The Voices of Women Theatre Festival is Powerstories’ annual celebration of women’s voices and the power of their stories on stage. Dedicated exclusively to women playwrights, the festival features original work from local artists, national creators, and, in some seasons, international storytellers whose perspectives broaden and enrich the conversation.
The inaugural festival debuted in October 2021 as a hybrid event, with in‑person performances at our Tampa location and live‑streamed, pre‑recorded virtual productions. Developed during the COVID‑19 pandemic, the festival ensured that women playwrights could continue sharing their work and reaching audiences around the world, even in a time of isolation. Earlier that same year, Powerstories launched the Voices of Truth and Voices of Youth festivals, which concluded after the pandemic, while the Voices of Women Theatre Festival continued to grow.
Its continuation reflects a critical truth in the theatre world: although women make up the majority of theatre audiences, their voices remain significantly underrepresented on stage.
Each season, the festival presents a curated mix of full‑length plays and short works that reflect the depth, humor, struggle, and triumph found in women’s lived experiences. Audiences engage directly with the artists through talkbacks after the full‑length play selections, creating meaningful conversations that deepen understanding and connection.
Powerstories is especially proud to have introduced the Playwrights Over 40 category in 2025, recognizing and uplifting a powerful group of talented women who are often overlooked in the industry. For both emerging and established playwrights, the festival serves as a meaningful lilypad, a place where new pieces take their first steps into the world and often continue on to new stages, new venues, and new opportunities.
Rooted in Powerstories’ mission to amplify women’s voices, the Voices of Women Theatre Festival continues to expand in reach and impact, celebrating the courage, creativity, and truth of women who share their stories, inspiring audiences year after year.
