University of Idaho Theatre Arts presents fall 2026 First Bite New Play Series
Virtual series features live readings of plays written by graduate students
September 30, 2026
MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Idaho Department of Theatre Arts will present four virtual readings of two student-written plays as part of the First Bite New Play Series.
The free readings will be held via Zoom:
- “Avalanche” by Kevin Nielsen — 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
- “Lobstertown” by Ellen Azevedo —5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4
The plays were written and will be directed by students in the distance-based Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts Program. U of I alumna Kellie Stonebrook is producing the series, and graduate student Andrew Okerson serves as technical coordinator.
“Avalanche,” written by Kevin Nielsen and directed by TJ Moore II, is a darkly comic family tragedy about inheritance, the refusal to let go and what happens when a lifetime of buried grievances finally comes crashing down. A routine visit between an aging mother and her exhausted son erupts into a battle over love, money, memory and obligation. Trapped in a house overflowing with clutter and years of resentment, Lynette and Cory turn old wounds into weapons as an ordinary caregiving crisis spirals toward the unthinkable.
“Lobstertown,” written by Ellen Azevedo and directed by Kristin Clippard, follows the citizens of Average, Maine, as a giant lobster ravages their town. At first, the local government appears ready to take charge. But when the council proposes two terrible options, the once-idyllic town becomes divided. Relationships fracture, cults form, and the lobster is no longer the biggest threat Average faces.
To learn more and register for the readings, visit linktr.ee/uidahotheatre.
Media contact
Alisa Volz
Communication Strategist
Department of Theatre Arts and Lionel Hampton School of Music
208-885-5627
avolz@uidaho.edu