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THE SECOND BEST SCHOOL SHOOTING
September 17-October 11, 2026
A World Premiere Play by Alice Stanley Jr.
Directed by Heather Lanza
Honorary Executive Producer: Adam McKay
NextStop Theatre only sells tickets using our ticketing platform Ovationtix.
Tickets should not be purchased using any other platform.
About the Show
A U.S. Premiere dark comedy about grief, friendship, and what happens when one tragedy is eclipsed by another. As two best friends try to make sense of surviving a school shooting, they confront the brutally absurd and deeply human question: how do you grieve when the world has already moved on?
Audience Advisories:
discussions of gun violence and self-harm, gunshot sound effects
Meet the Artists
Alice Stanley Jr., Playwright
Stanley’s writing has been described as “dark bubblegum,” blending sharp humor with emotional urgency. Her work spans film, television, podcasts, and theatre, including writing and producing for projects like SAY MORE, created by Amy Poehler and named one of The New York Times’ Best Podcasts of 2023. Her credits also include BUSY TONIGHT (executive produced by Tina Fey) and the feature film Moxie. She has collaborated with major companies such as Mattel and developed work with leading institutions, including The Goodman Theatre and Chicago Dramatists.
Heather Lanza, Director
Heather Lanza is proud to be the Producing Artistic Director at NextStop Theater in Herndon, VA. Directorialy, Heather focuses on new play development and the devising of original new works. Her work has been premiered and workshoped at Juilliard, HERE Arts Center, Epic Theater Ensemble, Keen Company, Waterwell, The Gallery Players, The Davenport, NY International Fringe Festival, Access Theater, The Kraine, Theater for a New City, The Players Theater, Bleecker Street Theater, Magic Future Box, Berkshire Fringe, Virginia Children’s Theater, Redhouse Arts Center, and many others. Heather is currently serving as the Producing Artistic Director of NextStop Theatre in Herndon, VA. Additionally, Heather is also the co-founder of the NYC based Making it Happen Productions, which focuses on emerging artists voices who seek to use theater as a way to engage dialogue and promote change. Heather previously served as the Education Director/Artistic Director of the Waterwell Drama Program for Waterwell. Heather holds a BA in Directing from Fordham University and a MA in Applied Theater from CUNY School of Professional Studies. She is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Union www.heatherlanza.com