.
NextStop Theatre Company
An award-winning professional theatre company in Herndon, Virginia that is supported by grants from local and state arts organizations.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
NextStop Theatre's new NextDraft series provides a unique opportunity for audiences to witness the evolution of new theatrical works and engage directly with playwrights and artists shaping the future of the theater.
