The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.
- Plutarch
Theatre is the most vital art form we have, because it is by, for and about humans. Theatre exists to connect us, to put us in a room together and feel what the other feels, to experience shared breath and shared hearts. For 2500 years, theatre has been the voice for and illumination of Us. We should light more fires.
- Gay H Hammond, Playwright
At New Classics Plays, we believe theatre has the power to awaken wonder, empathy, and imagination in audiences of every age. Guided by Gay H. Hammond’s vision, we support and create live experiences that educate, inspire, and connect.
Inspiring Curiosity
We craft stories that invite discovery, encouraging audiences to ask questions and see the extraordinary in the everyday.
Respecting Young Audiences
We tell stories that challenge and delight, honoring the intelligence and emotional depth of children and families alike.
Building Community
Theatre is a shared act of imagination. We create spaces where everyone—artists, teachers, and audiences—feels seen, welcome, and part of something larger.
Educating Through Story
Our plays blend artistry and learning, extending the world of the play into classrooms and conversations beyond the stage.
Our Values
Founder
Gay H. Hammond lives in Gainesville, Georgia, where she was the Artistic Director of WonderQuest, an award-winning Theatre for Young Audiences, for 30 years.
In the theatre for over 40 years, Gay continues to be a working actor (See Rock City, Look Homeward Angel, The Importance of Being Earnest, Romeo and Juliet) and director (The Bra & Panty Club, The Tempest, The Philadelphia Story, Sense & Sensibility, The Jungle Book, Red) as well as a producing playwright.
