Join Our Monday Play Readings
May 25, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
NO READING - Pfingstmontag
No reading due to public holiday
June 1, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
The Effect by Lucy Prebble
Connie and Tristan are two young volunteers who meet during a clinical drug trial for a new antidepressant. As their dosages increase, they begin to fall in love, but they are forced to question whether their feelings are real or simply a side effect of the dopamine. The play explores the ethics of neurology and the mystery of the human heart through their relationship and the observations of the doctors running the trial. The play premiered at the National Theatre in London in 2012, where it won the Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Best New Play.
June 8, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
John Proctor Is The Villain
In a rural Georgia high school, a group of teenagers in an English class begins studying The Crucible. As they examine the classic play, they start to draw uncomfortable parallels between the 1692 Salem witch trials and their own lives in the present day. The students eventually challenge the traditional narrative of "heroic" John Proctor, leading them to confront the power dynamics and scandals within their own community.
June 15, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
Evening of Short Scenes & Monologues
This event is a wonderful opportunity for new faces to take the Monday stage and for long-time members to return to performing in our usual setting.
How It Works:
Choose a piece that resonates with you and submit it to mondays@thezest.ch for
approval. Please keep the following guidelines in mind:
Monologues (Memorized): Must be from a published play (no TV or film scripts).
Duration: 2–4 minutes max.
Short Scenes (Memorized): Must be from a published play (no TV or film scripts).
Duration: 5–7 minutes max.
If you choose a scene with multiple characters, you may bring your own scene partner or ask us to pair you with a fellow reader you haven't worked with before.
Submission Deadline: Monday, June 8
We can’t wait to see what pieces you choose!
June 22, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
NO READING - Farragut North Production Week
No reading due to our summer production, Farragut North.
You can get your tickets on Eventfrog and at our box office at Millers before each show.
Production Dates
June 2026
Thursday, 25th at 19:30 (end time 22:00)
Friday, 26th at 19:30 (end time 22:00)
Saturday, 27th at 19:30 (end time 22:00)
Matinee:
Saturday, 27th at 14:00 (end time 16:30)
July 2026
Wednesday, 1st at 19:30 (end time 22:00)
Thursday, 2nd at 19:30 (end time 22:00)
Friday, 3rd at 19:30 (end time 22:00)
Saturday, 4th at 19:30 (end time 22:00)
Matinee:
Saturday, 4th at 14:00 (end time 16:30)
June 29, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
NO READING - Farragut North Production Week
No reading due to Farragut North performance dates.
July 6, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
Newcomers Evening - Farragut North
More information will be published soon.
August 31, 2026 at 5:30:00 PM
Jekyll & Hyde (MUSICAL) by Leslie Bricusse
Since its 1990 premiere, this gothic musical has captivated audiences with its exploration of the dual nature of man. Dr. Henry Jekyll’s quest to chemically separate "good" from "evil" backfires, giving birth to the murderous Edward Hyde and terrorizing the streets of Victorian London. It is a sweeping, romantic, and tragic exploration of the monsters we create when we try to play God.
December 14, 2026 at 6:30:00 PM
Newcomers Evening by Creative Team
More information will be published soon.
Our popular ZEST Monday Readings are a fantastic way to explore diverse scripts, connect with fellow theatre enthusiasts, and get to know our community in a relaxed, informal setting. Held almost every Monday evening at St. Andrew's Community Centre in central Zurich, these sessions are a cornerstone of ZEST.
What To Expect
Our Monday Readings are a unique way to experience the world of theatre. Here's a quick look at what happens:
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Relaxed and Informal: We read scripts in hand, without rehearsals, sets, or costumes. The focus is on discovery and fun.
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Open to Everyone: These sessions are for both ZEST members and those curious about joining. Anyone who understands and speaks English is welcome.
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Getting Involved: Newcomers are never pressured to read. You're welcome to simply listen, and you can speak to a committee member at any time if you'd like to get more involved.
Ready to Dive In?
There's no need to sign up in advance. Simply check our calendar for the next session and come along!
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Time: Sessions typically start around 19:30, with an informal get-together starting at 19:00.
Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our newsletter for newcomers to get the latest news and invitations.
Support Our Community
These readings are a great way to experience ZEST, but they are just the beginning. The sessions are organized by members, for members. By becoming a ZEST member, you help support our community and the production of our plays.

























