MU Theatre and Performance Studies

This upcoming season invites audiences to experience a dynamic lineup of productions created by talented students, faculty, and guest artists. Each production offers a unique perspective and showcases the creativity and dedication of the Department of Theatre & Performance. Whether you are a longtime theatre lover or attending your first show, this season provides a range of experiences.

Theatre at its best sparks conversation, explores human experiences, and brings communities together. Don't miss this opportunity to see emerging artists at work and support the next generation of theatre makers.

Stay tuned! Tickets will be on sale soon.
 

2026-2027 Season Lineup

 

Life and Literature

Directed by Dr. Heather Carver

September 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. 
September 20 at 2 p.m.

Solo performances presented by the Center for Applied Theatre and Drama Research.

Location: Studio 4

$18 for general admission, $15 for groups of eight or more, $15 for students with a Mizzou ID
Suitable for audiences 13+ due to adult language and experiences.

 

Just Ask!: The Musical

Written by Fran Sillau, music and lyrics by Mark Kurtz, based on the book by best-selling author, Sonia Sotomayor

Directed by Alyssa Durbin, Master’s student

October 7-9 at 7:30 p.m.; October 10-11 at 2 p.m.
Just Ask! Panel on October 1, 3:30-5 p.m., Rhynsburger (Date Tentative)
Just Ask! Talk back on October 8 after the show, Studio 4 (Date Tentative)

Just Ask! is a heartwarming musical for the whole family! The story follows a group of friends who transform a vacant lot into a community garden. Along the way, they learn about each other’s access needs and discover that, like plants, people grow best when their needs are met and they have a safe place to take root, flourish, and gain wings to fly!

Location: Studio 4

$18 for general admission, $15 for groups of eight or more, $15 for youth 17 and under, $15 for students with a Mizzou ID

 

Little Women: The Musical

Book by Allan Knee, Music by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein; based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott

Directed by Dr. Joy Powell

November 5-7 & 12-14 at 7:30 p.m.
November 8 & 15 at 2 p.m. 

Based on Alcott’s beloved novel, Little Women follows the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—on their journeys of love, loss, growth, and independence during the Civil War era. At the center is Jo, determined to break boundaries as a writer, whose storytelling becomes the heartbeat of the musical.

Location: Rhynsburger Theatre

$23 for general admission, $18 for Groups of eight or more, $15 for students with a Mizzou ID

 

Mizzou New Play Series

Directed by Dr. David Crespy

Concert Readings (chairs and music stands) of original plays, most of which are student-authored American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) award winners.

February 11-13 at 7:30 p.m. 
February 13-14 at 2 p.m.

Now in its 28th year, the Mizzou New Play Series presents concert performances of daring new original plays from our American College Theatre Festival award-winning dramatists. Come experience some of the liveliest, fun, moving, and zany new dramas and comedies from the MU Writing for Stage and Screen program, which received the 2017 ACTF Gold Medallion.

Location: Studio 4

$15 for general admission, $12 for groups of eight or more, $12 for students with a Mizzou ID

 

An Enemy of the People

Written by Henrik Ibsen

Directed by Reagan Venturi, PhD student

March 17-20 at 7:30 p.m. 
March 21 at 2 p.m.
Talk Back on March 19 in Studio 4 after the show.

Dr. Thomas Stockmann discovers the town baths are poisoned, posing an imminent danger to public health. Peter, Stockmann’s older brother and town Mayor, demands that the truth be censored, as it threatens to undermine his political integrity and bankrupt the town. Stockmann, unwilling to lie, soon learns that speaking out against authority will cost everything.

Location: Studio 4

$18 for general admission, $15 for Groups of eight or more, $15 for students with a Mizzou ID

Suitable for audiences 13+ due to blood, violence (physical and social), violence involving children, graphic depictions of civil unrest.

 

"Roots and Wings" Dance Concert

Directed by Professor Emily Ehling, MFA

April 22-24 at 7:30 p.m.
April 25 at 2 p.m.

Roots and Wings is a repertory dance concert, featuring new choreographic works by faculty, guest artists, and students. Choreographers play with the contrast of grounded and light movement, honoring traditional roots while imagining new paths within their genre.

Location: Rhynsburger Theatre

$18 for general admission, $15 for groups of eight or more, $15 for students with a Mizzou ID.