Groove/Factory, a Mid-Shore–based theater organization formerly known as Groove Theatre and The Factory Arts Project, has announced its 2026 theatrical season; an ambitious lineup of productions exploring American history, identity, and civic values.
Timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding, the first three plays of the season invite audiences to reflect on how the country’s history and values continue to shape American life today.
“Our work is rooted in the belief that theatre helps communities understand one another,” said Talley Wilford, Artistic Director of Groove/Factory. “These productions wrestle with the ideas and history that continue to shape our country today. At Groove/Factory, we believe theatre can move people—toward empathy instead of indifference, toward imagination instead of emotional numbness. Our community deserves care and connection, and we strive to create a space where artists can explore the questions that challenge them and audiences can come together to better understand one another.””
2026 Spring/Summer Lineup
April 16th – 19th, Waterfowl Festival Building – 53% Of
The season opens with 53% Of, a contemporary play examining the perspectives of conservative women in suburban Pennsylvania following the 2016 election. Premiering in 2022, the work offers a thought-provoking look at recent American political history. Tickets now available at: https://thefactoryartsproject.
June 5th – 7th Garfield Center for the Arts – Perfect Arrangement
In June, the company presents Perfect Arrangement, a fast-paced comedy set during the 1950s Lavender Scare. The play follows two State Department couples navigating secrecy, loyalty, and love during a time when personal identity was seen as a national security risk.
August – Heroes of the Fourth Turning
August brings Heroes of the Fourth Turning, a Pulitzer Prize finalist set beneath the Wyoming night sky. The play explores faith, politics, and the future of American conservatism through the conversations of four young graduates.
These are only three of the six full length plays the company will stage this year. The full show listing, production dates, ticket information, and additional details can be located at thefactoryartsproject.org.
Seeking a Permanent Costume Shop and Production Space
Alongside the season announcement, Groove/Factory is seeking a large, long-term, and affordable space to house its costume shop, prop storage, and rehearsal areas. The organization is looking for a facility with ample square footage for construction and storage, high ceilings, strong electrical capacity, and accessibility for artists and volunteers.
A permanent space would allow the company to safely build, store, and reuse costumes across productions, dramatically improving sustainability while reducing long-term production costs.
“The costume shop is the heartbeat of our organization and an important artistic asset,” said Cecile Davis, Executive Director of Groove/Factory. “Costumes are not an afterthought for us. They are storytelling tools, sculptural elements, and historical research made tangible. As our seasons grow in scale and complexity, so does our need for a sustainable space. If you too believe that theatre is essential, please consider making a gift towards supporting our vital work.”
Wilford added that a dedicated facility would also support the artists and volunteers who contribute countless hours behind the scenes.
“A stable home isn’t just about square footage,” Wilford said. “It’s about sustainability, equity, and care for the artists who pour their time and talent into this work. The right space would allow us to pay artists more fairly, reduce waste, and preserve the history of our productions.“
The Groove/Factory invites landlords, developers, community partners, donors, and supporters with leads on industrial, warehouse, or commercial spaces to get in touch. Contributions of space, resources, or funding will have a direct and lasting impact on the organization’s ability to produce innovative, community-driven theater.
