Past University Theatre and Dance
Explore the University Theatre and Dance performances presented in the 2023 - 2024 Season!
Off the Page: The 20th Anniversary of the New Playwrights’ Festival
Mainstage Play
April 26 - May 5, 2024
Friday - Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Fess Parker Studio Theatre
Six electrifying new plays, 20 years in the making. SCU Alumni and former festival participants reunite for the 20th Anniversary of the New Playwrights' Festival! Featuring works by Emma Hokoda, Marissa Martinez, Anthony Sampson, Nic Sommerfeld, and Alexis Standridge.
Spring Dance Festival ‘24
Student Spotlight Series
April 13 - 14, 2024
Saturday, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Fess Parker Studio Theatre
Experience a mesmerizing performance of original student choreography, celebrating the immense talent and passion for dance of seniors Mia Kanter, Kimber Wood and Alex Zhu.
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View the Digital Program for Spring Dance Festival here.
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“The performance was professionally arranged, dancers worked hard.”
“I liked how each choreographer's dances went one after the other.”
By the Way, Meet Vera Stark
Mainstage Play
March 1 - 10, 2024
Thursday - Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Louis B. Mayer Theatre
Step into the world of Vera Stark, a trailblazing African-American actress, as she navigates fame, identity, and the complexities of Hollywood's golden age. Get ready for a thought-provoking and unforgettable theatrical journey that explores the power of representation and the enduring spirit of a true star.
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You can view the Digital Program here.
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“The theater is wonderfully comfortable. The performance was professional; the student actors were impressive.”
“The acting is incredible! The stage design - impressive! The talk backs with the directors and actors and others - amazing.”
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View photos from the show on our Flickr here.
Winter One Act Festival
Student Spotlight Series
February 17 - 18, 2024
Saturday and Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Fess Parker Studio Theatre
Immerse yourself in an enchanting afternoon of theatrical brilliance as budding student artists present a captivating compilation of diverse one-act plays. Prepare to be spellbound by their exceptional skills and imaginative storytelling, transporting you to captivating worlds.
Images 2024
Mainstage Dance
February 8 - 11, 2024
Thursday - Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Louis B. Mayer Theatre
Prepare to be captivated by the artistry of dance with Images 2024. This extraordinary compilation showcases a vibrant collection of choreographed pieces, crafted by both talented faculty and exceptional students, representing a wide range of genres and styles. Each performance is a unique exploration of storytelling through choreography, offering a kaleidoscope of emotions, rhythms, and visual spectacle.
Choreographers’ Gallery
Mainstage Dance
November 30 - December 1, 2023
Thursday, 8:00 p.m.
Friday 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Louis B. Mayer Theatre
Step into a world of profound artistic expression and boundless inspiration as the annual Choreographers’ Gallery takes center stage. Each performance is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, evoking a range of emotions that will leave you moved and uplifted.
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View the Choreographers’ Gallery digital program.
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Coming soon!
The Game’s Afoot
Ken Ludwig’s
Mainstage Play
November 3 - 12, 2023
Thursday - Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Louis B. Mayer Theatre
William Gillette summons his fellow cast-members to his enchanting Connecticut castle, promising a weekend filled with merriment and joy. However, when a chilling murder shatters the idyllic atmosphere of this secluded abode, the festivities take a treacherous turn. Prepare to be enthralled by an unrelenting rollercoaster of danger and side-splittingt laughter in this dazzling murder mystery, set against the backdrop of the Christmas holidays.
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“The set design, costuming, and lighting - bravo, bravo! Professional-level set, costumes, and lighting - kudos to the theater tech team! My jaw dropped seeing the set for the first time as the curtain rose. Even the lighting on the curtains was wonderfully designed. “
“Actor expressiveness and energy, unique lighting and interwoven story, being close to the front was very powerful”
“Comfortable theater, good seats, convenient location, nice choice of play, high caliber of actors”
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“Ken Ludwig's The Game's Afoot” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: https://www.concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
Fall One Act Festival
Student Spotlight Series
October 21 - 22, 2023
Saturday and Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Fess Parker Studio Theatre
Witness the immense talent and creativity of student artists at the Fall One Act Festival. Join us for a captivating afternoon of theatrical brilliance as students take the stage to present a compilation of diverse and captivating one-act plays. Come and see Binders by Rachael Carnes, directed by Patrick Gammon and Chocolate Chip Fridays by David Lee White, directed by Ariana Chavez-Magaña.
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View the Digital Program here.
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Access the Flickr Album here.
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“The one acts were enjoyable to watch, very well acted and directed!”
”Incredibly talented students”
Explore the University Theatre and Dance performances presented in the 2022 - 2023 Season!
New Playwrights’ Festival
Student Spotlight
June 4 - 7, 2023
Sunday - Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
Fess Parker Studio Theatre
Be the first to experience fantastic new theatrical works written and performed by SCU students. This annual festival features original plays created by the bright theatre professionals of the future!
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“Lots of cool new work! Good timing in terms of how many shows per day.”
“Great spirit and talent displayed by all the writers and performers.”
