Play on the Grounds

Overview

Join us for a series of staged readings of live theatrical plays. These readings are the perfect marriage of the beauty of Montalvo with the excitement of live theatre in its purest form.

About

Unlike a full production, a staged reading strips theatrical convention down to the bare essentials of engaging storytelling: performers and text. Audiences can expect riveting stories read by actors with minimal staging. On a gorgeous summer evening at Montalvo, take your seat and immerse yourselves in an unforgettable analog experience!

SEASON PACKAGE
Purchase tickets to all three 2025 Play on the Grounds shows, and you’ll receive an $18 discount: Tickets to individual shows are $30 (including fees); purchase a ticket to all three, and you’ll pay only $72!

TO NOTE:

For outdoor events, lawn chairs will be provided.
Beverages (wine, beer, soda, and water) will be for sale at the concessions stand. No outside alcohol or glass bottles of any kind are allowed.
No food for sale on site; you are welcome to bring your own meal and snacks, but please do not be disruptive when unwrapping food or eating.
Please wear layers as it gets cold in the evenings.

PRE-SHOW DONOR RECEPTIONS
Prior to opening night of each 2025 Play on the Grounds performance, Montalvo members will be invited to a special pre-show reception beginning at 5pm. Meet and mingle with fellow donors over a glass of wine, and meet the cast of the show at these exclusive soirées!

2025 Program

Join us for our exciting 2025 Play on the Ground Season, featuring three compelling outdoor productions. We begin with “Motherhood Out Loud,” a heartfelt staged reading celebrating the diverse experiences of parenthood through works by acclaimed American writers. Following this, we present Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage,” a sharp-witted comedy where two pairs of Brooklyn parents’ civilized meeting devolves into chaos after their children’s playground dispute. The season concludes with a dynamic double feature evening combining “Bakersfield Mist” and “Backfire,” offering audiences a contrast of high-stakes art world drama and heartwarming storytelling. All performances are directed by Katie O’Bryon Champlin and showcase the power of outdoor theater in bringing communities together.