The University of Houston School of Theatre & Dance presents a dynamic 2026-27 season showcasing the creativity, collaboration and artistry of its students and faculty.
The theatre program features seven productions spanning contemporary works, classic comedy, and new play development, while the dance program highlights original choreography and collaborative performances created by established and emerging artists.
2026–27 Theater Productions
- Sept. 18-20 | Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center Visiting Artist Project: The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts and the University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance present a new project by Mitchell Center Visiting Artist and director Ashley Jones, in collaboration with students of the School of Theatre and Dance.
- Oct. 1-11 | Adrian Einspanier’s “Lunch Bunch”: Seven public defenders search for meaning, belonging, and something resembling order through their hurried quest for the perfect lunch in this play directed by Destyne R. Miller. Meanwhile, the defenders battle ACS, inequality, burnout, and a heaping helping of existential dread.
- Oct. 30-Nov. 8 | Neil Simon’s “Rumors”: Chris and Ken Gorman arrive at a fancy dinner party for their friend Charley Brock, the deputy mayor of New York City, who has suffered an accident involving a shotgun and his earlobe. To prevent damage to Charley’s reputation, Chris and Ken attempt to cover up the facts as their friends arrive. Directed by Zack Steele.
- Oct. 30 | An Evening with Liz Callaway and the UH Singers Collective: Directed by Artist-in-Residence Sally Mayes, the evening showcases the talents of the UH Singers Collective alongside Emmy Award-winning, Tony-nominated, and Grammy-nominated performer Liz Callaway.
- Nov. 13-15 | “10-Minute New Play Festival”: The 14th annual production returns, featuring original works written and produced by UH students.
- Feb. 26-March 7 | Tarell Alvin McCraney’s “In the Red and Brown Water”: Fast, spirited Oya is a promising young athlete who is offered a scholarship that could jump-start her future. Forced to choose between her dying mother and her own dreams, she makes a life-changing decision. Directed by Amber D. Gray.
- March 26-28 | “Learning How to Scream!”: The world premiere of an original work by UH BFA playwriting student Joan Staunton. Four women and their parish priest are haunted by an unrelenting television host and each other while their home sinks deeper into the Earth.
- April 23-May 2 | “Emma”: Based on the novel by Jane Austen and adapted by Kate Hamill, this performance is directed by Sharon Ott in a co-production with A.D. Players.
- April 30 | “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Director Vivian Majkowski brings a traveling production of Shakespeare’s famous play to campus this spring.
2026–27 Dance Productions
- Dec. 4-5 | Emerging Choreographers Showcase: Features original works conceived, choreographed, and produced by UH students.
- April 2-3 | Creative Exchange: Celebrates works by UH Dance faculty and other nationally recognized contemporary choreographers.
Together, the performances reflect the School of Theatre and Dance's commitment to preparing emerging artists through rigorous training, creative exploration and professional performance opportunities.
Tickets and additional information about the 2026-27 School of Theatre & Dance season are available through the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts Box Office at: https://kgmcaboxoffice.universitytickets.com/.
To explore the full season lineup, visit the School of Theatre & Dance season website: https://kgmca.shorthandstories.com/sotd-2026-2027-season/index.html