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Into the Woods
Mainstage Musical
May 26 - June 4, 2023
Thursday - Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Louis B. Mayer Theatre
Dare to venture into the woods with this unexpected twist on the beloved fairy tales you thought you knew. Through achingly beautiful melodies and clever wordplay, this Tony Award-winning musical from Stephen Sondheim intertwines classic characters in surprising stories as they pursue their deepest desires. Shortly after their wishes are granted, the consequences of their actions return to haunt them, and fairytale heroes must work together to save their world from destruction.
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“This was one of the best sung productions of Into the Woods ever. The commitment to musicality and clear diction was outstanding.”
“Perfect seats, beautiful setup, amazing emotion and energy, loved the theme and outfits!!! Best experience, so much better than expected!”
“The production, singing, and performances were amazing! This paired with the great costumes, music, and professionalism brought to stage ensured a fantastic experience.”
“Talented singers and actors, creative scenery, overall wonderful rendition to do Sondheim proud!”
“Everything of this performance was PERFECT! The acting. The extended stage, the costume. All of it! My friend and I were extremely engaged and loved the interactive pieces. “
“The extended stage wrapping around and almost into the audience- my daughters really enjoyed feeling like they were physically in the story, in a way. The rotunda feeling reminded me of Shakespearean monologues and really impacted the overall experience in an effective way. We also like how there wasn't a huge ensemble. This helped us to absorb each performer's presence and take in their words/singing without a lot of the distraction. The small cast size also made the stage feel like a vast, more hallowed woods.”
“Outstanding production - high production value, acting and singing were strong. Really liked the "soft beginning" as the "narrator" gradually brought out items and people to set the stage. Especially fun to those of us who were observing carefully... Set was beautiful - swaying tall trees an especially delightful addition that really gave the feeling (visual and sounds!) of the earth shaking. Costumes were delightful. Actors appeared comfortable, confident, professional.“
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Into the Woods Photos on Flickr
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Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Book by JAMES LAPINE
Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine
Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
INTO THE WOODS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
and carry what lingers
Mainstage Theatre
April 28 - May 7, 2023
Thursday - Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Fess Parker Studio Theatre
After the three-year pandemic, what do we need to remember? What do we never want to forget? What do we want to leave behind? Discover a newly created performance by student writers, directors, actors, designers, and musicians.
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The title comes from a quote.
“When our lives are upended, either by an illness or a pandemic or some other kind of deep heartbreak or sense of loss …We want to feel like we can move on from them, but we can’t compartmentalize these experiences. … Instead, we have to learn how to move forward with them and to carry what lingers.”
Suleika Jaouad from
Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted.The piece will be devised in the winter quarter by a group of student writers, directors, actors, designers, choreographers, and musicians using the idea of a ‘mixtape’ as a structuring device. Other prompts and goads: Old technology, the music of Amos Lee and Olafur Arnalds, and work from last year’s Devised Theater Class.
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“The whole thing. From the writing to the tech elements it was a beautifully executed show.”
“I liked the script itself--very thought provoking and a good expression of the students' issues and reflections. I liked the lighting and overall design of the show.”
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Spring Dance Festival 2023
Student Spotlight
April 15 - 16, 2023
Saturday, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Fess Parker Studio Theatre
Enjoy an impressive performance of original student choreography, celebrating Claire Long and Sarah Sporn's accomplishments and love for dance.
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“It was a great show with excellent choreography!”
“The dances that were performed were interesting and...well, enjoyable! The skill it took to perform those moves is impressive.”
“Audio and lighting were fabulous. They helped to tell the stories of the dance pieces. What I loved the most was the choreography of both dance performances and how much passion and effort the women took to perform the pieces. They all did an amazing job and I am so proud of the 2 choreographers. They are 2 very talented dancers.”
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Spring Dance Festival Photos on Flickr
Giants Have Us In Their Books
By: José Rivera
Mainstage Theatre
March 3 - 12, 2023
Thursday - Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Fess Parker Studio Theatre
Uncover captivating tales about the mysterious human race.
We grow up with storybooks detailing the life of Giants and other mythical creatures, but what happens when we become the subject of the fable? Written as if they were told by Giants, the six short fables in Giants Have Us in Their Books harness the simplicity of fairytales as they explore the complex reality of the human experience through magical realism, metaphor, and poetry.
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“The Fess space, projection effects, and sound effects supported the actors well in this play!”
“I liked the director’s interpretation of the stories!”
“Well done!”
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Giants Have Us in Their Books program
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Originally produced at the Magic Theater, San Francisco.
GIANTS HAVE US IN THEIR BOOKS is produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc, NYC www.broadwayplaypub.com
Images 2023
Mainstage Dance
February 2 - 5, 2023
Thursday - Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Louis B. Mayer Theatre
Marvel as intriguing movement, costumes, and lighting collide in this breathtaking showcase of our dancers’ overwhelming talent; displayed through diverse music and across genres- from jazz and contemporary to modern and ballet.
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“Innovative dances. I loved the second piece with the chairs and the piece on oppression with Amazing Grace. I also really appreciated lighter pieces like the jazz one. All of the performances were wonderful!”
