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The Most Produced Plays & Musicals of the 2025/2026 Regional Theatre Season

By The Up-To-Date Actor, October 08, 2025

Every year, the most produced plays and musicals across professional regional theatres give us a snapshot of the American theatre landscape—what audiences are connecting with, what theatres feel confident producing, and which playwrights’ voices are resonating across the country.

For the 2025/2026 season, the lineup is a vibrant mix of contemporary storytelling, beloved classics, and bold reinterpretations. If you’re an actor, dramaturg, or theatre-lover, this list offers insight into where the artistic energy is flowing—and where opportunities might be waiting.

Disclaimer: These numbers reflect the most produced plays, musicals, and playwrights as of the blog’s publication date. For the latest updates, see each play, musical, or playwright’s link.

Most Produced Plays

This season shows a balance between fresh voices, new favorites, and enduring classics:

Note: This list excludes A Christmas Carol and Shakespeare. For Shakespeare, see the separate section below.

• Primary Trust (16) – Eboni Booth’s moving play about healing and connection leads the season, solidifying its place as a new American favorite.
• The Play That Goes Wrong (11) – Physical comedy and farce continue to delight audiences nationwide.
• The Importance of Being Earnest (10) – Oscar Wilde’s timeless wit proves as sharp and relevant as ever.
• Misery (10) – William Goldman’s chilling thriller adaptation remains a popular choice for regional theatres.
• Eureka Day (10) – Jonathan Spector’s razor-sharp satire about community and conflict continues its rise in popularity.
• Steel Magnolias (9) – Robert Harling’s beloved classic of Southern resilience and friendship endures onstage.
• Fat Ham (8) – James Ijames’ Pulitzer Prize–winning reinvention of Hamlet continues to make waves in the regional circuit.
• The 39 Steps (7) – Patrick Barlow’s fast-paced farce blends Hitchcock suspense with comic invention.
• The Cottage (7) – Sandy Rustin’s sparkling new comedy brings charm and chaos to the stage.
• The Mountaintop (6) – Katori Hall’s gripping reimagining of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night continues to resonate.
• Murder on the Orient Express (6) – Agatha Christie’s mystery classic, adapted for the stage, remains a popular draw for audiences.
• The Heart Sellers (6) – Lloyd Suh’s story of connection and immigrant experience keeps growing in presence nationwide.
• A Christmas Story: A Radio Play (5) – Nostalgia and holiday cheer keep this seasonal classic on theatre schedules.
• Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous (5) – Pearl Cleage’s bold and funny exploration of age, race, and artistry is gaining momentum.
• Every Brilliant Thing (5) – Duncan Macmillan’s intimate, interactive celebration of life continues to touch audiences deeply.

Takeaway for Actors:

Use this list to identify contemporary works and modern classics that align with your type. Don’t try to chase every project—focus on the plays that showcase what you do best, then research which theatres and casting directors are producing them.

Add these plays to your targets on Up-To-Date Actor to be notified of future productions and audition opportunities!

Most Produced Shakespeare

Shakespeare continues to dominate regional programming, offering actors opportunities across comedy, tragedy, and romance.

• A Midsummer Night’s Dream (10) – Shakespeare’s magical comedy remains a perennial audience favorite.
• Romeo and Juliet (8) – The timeless tale of star-crossed lovers continues to captivate.
• Twelfth Night (8) – A joyous story of mistaken identity and love proves ever popular.
• Hamlet (6) – The Prince of Denmark’s tragic story never leaves the stage for long.
• Macbeth (6) – Shakespeare’s dark tragedy of ambition and fate keeps its place in rotation.
• The Comedy of Errors (6) – Shakespeare’s earliest and zaniest farce remains a crowd-pleaser.
• Much Ado About Nothing (4) – Witty banter and romantic sparring make this play a consistent hit.
• As You Like It (4) – Love, disguise, and transformation in the Forest of Arden continue to charm audiences.
• Love’s Labour’s Lost (4) – A sparkling comedy of language and wit sees steady productions.
• The Merry Wives of Windsor (4) – Shakespeare’s playful take on middle-class comedy remains a delight.

Takeaway for Actors:

If Shakespeare aligns with your type, know which plays fit your strengths—whether that’s romantic leads, witty clowns, or powerful tragic figures. Focus your audition prep on the plays most widely programmed, and target the companies producing them.

Most Produced Musicals

The musical theatre scene this season blends Broadway blockbusters with regional favorites:

• Come From Away (28) – Still soaring as the most produced musical nationwide, reminding us of the power of community storytelling.
• Million Dollar Quartet (19) – A jukebox favorite that celebrates rock ’n’ roll history with infectious energy.
• Waitress (18) – A heartfelt story of resilience, love, and second chances, with songs that resonate deeply.
• Frozen (16) – Disney magic continues to draw families, delighting audiences of all ages.
• Dear Evan Hansen (11) – A contemporary story of connection and identity that remains powerful and relevant.
• Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (11) – A jukebox journey through Carole King’s life and music that inspires and uplifts.
• Hairspray (8) – Colorful, high-energy, and filled with heart, this fan-favorite musical keeps audiences dancing.
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (8) – A family-friendly Andrew Lloyd Webber classic with timeless appeal.
• Ain’t Misbehavin’ (7) – A vibrant revue that celebrates the genius of Fats Waller and the Harlem Renaissance.
• Annie (7) – A perennial favorite, bringing optimism and beloved songs to audiences young and old.
• Into The Woods (7) – Sondheim’s darkly whimsical masterpiece continues to captivate with its layered storytelling.
• The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (7) – A quirky, comedic ensemble piece that thrives on audience connection.
• Guys And Dolls (7) – A golden age classic with big characters, show-stopping numbers, and timeless charm.
• Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (7) – A holiday staple that keeps filling seats with seasonal nostalgia.
• 9 to 5 The Musical (6) – Dolly Parton’s empowering hit about workplace resilience and solidarity continues to entertain.

