CIRCLE

FESTIVAL

Show Catalogue

August 30th-

October 19th

Weekends Only at AMT Theater

RAW | BARE | UNFILTERED

In a city that thrives on theatrical innovation, the Circle Theater Festival boldly steps forward, offering an audacious alternative to Broadway's sheen. This festival, with its European fringe influence and Off-Broadway experimentation, presents hybrid theater at its most elemental—raw and rough.

The festival’s productions are a far cry from the predictable polish of mainstream theater. Instead, they offer unvarnished performances that are as gripping as they are honest. Here, theater is stripped to its core, allowing the raw talent and passion of the performers to shine through. It's a bold reminder that great theater doesn't require elaborate sets or costumes—just a powerful story and the courage to tell it.

Book Your Tickets!
Poster for the play "Sunbreak" featuring two children holding hands by the water, with the sky and ocean in the background. Text includes names of the cast, director, production details, and schedule.
Close-up of a black statue's face with gold paint outlining a heart shape. Text overlay showing the play's title 'Mom Play,' playwright Madelyn Slattery, directed by Isha Pradhan, running from August 30th to October 19th at the AMT Theater in New Yor
Poster for the play 'Three One-Act Plays' by Edward Allan Baker, showing a black-and-white photo of a man with dark curly hair and a mustache, looking to the right. The event is part of the Circle Theater Festival, held from August 30th to October 19
Red abstract background with white text about a theater festival play titled "Don't Push the Red Button" by Zachary Mailhot, directed by Chris Cavazza, playing from August 30 to October 19 at AMT Theater, 354 W 45th St, New York, NY.
A foggy night scene with streetlights, power lines, and a billboard with a yellow message board that reads "ADULTS ONLY MAGAZINES TOYSVDS X RATED." Promotional poster for the production "REPLICA" by Paul Tully, part of the Circle Theater Festival, ta
Poster for the play "Sugar and Salt" featuring a group of five people dressed in glamorous, retro-style clothing, standing against a tiled wall. The poster includes text indicating the play is directed by Andy Reiff and choreographed by Rosie Corr, i
A promotional poster for the Circle Theater Festival featuring a close-up photograph of pink satin and silk fabric. The poster includes the titles of the creators and the production, "Enmeshment," along with event details: August 30th to October 19th
Poster for a theater production titled 'Women Who Cut,' featuring a close-up of a woman wearing lingerie and holding a chain, with red and blue lighting. It includes the names of cast members and director, and details of the theater festival and even
Poster for 'The Sleepover Show,' a Pretty Funny Comedy production, showing four women in silk pajamas, smiling and leaning close together. The event runs from August 30 to October 19 at the AMT Theater in New York City.
Promotional poster for theater production titled "Into Your Hands" starring Nick Navari, directed by Clint Hromsco, running from August 30 to October 19 at AMT Theater, New York. Background shows a close-up of two hands gently touching, with blurred
A person holding a large, clear, faceted gemstone or crystal in their hand.
A hand with red painted nails holding a champagne glass under a pouring bottle of champagne, with the text "Directed by Elise Wilkes" and promotional details for a theater festival titled "Packed" at the center.
Poster for a theater festival featuring a photo of two light pink water lilies floating on water, with text including names Thandiwe Genevieve Scott and Bart Elliott, director Timiki Salinas, and event details in New York.

