If you're interested in theater, playwriting, or both, you'll want to check out the 2013 Festival of New Theatre starting this week at Geva Theatre Center (75 Woodbury Blvd.). The festival gives patrons the unique opportunity to get a glimpse into the future of American theater, as playwrights will be doing concert-style readings of plays they are currently working on. The audience's response to the readings will give the playwrights the critical feedback they need before their plays go further into production.

The first new play on the schedule is "True Home" by Rochester native Cass Morgan; the reading will take place Wednesday, October 23, at 7 p.m. Next up will be "A Conversation with Nora Cole," as she gives the inside scoop on the creative process behind her upcoming untitled play about her ancestors. The event will be held Friday, October 25, at 7 p.m.

This will be followed by "Theatre in Progress: Excerpts of New Plays" Monday, October 28, at 8 p.m. This examines new ideas being explored by playwrights Greg Kotis ("All Your Questions Answered"), John Cariani ("Last Gas"), Deborah Zoe Laufer ("Informed Consent"), Eric Coble ("Stranded on Earth"), and Mat Smart ("Tinker to Evers to Chance"). Then on Tuesday, October 29, at 7 p.m., Rochester author Bill Capossere will present his new play, "Galileo's."

Admission to all Festival of New Theatre shows is free, but reservations are required. The festival runs through Sunday, November 3. To find out about the rest of the shows check out gevatheatre.org or call 232-4382 for more information.