Second Stage 2026 - Dr. Ride’s American Beach House

Every year, Burning Coal Theatre uses its theatre space in Raleigh, NC to foster emerging innovative theatre talent in a series of new works and plays in the summer months. 

It's 1983, the night before Dr. Sally Ride's historic flight. On a sweltering St. Louis rooftop, four women explore their unfulfilled ambitions and burgeoning Queer identities as the sun sets. Dr. Ride's American Beach House by Liza Birkenmeier is part of Burning Coal's 2nd Stage Series. The show is directed by Ruth Berry and features Noelle Azarelo, Jess Flemming, Mary Rowland, and Laurel Ullman.