LINEUP

  1. INTO YOUR HANDS by Nick Navari

  2. PACKED by Elise Wilkes

  3. ENMESHMENT by Caity Ladda

  4. ANOTHER KIND OF HOLDING ON by Genevieve Scott

  5. LODESTONE by Constance Lake

  6. SUNBREAK by Jonathan Goetzman

  7. WOMEN WHO CUT by Ariella Carmell

  8. SUGAR AND SALT directed by Andy Reiff

  9. THREE SHORT PLAYS by Edward Allan Baker

  10. MOM PLAY by Madelyn Slattery

  11. REPLICA by Paul Tully

  12. DON’T PUSH THE RED BUTTON by Zachary Mailhot

  13. SLEEPOVER SHOW from Pretty Funny Comedy

  14. One TIme Special Event - Things I Am Totally, Completely, and Utterly Ashamed Of

A Look Into Sunbreak

Two young people leaning forward under colorful stage lights, with a star constellation projection in the background.
A woman with wavy brown hair wearing a red jacket and black shirt, displaying an expressive gesture with her hands, standing against a dark background.
Side profile of a young woman with curly, multi-colored hair and hoop earrings, wearing a plaid shirt against a black background.
People in a dimly lit room, with one person in the center looking serious and focused, surrounded by others who appear to be engaged in a group activity or conversation.
A woman on stage smiling and holding up a scarf, dressed in a shiny, feathered dress with a background of candles and a projected image of a building.
Two women sitting closely together, one visibly emotional and teary-eyed, on a dark stage with minimal lighting. They are holding hands, with the younger woman wearing a pink dress and the older woman with a patterned shawl.
Actors on stage during a theatrical performance, with three women standing in the center holding glasses, and two men seated at the edges, under stage lights against a dark background.
Three women on stage, two appear distressed or worried, holding each other. The woman on the right has red hair, the woman on the left has dark hair, and the middle woman has blonde hair. They are dressed in black clothing, with a dark background.
A man kneeling on stage with an open cardboard box in front of him, holding an object, with black curtains and stage equipment around him.
Performer lying on stage with a cardboard box, surrounded by a keyboard on a stand, chairs, a table with papers, and some shoes, in a dark theater setting.
A man sitting at a keyboard on a dark stage, looking upward with a contemplative expression, wearing a white shirt and a floral tie.
Theater scene with four women on stage, one sitting on a bed, two holding pillows, one lying on the floor, and one standing. The stage is dark with red lights overhead.
A man in a white shirt and tie speaking on stage with a black backdrop, a keyboard on a stand in the corner.
A young woman sitting on a bed with pink and blue pillows, wearing a beige t-shirt, shorts, and socks, in a dark room.
Two women sitting on a bed in a dark theater stage, with scattered magazines, books, and personal items around them, appearing to be in a theatrical scene.
Two women sitting on a bed in a dark room, one holding a mirror and the other eating, with pillows and blankets around them.
A man with brown hair, wearing a white shirt and a floral tie, making a scrunched facial expression against a black background.
Person in red dress on stage, spinning a pink feathered fan.
Three women performing on a stage, wearing colorful dresses and patterned tights, with a black background and various stage props and clothing on the side.
Three women on stage performing in a theatrical play, with costumes and props around them, dark background, and audience silhouettes in the foreground.
Three women sitting on colorful rugs on a stage with dark background. One woman holding a red whip, another with a glass of champagne, and the third with a string of pearls. There are bottles and a table covered with a shiny cloth in the background.
Actors on stage performing a scene in a play, with some sitting and others standing, holding glasses of drink, with bottles and table in the background.
Theater performance with six actors on stage, central woman with outstretched arms, audience seats visible in the darkness.
Actors performing a scene on stage with colorful rugs, pillows, and a table with glasses, set in a dark theater space.
Theater scene with six actors on stage, four seated and two standing, with various colorful rugs and props on the floor, and a dark background.
A woman with brown, curly hair tied up, wearing glasses on her head and a light gray T-shirt, sitting on the floor with her legs bent, in what appears to be a theatrical setting.
Two women are laughing and smiling during a theatrical performance. One woman is sitting on a stool, writing in a notebook, while the other woman is reclining at a table covered with a red and white checkered tablecloth, talking on the phone.
A young woman sitting on a bed with pink and blue pillows, looking distressed, in a dimly lit room with a black background.
A woman with curly hair wearing a fluffy beige coat and pink tights sits on a chair, looking to her left with a concerned expression. Another woman with long dark hair in a striped shirt stands behind her, adjusting something. The scene appears to be
A woman with wild, curly hair wearing a colorful floral blouse, sitting at a cluttered table with a bottle, newspaper, and a mug, against a black background.
A woman kneeling on stage, looking up at someone off-camera, with a basket of laundry in front of her, and dark background.
Two women on stage engaged in a scene, one dressed as a nurse and the other holding a doll, with a table and a stool visible against a black background.
Two young actors engaged in a conversation on stage with a dark background, one holding a teddy bear, and a small stereo on a table nearby.
Two actors on stage, a girl holding a doll and an emotional young man standing close together with a dark background.
Two women on stage in a theatrical play, one sitting on the floor and the other standing, involved in an intense conversation with cluttered props and furniture around them.
Two women in a theatrical scene: one woman is seated at a cluttered table, and another woman is standing with a pile of stuffed animals, in a black box theater.
A woman with long brown hair holding a pink mirror, standing on a stage with black curtains in the background.
A woman with curly blonde hair sitting on the floor, smiling and laughing, wearing a shiny satin tracksuit with beige socks, in a dark room with stage lighting.
Two women, one with dark skin and curly hair, and the other with light skin and blonde hair, stand close together on a stage, engaging in a serious conversation. Both are dressed in pink outfits, with the darker-skinned woman wearing a blazer and the
A young woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing a greenish denim jacket, black pants, and black shoes, is crouched down on the stage near a table with crumpled paper coverings, a beige bag, and scattered objects including a small cube and pens, wit
A young woman with brown hair in a braid, wearing a black blazer and black pants, standing on stage with a serious expression, holding a cigarette in her right hand.
Two young women performing on a small stage with cardboard boxes labeled 'Living Room,' 'Bedding,' and 'Electronics' in the background. One woman is sitting on the floor, leaning on the other, both smiling and interacting closely.
Two women sitting on a stage, one leaning against the other, in front of moving boxes, with audience silhouettes visible.
A man kneeling on the floor, holding a photo and talking to a woman who is sitting on a raised surface, covering her mouth. They are both wearing matching satin pajamas in a bedroom or dressing room setting.
Two women engage in a conversation on a stage in a theatrical performance. One woman is dressed in orange scrubs, and the other is in casual clothing with a jacket. There are two chairs on the stage, one with a red scarf and backpack placed on it.
A woman with brown hair seated on a black chair, wearing a green sleeveless top, purple tights, black shoes, and jewelry, with a leopard print tablecloth, glassware, and storage shelves in the background.
Two men with curly hair, one in a blue patterned shirt and one in camouflage, sit near a black table with a red button, while the other man looks away with a focused expression. The scene appears to be on a stage with a dark backdrop.
A man with curly hair and beard dressed in outdoor camouflage clothing, sitting on a chair in front of black curtains, adjusting or holding a small object with his hands, with a table and some items including a can and electronic equipment in front o

