“The Box” at Dream Up Festival 2026

On the night that Stephen is planning on proposing to his girlfriend Alice, an unexpected challenge arises when his future father-in-law, Cal, shows up at the couple's apartment. Named the "Best Play" at 2023 New York Theater Festival, THE BOX is a taut, darkly comedic psychological thriller about masculinity, fear, and the quiet violence of expectations. Written & directed by Patrick Hamilton. Produced by Terry Nguyen. Starring Chelsea J. Smith, Darrell Shipley, and Reece Grover.