Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group will return this January with its Amazing 23rd Annual 50 Hour Drive-By Theatre Festival, continuing a long-running tradition within Los Angeles’ underground arts scene. The three-night event challenges participating artists to create original mini-plays in just 50 hours, from initial concept through live performance.
The festival features a rotating lineup of short works that are written, directed, and performed within that compressed timeframe, emphasizing collaboration and immediacy. Performances are staged over an extended weekend, offering audiences a concentrated look at newly created material presented without intermission.
This year’s Drive-By Theatre Festival includes performances by a large ensemble of returning and new contributors, including Steven W. Alloway, Patrick Beckstead, Carlos Cameron, Douglas Clarke, Tyler Davidson, Kyle Donovan, Leila Elihu, Theresa Ford, Jessica Fox, Dani Gray, Cameron Gregg, Matt Keim, Randy “Kernel” Long, Karl Maschek, Edward Nyahay, Krysti Reif, Jinny Ryann, Nick Salas, Dale Sandlin, Elif Savas, Michael Silva, Andres Simonian, Brandon Slezak, Jorge Vaca, Jana Wimer, Roger K. Weiss, and Zombie Joe.
The event is recommended for audiences ages 17 and up due to mature and potentially triggering themes and is wheelchair accessible. Performances will take place January 24, 25, and 26, 2026, at the ZJU Theatre Group space on Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood. Advance tickets are available for $20, with a limited number offered at the door for $25.
