The 2026 Jasper Play Right Project is well underway with a packed house of cast, crew, and our all-important Community Producers.

Community Producers essentially fund the production of the winning play to the Staged Reading level of development. Their work began on Sunday July 12 with their first gathering around a table of wine, cheese, and treats to witness Jasper’s first Table Reading of DK Turner’s The Counting Table.

Between now and Sunday, September 13th, the Community Producers will gather three more times to go deeper into the process of play development and then finally, on the 13th, they will take their reserved seats to witness the highly produced Staged Reading.

Thank you to our 2026 Jasper Play Right Project Community Producers!

Stan Conine

Jennifer Gunter

Larry Hembree & Joe Hudson

Linda Khoury

Richard & Nancy Layman

Tricia & Henry Motes

Bill Schmidt

Wade Sellers

Kirkland & James Smith

Gwinette Taylor

Keith Tolen

Jon Tuttle

Cindi Boiter & Bob Jolley

You don’t have to be a Community Producer to see the finished product though. Tickets are now available to join Jasper and the Community Producers for the official Staged Reading of The Counting Table followed by a meal inspired by the play itself.

Special Thanks to Columbia Music Festival Association for serving as the host of ALL Jasper 2026 Play Right Project events, including the Big Show on September 13th!

Learn more about the Jasper Play Right Project

5 DAYS UNTIL THE 1ST TABLE READ!

This is the final week to sign up as Community Producers for Jasper’s Play Right Project and we still need a few more curious & supportive souls. This year we’re inviting local arts supporters to join us as Community Producers at a new rate ($250) that includes both you and your significant other.

You’ll join this year’s confirmed Community Producers Linda Khoury, Bingo Gunter, Bill Schmidt, Richard Layman, and Stan Conine for four Sunday afternoon sessions (4 - 5:30, July 12, 26, Aug. 9, 23) at CMFA — Columbia Music Festival Association, 914 Pulaski St. in the Vista — and then take your seats as our honored guests at the Premiere Stage Reading of Columbia playwright DK Turner’s THE COUNTING TABLE on Sept. 13th.

Here’s what to expect:

Play Right Project 2026 Community Producer Schedule

SUNDAY, JULY 12 4:00–5:30pm: Introducing DK Turner and The Counting Table

Meet the 2026 Play Right Project Winning Playwright DK Turner and enjoy the first-ever read-through of his The Counting Table with the full cast and crew, as well as other Community Producers. This is called a “Table Read” – see? You’re learning already!

SUNDAY, JULY 26 4:00–5:30pm: The Playwright's Craft

A conversation with the Playwright, DK Turner, and special guest playwrights about their plays and what they have coming up.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 4:00–5:30pm: Stagecraft: Acting and Directing

The cast & crew of The Counting Table explain the process of assembling a production and preparing for a role, with sample scenes from The Counting Table.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 4:00–5:30pm: Sneak Peek Week!

Sit in on an actual rehearsal of The Counting Table and learn more about the process as actors rehearse and sharpen sample scenes in anticipation of the Big Event.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13: The Big Event – Staged Reading of The Counting Table

Take your reserved seat for the Premiere Staged Reading of The Counting Table by DK Turner at) and enjoy a special, brand-new post-show celebration designed especially for DK Turner’s The Counting Table!

Read more about Jasper’s 2026 Winning Playwright DK Turner and the Director of Turner’s play, The Counting Table, Jocelyn Sanders.

Recognizing the 2026 Jasper Play Right Project Community Producers