PRESS

  • RJ Theatre Company has revealed the complete lineup for Circle Festival 2025, returning August 30 through October 19 with twelve groundbreaking productions at AMT Theater. Produced in association with The Actor Launchpad, this year's festival builds on the momentum of its sold-out debut, which drew over 1,000 audience members to The Flea Theater. Read more here.

  • Sunbreak, a haunting family drama by Jonathan Goetzman, will make its Equity debut as a headlining selection of Circle Festival 2025, produced by RJ Theatre Company and The Actor Launchpad. Directed by Leah Reddy, the production stars Alix Curnow (American Horror Story, Mean Girl Murders, Finding the Strength to Heal) and Martina Ferragamo, making her Off-Broadway debut in what promises to be the start of her most eventful season yet. Read more here.

  • Read more here.

    “There is no better acting anywhere in New York City on Broadway or off. Prepare to have your heart broken, but your soul enriched.”

Side profile of a woman with curly hair over a black background, accompanied by a quote about acting in New York City.
Two women on stage, one sitting and the other standing, with tears in her eyes, during a theatrical performance at Circle Theater Festival, with a quote about sunbreak on the image.
A woman sitting at a table, writing in a notebook on a stage during a performance at the Circle Theatre Festival, with a quote overlay about Suzanne Di Donna's performance.
Woman with wavy brown hair sitting at a table with a red and white checkered tablecloth, holding a white mug, with yellow and red condiment bottles in the foreground, and speaking or gesturing. There is a quote on the image: 'A star was born!' by Nic
Two women are posing indoors; one has black hair and the other has red hair and is wearing a sheer black top. A quote overlay reads, 'There's suspense, mounting jeopardy and redemption' by Jason Rohrer, Theater-Los Angeles.
A young woman with dark hair, wearing a denim jacket and choker, speaking on stage with a black background, with a quote overlay reading "A truly wonderful play" by Samantha Simmonds, NoHo Arts District.
A woman with long brown hair wearing a black and white striped shirt and a cross necklace looks up while speaking on a stage with a dark background. The quote 'You will be left with your heart breaking for all.' by Nicole Jesson from Theatre Beyond B
A woman with long braided hair and a black blazer standing against a dark background, with a quote overlay that reads: 'Remarkable... beautifully strange, raw and utterly believable.' by Samantha Simmonds, NoHo Arts District, at the Circle Theater Fe
Three women sitting on a couch, with one woman in a black dress at the center, the second woman on the right with curly hair, and the third woman on the left with dark hair, all posing suggestively.
A scene from a theatrical performance with a quote overlay. A young woman with long curly hair, wearing a red plaid shirt, is facing a young man with short curly hair, wearing a light-colored T-shirt. The young woman is holding a stuffed toy. The quo
Two women having an intimate conversation on a couch, with one woman biting her finger and the other leaning in closely, in a theatrical setting.
A young woman with pink and purple hair sitting on a bed with pink bedding, speaking during a stage performance. A pink pillow and a book are on the bed. Text over the image quotes a review.
Three actors on stage, two women and one man, engaging in a dramatic scene with intense expressions.
A woman wearing a blue bandana and green shirt speaking passionately on stage at the Circle Theater Festival.
A man speaking on stage at the Circle Theater Festival with a black background and a quote about Nick Navari overlaid in white text.
A man in a white shirt and floral tie playing a piano, looking upward. Overlaid text quotes Kristin Hardwick reviewing Navari's talent with the keyboard. Logo for Circle Theater Festival is in the bottom left corner.
A woman with long dark hair, wearing makeup, a pinstripe shirt, a gold cross necklace, and hoop earrings, is sitting on a couch with an intense expression, holding a lollipop in her mouth. There is a quote in white text that reads 'Marx Brothers anar
Two women on a stage, one lying down, the other sitting and leaning over her, smiling and engaging in a playful moment during a theatrical performance.

Circle Festival 2025 Photos By Tamar Shemesh

Logo with black background and large white text reading 'RJ Theatr Co.'
Black background with white text, reading "The Actor Launchpad NYC," surrounded by two incomplete white circles.