Takeaway for Actors:

Jukebox musicals, family shows, and ensemble-driven pieces dominate. Look at this list to see which musicals match your vocal type, movement skills, and presence. Are you a strong fit for heartfelt contemporary works like Waitress or classic character-driven shows like Guys and Dolls? Focus your materials on the musicals where you’re most likely to shine.

Most Produced Playwrights

This season’s most produced playwrights reflect a mix of enduring classics, contemporary favorites, and rising voices shaping today’s theatre landscape:

• Lauren Gunderson (18) – Once again the most produced living playwright in the U.S., known for her witty, heartfelt plays.
• Ken Ludwig (16) – A master of farce and clever comedies that remain regional theatre favorites.
• Kate Hamill (16) – Acclaimed for her inventive, feminist adaptations of classic works.
• Eboni Booth (16) – With Primary Trust, Booth has quickly become one of the most in-demand new voices.
• Tennessee Williams (13) – Iconic American dramatist whose lyrical works often center on Southern settings and characters.
• August Wilson (12) – His American Century Cycle is a cornerstone of Black American theatre, chronicling the African American experience across decades.
• Henry Lewis (12) – Co-creator of Mischief Theatre’s smash hit comedies including The Play That Goes Wrong.
• Jonathan Spector (12) – Known for biting satire like Eureka Day that challenges audiences with humor and insight.
• Oscar Wilde (10) – Enduring wit and elegance keep his comedies timeless.
• William Goldman (10) – Screenwriter and novelist, celebrated for his chilling stage adaptation of Misery.
• James Ijames (10) – Pulitzer Prize winner whose plays, including Fat Ham, explore Black identity and contemporary culture through bold theatrical reinvention.
• Robert Harling (9) – Beloved for Steel Magnolias, a quintessentially Southern story of women, resilience, and community.
• Amy Herzog (9) – Known for emotionally rich, modern dramas like 4000 Miles and Mary Jane.
• Katori Hall (8) – A vital Black American playwright, best known for The Mountaintop and works exploring race, politics, and culture.
• Rajiv Joseph (8) – An Indian-American playwright acclaimed for bold, socially conscious works like Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo.
• Agatha Christie (7) – The Queen of Mystery continues to draw audiences with stage thrillers.
• Pearl Cleage (7) – A leading Black American playwright, blending politics, gender, and community in works that resonate across generations.
• Branden Jacob-Jenkins (7) – An acclaimed Black American playwright whose sharp, thought-provoking works like An Octoroon and Gloria interrogate race and representation.
• Patrick Barlow (7) – Celebrated for his inventive comic adaptation of Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps.

Takeaway for Actors:

Instead of trying to “fit everything,” get strategic by focusing on the playwrights whose styles align with your type. Whether it’s the lyricism of Wilson, the wit of Hamill, or the edge of Ijames, knowing who’s being produced can guide your audition prep and networking.

What This Means for Actors

The 2025/2026 season highlights how important it is for actors to know their type and understand where they fit within the industry. Success doesn’t come from trying to be right for every project—from Frozen to Hamlet. It comes from getting specific about your castable range and pursuing the works that best showcase your strengths.

• Define Your Type: Start by clarifying your most castable qualities. If you need guidance, check out our blog Top Tips to Find Your Type as an Actor.
• Pair Words with Proof: Casting directors want both a clear description and strong visual examples of your type. See our blog Why Actors Must Pair Words with Visual Examples When Describing Their Type.
• Align with Playwrights: If you thrive in witty, high-energy comedy, target Kate Hamill or Ken Ludwig plays. If your wheelhouse is emotional depth, lean into productions by Williams, Wilson, or Herzog.
• Spot Trends & Opportunities: With Primary Trust and Come From Away dominating, actors who match the tone and style of these works should be researching auditions and theatres producing them right now.

On Up-To-Date Actor, you can go beyond just reading lists like this. Target the specific plays, musicals, and playwrights that align with your type, and be notified of every new production—Broadway, tours, and regional theatre—as well as any audition opportunities. Once you’ve done the research, learn how to take the next step with our blog How to Reach Out to Theatre Casting Directors.

Final Takeaway:

The 2025/2026 regional theatre season is one of balance—heartfelt new works alongside timeless classics, blockbuster musicals alongside intimate ensemble shows. For artists, it’s a season rich with opportunities to stretch your craft and connect with audiences hungry for stories that heal, entertain, and inspire.

Featured Resource: Your Next Steps Toolkit

Ready to put this list into action? Here are three essential reads to guide your path:

• Top Tips to Find Your Type as an Actor
• Why Actors Must Pair Words with Visual Examples When Describing Their Type
• Look Up Plays & Musicals
• Look Up Playwrights
• Learn How to Add Plays, Musicals, and Playwrights to Your Targets
• Research & Discover Regional Theatres
• How to Reach Out to Theatre Casting Directors

Use these tools alongside Up-To-Date Actor’s database to sharpen your focus, align with productions that fit your strengths, and build meaningful connections with the industry.