For those who cherish theater and wish to support local talent, “Variations on Silence” at the Strand Theater is an event not to be overlooked. This captivating evening will showcase 12 world premiere short plays crafted by writers from the Baltimore area.
This year, the festival will run from Friday, July 10, to Sunday, July 26, marking the 22nd annual ten-minute play festival in Baltimore. Organized by Rapid Lemon Productions, The Variations Project is regarded as a pivotal moment in Baltimore’s theatrical season.
Max Garner serves as the managing director of Rapid Lemon Productions.
“It’s incredible that even after 22 years, the Variations Project continues to evolve and improve,” Garner shared with Baltimore Fishbowl. “This year’s theme, ‘Variations on Silence,’ presents the strongest collection of scripts, actors, and production talents that I can recall.”
Every year, audience members have the opportunity to choose the theme for the upcoming year’s Variations Project. Last year’s winning theme, “Silence,” emerged victorious during the 2025 festival titled “Variations on Night.” Those attending this year’s productions will have a chance to vote for the theme of the 2027 Variations Project.
After the theme is determined, a gathering occurs in January where interested individuals come together to brainstorm and inspire story ideas that serve as the foundation for authors to write their ten-minute original plays. By the end of February, script submissions are due, with selections finalized in March. Rehearsals then initiate, leading up to the production in July. The Variations Project has been a cherished tradition since its inception in 2005.
“Variations on Silence” will showcase works by various playwrights, including Deborah Carry-Amland, Allison Chen, Gabe Fremuth, Natasha Joyce, Martin Thompson, Taylor Leigh Lamb, Wendy Matt, Alfonso Morales-Escobar, Tia Nellie, Regan Marie Nelson, Mae Philippe-Auguste, Douglass E. Smith Jr., and Colin Tillery. The plays will be directed by Janis Hannon, featuring a talented ensemble cast of six actors, two of whom have participated in previous editions of the Variations Project.
The Variations Project has received recognition within the Baltimore arts community, with Broadway World calling it “an important construct” and DC Metro Theater Arts labeling it “a fun and worthwhile Baltimore institution.”
Founded in 2012 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theater company, Rapid Lemon Productions aims to develop and showcase new works that authentically represent and are created by its community. The organization has managed the Variations Project since 2015, along with presenting both world and regional premieres of full-length plays. Esteemed playwrights such as Suzan-Lori Parks, Chisa Hutchinson, D.W. Gregory, Audrey Cefaly, Hope Villanueva, and Erlina Ortiz have all debuted their works with this innovative company.
The performances will take place at the Strand Theater, located at 5426 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD. General admission tickets are priced at $25, while a special discounted “Industry Night” performance is available for just $15 on Monday, July 13.
Tickets can be purchased through Rapid Lemon Productions’ website. The organization employs paperless ticketing, allowing patrons to have their names listed at will call on the day of the performance.
