The inaugural BNPI Festival took place from September 26-28th, 2025. Over forty artists took part in the festival, which produced readings of four new plays by playwrights from around the country. The selected plays were Under the Bridge by Janelle Grey, I, Will by Scott Carter, Here Kitty Kitty by Janielle Kastner and & Sons by Jack Angelo Cummings. The festival also included a curated panel with leadership from collaborating theatres and a public discussion on playwriting with the selected playwrights. The opening night featured a dinner served at the Baylor Club for ticket holders and the artists, a Helberg barbeque luncheon, and culminated in an Awards Ceremony and reception at Arts Waco where Jack Angelo Cumming’s play & Sons was awarded the Kirk New Play Prize.
2025 Kirk Prize Winner
New Jersey-based playwright Jack Angelo Cummings was the 2025 Kirk New Play Prize at the his compelling new drama & Sons, which follows three young men striving to keep a boutique construction business afloat after the sudden death of its patriarch while grappling with generational trauma, addiction and the unspoken ways masculinity shapes emotion. The BNPI Festival judges praised & Sons as “an incredibly moving and timely consideration of the themes of generational trauma, addiction and working-class America.” & Sons was directed by Christopher Llewyn Ramirez and starred Brandon Sterrett, Gabe Lipton, and Silas Robles. The play will receive a world premiere production at the Luna Stage in New Jersey in 2026. Read the Baylor Lariat’s story on the play here.
2025 Finalists
Learn more about the three finalists plays below.
Here Kitty Kitty | 
Under the Bridge | 
I, Will |
Testimonials
“I am so thankful for this experience at Baylor. My play could not have evolved without the many resources the BNPI provides. This was truly a dream of a collaborative experience.” - Jack Angelo Cummings, BNPI 2025 playwright
“I loved the great opportunities to connect with other artists, performers, directors, and playwrights. Lots of great memories, photos, and wonderful stories to tell!” - Austin Terrell, BNPI 2025 actor
“All the details were so well thought out, and we felt so supported. I loved getting to meet representatives from theaters outside my area - I feel like I was able to begin some new relationships.” - Emily Scott Banks, BNPI 2025 director
“Everyone was an absolute delight. I couldn't have felt more comfortable or excited to spend time with everyone at the festival, from Baylor theatre staff to the students to the actors and other playwrights.” - Janielle Kastner, BNPI 2025 playwright
