The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts at the University of Houston announces its 2026-27 season.
The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts at the University of Houston announces its 2026-27 season, an ambitious lineup of performances, exhibitions, public art experiences, lectures and community programs showcasing the creativity of its students, faculty and visiting artists.
As part of UH’s Centennial year, the season honors 100 years of innovation and impact through music, theater, dance and visual art while reaffirming the college's role as a cultural destination for Houston and beyond. Building on the college's 10th anniversary celebration, the 2026-27 season features work by nationally recognized faculty, distinguished guest artists and the next generation of creative professionals.
The season is also part of Arts in Motion, KGMCA's yearlong campaign celebrating 10 years of leveraging the transformative power of the arts and the role audiences play in supporting the future of creative expression at UH.
A highlight of the fall season is Sunday in the District, KGMCA's signature free, family-friendly community celebration, from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. The event invites visitors to explore the University of Houston Arts District — home to Blaffer Art Museum, Elgin Street Studios, Moores School of Music, the School of Theatre and Dance, the School of Art and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts.
With live performances, gallery exhibitions, open studios, interactive installations and hands-on activities, Sunday in the District showcases the creativity and collaboration that define the UH Arts District while welcoming the Houston community to experience its vibrant cultural landscape.
The Moores School of Music will present an extensive calendar of performances featuring its acclaimed student ensembles, faculty artists and guest performers.
Moores School of Music
Throughout the academic year, the Moores School of Music will present an extensive calendar of performances featuring its acclaimed student ensembles, faculty artists and guest performers.
The Moores Opera Center will present four productions during the 2026–27 season, beginning with Rodgers and Hammerstein's “Carousel” (Oct. 22-25), followed by Humperdinck's “Hansel and Gretel” (Feb. 4-7), Handel's “Oreste” in collaboration with Ars Lyrica Houston (April 16 and 18), and Britten's “Peter Grimes” (April 24), presented as a benefit concert performance. Featuring three-time Grammy Award-winning Houston native soprano Latonia Moore and internationally renowned tenor Chad Shelton, alongside the UH orchestras, choruses and student soloists, “Peter Grimes” brings one of the 20th century's most celebrated operas to the Moores Opera House stage.
The Moores School of Music also will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Moores Opera House with a gala on Dec. 5, honoring three decades of performances, education and community engagement in one of Houston’s best concert halls.
The School of Art will present exhibitions highlighting the creativity, research and innovation of emerging artists.
School of Art
The School of Art will present exhibitions highlighting the creativity, research and innovation of emerging artists.
The 49th Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition opens April 2 at Blaffer Art Museum and features work by MFA candidates in graphic design, interdisciplinary practices and emerging forms, painting, photography/digital media and sculpture. The annual School of Art Student Exhibition opens May 1, also at Blaffer Art Museum, showcasing work by undergraduate seniors and first- and second-year graduate students in a professional museum setting.
Blaffer Art Museum will continue presenting contemporary exhibitions, public programs and educational initiatives that connect artists and audiences throughout Houston. The museum also will host a fundraiser event, Cocktails in the Courtyard, on Sept. 19, bringing together artists, patrons and community members in support of exhibitions and programs advancing contemporary art.
The theater program features seven productions spanning contemporary works, classic comedy, Shakespeare and new play development, while the dance program highlights original choreography and collaborative performances created by UH students.
School of Theatre and Dance
The School of Theatre and Dance will present a dynamic season of productions showcasing the creativity, collaboration and artistry of its students and faculty. The theater program features seven productions spanning contemporary works, classic comedy, Shakespeare and new play development, while the dance program highlights original choreography and collaborative performances created by UH students.
The theater season opens with the Mitchell Center Visiting Artist Project, “Lunch Bunch” by Adrian Einspanier, directed by Ashley Jones (Oct. 1-11). Additional productions include “Rumors” by Neil Simon, directed by Zach Steele (Oct. 30-Nov. 8); “In the Red and Brown Water” by Tarell Alvin McCraney, directed by Amber Gray (Feb. 26-March 7); “Learning How to Scream!” by Joan Staunton (March 26-28); “Emma” by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by Jane Austen and directed by Sharon Ott in a co-production with A.D. Players (April 23-May 2); “A Midsummer Night's Dream” by William Shakespeare, directed by Vivian Majkowski in collaboration with the Moores School Symphony Orchestra (April 10); and the 14th Annual 10-Minute New Play Festival (Nov. 13-15), featuring original works written and produced by UH students.
The dance program includes the Emerging Choreographers Showcase (Dec. 4 and 5), featuring original works conceived, choreographed and produced by UH students, and Creative Exchange (April 2 and 3), celebrating collaboration and innovation by the next generation of dance artists.
Together, the season reflects the School of Theatre and Dance's commitment to preparing emerging artists through rigorous training, creative exploration and professional performance opportunities.
Special Events
Artist in Residence Sally Mayes and the UH Singers Collective will welcome Emmy Award-winning and Tony- and Grammy-nominated performer Liz Callaway for a special performance in the Quintero Theatre on Oct. 30, showcasing the artistry of UH student singers alongside one of musical theater's most celebrated voices.
The University's public art collection also will take center stage with the opening of the Art Guys' “Statue of Four Lies” time capsule, embedded within the sculpture since its installation in 2010, and the reopening of Mary Miss' “100 Chairs” following a major conservation and reinstallation effort. Together, these projects reflect UH's commitment to public art as a catalyst for dialogue, discovery and connection.
Through programs supported by the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, KGMCA will continue bringing nationally and internationally recognized artists, performers and scholars to the University of Houston, creating opportunities for audiences to engage with groundbreaking work across disciplines.
From concerts and theater productions to exhibitions, public art and community celebrations, the 2026-27 season reflects KGMCA's commitment to artistic excellence, education and cultural leadership. Every event offers an opportunity to experience the arts at the University of Houston while supporting the next generation of artists and creative leaders.
For a full calendar of events and ticket information, visit https://kgmca.shorthandstories.com/kgmca-2026-2027-season/index.html