Arts & Entertainment
6th Annual Voices of Women Theatre Festival Returns on March 5-8 at Hillsborough College Ybor City
Saturday night is already sold out—Tampa's women playwrights are taking the stage, and you won't want to miss the Voices of Women!
Tampa is alive with new stories this March as Powerstories Theatre presents its 6th Annual Voices of Women Theatre Festival, March 5‑8 at the Hillsborough College Theatre in Ybor City. This four-day celebration puts women playwrights in the spotlight, delivering laughter, heart, and unflinching truths.
The festival kicks off Thursday, March 5 with Texas playwright Sam Hernandez’s How to Rob the Art Institute of Chicago, followed Friday, March 6 by Georgia’s Kira Rockwell with The Tragic Ecstasy of Girlhood. Sunday, March 8 closes with All My Mothers by Shelli Pentimall Bookler, selected from the Women Playwrights Over 40 category, offering a moving story rooted in connection and reflection.
Saturday night is a local showcase and already sold out, featuring four original ten-minute plays by Tampa women: Love, Lost (Rings), and What We Wore by Jessica Burchfield; Zeus Gets Cancelled by Alaina Rahaim; Black Barbie by Ashley Burgess Laster; and What About Ruth? by Charlene Dorsey. The evening also highlights true stories from Powerstories’ Seek and Speak Your Powerstory workshop, giving everyday women a chance to bring their own experiences to the stage.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“This festival isn’t just about plays-it’s a movement,” says Fran Powers, Founder and Executive Director. “We’re amplifying women’s voices, celebrating their resilience, and reminding everyone that their stories matter.”
Clareann Despain, Artistic Director, adds, “The audience is an essential part of the creative process. Their reactions help shape these plays, especially for first-time playwrights. Tampa’s support shows these voices are not only welcome—they’re needed.”
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Tickets are $20 per reading or $44 for the full-length staged reading festival pass. A few seats remain, so theater lovers are encouraged to act fast. The festival takes place at Hillsborough College Theatre, 1411 E. 11th Ave., Tampa. More information and tickets are available at powerstories.com/vow-2026.