“Highly talented dancers, fresh choreography, and supportive relationships among dancers. The lights, music, dancing, and hospitality were delightful <3”
“Ticket purchase was easy, there was parking nearby, check in was quick, programs were ready, and very good performances.”
“The dancers' talents and beautiful choreography wowed; great sound and staging. Pleasant ushers!”
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Images 2023 Photos on Flickr
The Void - Anima Collective ‘23
Student Spotlight
January 19 - 21, 2023
Thursday - Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Fess Parker Studio Theatre
Would you rather fight an ostrich or turn into a hotdog? Would you rather be an orientation leader or a priest? Would you rather lose your girlfriend or your mind? Are you human? Are you sure? Find out at The Void, a show that explores the inhumanity of humanity amongst improbably peculiar strangers. Hotdogs, flamethrowers, blue hair, tetherball. Confused? Just buy a ticket and show up. Discover humanity pushed to its weirdest.
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Witness the culmination of a sixth-month creative and reflective process that reimagines and plays with performance conventions, integrating the spiritual journey of making art with self and communal expression. Anima Collective forms each year to devise a unique and engaging performance that speaks to our times. This year's cast is drawn from the departments of Theatre & Dance, Communication, Asian American Studies and Creative Writing, with Music Department students providing the sound scores.
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“The performance allowed me to look at life from a perspective that I don't commonly see. The performance art was exceptionally performed in a comfortable setting that was enjoyable for myself and my daughter. “
“I thought the story was great (thought provoking and laugh out loud funny in places), the acting was very good, the music, the lighting - all excellent. And it was a great crowd - very into the show.”
“The actors were great, the plot was mind-bending, and the overall theme was very thought-provoking.”
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The Void Photos on Flickr
Choreographers’ Gallery
Mainstage Dance
December 1-2, 2022
Thursday 8:00 p.m.
Friday, 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Louis B. Mayer Theatre
Catch the next big choreographer's work on the Mayer Stage! Expect a unique, dazzling evening of completely original movement from our choreography students.
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“Enjoyed the collaboration on every piece. How wonderful for them to work on every aspect, and with sophisticated lighting.”
“I loved the storylines that were in the dances and I loved how the lights were perfectly aligned with the choreography. The dancers did an amazing job showing emotions and they were so good!!!”
“I love the creativity and passion of the choreographers and the dancers. It was amazing to watch, very moving and powerful.“
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Choreographers' Gallery 2023 Photos on Flickr
The Book of Will
Mainstage Play
November 4-13, 2022
Thursday-Saturday, 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Louis B. Mayer Theatre
By Lauren Gunderson
Beg, borrow, and band together to preserve William Shakespeare’s legacy! In this irreverent comedic play, experience the bittersweet complexity of grieving the loss of a beloved friend amidst the hilarity that ensues as the The King’s Men strive to compile the Bard’s scattered masterpieces and publish the words that shaped their lives.
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“I really enjoyed the choice of play and the acting. I was moved to tears once or twice during the play. I loved how non-cynical it was. And I particularly loved Kennedy Dawson and William Webb as Rebecca and John Heminges. They both put on great performances and had me captivated.”
“The show was great. The actors were awesome. I loved the costumes and the unique touch with the shoes. Really the costumes were fabulous! The actors really displayed their passion for Shakespeare.”
“Excellent choice of play, good acting, clever staging and use of semi-authentic costumes”
“The set was amazing, the humor was good, parts of the costumes were great, some of the actors were great, the Front of House experience (including the email reminders) was great and is very professional.”
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The Book of Will Photos on Flickr
Fall One Act Festival
Student Spotlight
October 22-23, 2022
Saturday and Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Fess Parker Studio Theatre
Embark on a journey across characters and genres through eclectic theatrical gems selected, directed, and performed by our talented students. Featuring “The Traveler” written by Marc Connelly and directed by Lucas Simone, “Myth” written by SCU alum Alexis Standridge and directed by Marc Didier, and “Poof!” written by Lynn Nottage and directed by Sarah Arega Hutton.
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“The plays were great! Interesting choices, and a good level of set design/lighting/sound (some but not too much).”
“The actors were good and the plays were well-selected”
“The plays and the acting were outstanding. Loved all three. And there was a nice sized audience both days - great audience involvement (laughing, cheering, clapping). Was a great shared experience. Hope the actors and directors and writer felt the excitement.”
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Fall Dance Festival
Student Spotlight
October 15-16, 2022
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00 p.m.
Fess Parker Studio Theatre
Enjoy an impressive performance of original student choreography, celebrating our students’ talents and love for dance. Theatre Arts Dance Emphasis students Cindy Chen, Ashley Cook and Emma Rutter present their work for three performances October 15 & 16.
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“I loved the intimate venue - I could see everything really well and the sound was great. Great to have the themes/titles of the performances projected on the back drop.“
“The dancers were fabulous! Diverse choreography and lovely dancing.”
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Fall Dance Festival Photos on Flickr
