51���app

step into the unknown

directed by Craig Quintero

day/dream is loosely inspired by the dark, surreal work of late American filmmaker David Lynch. Instead of telling a neatly packaged story, the production focuses more on creating an experience for the audience. The show subtly shifts between dream and reality, fact and fiction. The script is devised by the ensemble cast of actors and was developed in response to the set for Karie Miller’s fall mainstage production of Pity, designed by Lucie Greene ’23.

Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m. (relaxed*)

Bucksbaum Arts Center
Roberts Theatre (room 170)

*Relaxed performance details are forthcoming. Typically, the house lights remain on at a dim glow, fidget toys are available, and some sensory effects are mitigated.

Reserved Seating: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are available in advance and at the door. To reserve your ticket, visit the Bucksbaum Box Office or call 641-269-4444 on Thu, Feb. 27 and Fri, Feb. 28 from noon–5 p.m.

Livestream: Livestream links are posted on our Ticketing and Livestream page.

Disclosures: This performance contains: theatrical haze; abstract imagery that can be associated to acts of violence.

by Paul Slade Smith

directed by Jen Shook

“Number-cruncher Ned Newly is a complete unknown with a paralyzing fear of public speaking and no political instincts — he certainly doesn’t want to be Governor. But when his boss gets booted after a scandal, Ned is catapulted into the public eye. With the threat of a special election just days away, his oddball team of consultants scrambles to give him a political makeover. The Outsider is a hilarious, non-partisan send-up of modern American politics and an inspirational tribute to democracy.” 
– Dramatists Play Service

Format: Fun run — Show up and read! 
Performs: Sunday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. (readers show up at 6:30 p.m.) in Roberts Theatre
Commitment: 1 day / 3 hours
Credits: none. Staff/faculty also welcome!

Ticketing: No tickets required

Content Notice: Suggested age 12+ due to mildly vulgar language.

The Outsider is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the collection.

Book by Joe Tracz
Music and Lyrics by Rob Rokicki
Adapted from the book by Rick Riordan

directed by Jen Shook
co-directed and music directed by Andra Velis Simon

The Greek gods are real, and their kids have issues.  When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.

Format: Auditioned with several rehearsals
Performs: Saturday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday Oct. 6, 2 p.m., Sebring-Lewis Hall, Bucksbaum Arts Center
Commitment: 4 weeks / 45 hours
Credits:  1

Reserved Seating: Tickets are available in advance and at the door (if available). To reserve your ticket in advance, visit the Bucksbaum Box Office or call 641-269-4444 from noon–5 p.m. on the following dates:

• Thursday, Oct. 4
• Friday, Oct. 5

Content Notice: Death, staged violence, absent parents, discussion of war.

The Lightning Thief is presented by arrangement with .

by Larissa FastHorse

directed by Jen Shook

Well-meaning white people try to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). Four theatre people walk into an elementary school. The work at hand: a Thanksgiving pageant that won’t ruffle any feathers. What could possibly go wrong? … Everything. Heaping servings of hypocrisies on a big, family-style platter in a not-altogether-politically-correct comedy by Sicangu Lakota playwright Larissa FastHorse.

Format: One rehearsal, one public reading
Performs: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4:30 p.m. in HSSC, Room A2231 - Auditorium
Commitment: 2 days / 4 hours
Credits: none. Staff/faculty also welcome

Ticketing: No tickets required.

Content Notice: Discussion of genocide, exaggerated stage violence, comedic yet very real depictions of racism.

The Thanksgiving Play is presented by arrangement with on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

by Rory Mullarkey

directed by Karie Miller

There’s ice cream. Sunshine. Shops. Some dogs. A wedding. Bombs. Candles. Blood. Lightning. Sandwiches. Snipers. Looting. Gunshots. Babies. Actors. Azaleas. Famine. Fountains. Statues. Atrocities. And tanks. (Probably.) Rory Mullarkey’s new play asks whether things really are getting worse. And if we care.

• Saturday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 17, 2 p.m. (relaxed performance*)
• Thursday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 23, 2 p.m.

*A relaxed performance will typically keep house lights on at a dim level, loud noises and strobe effects might be minimized, fidget toys are provided, and it is understood that audience members are welcome to get up, move around, etc.

Roberts Theatre

Reserved Seating: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are available in advance and at the door. To reserve your ticket in advance, visit the Bucksbaum Box Office or call 641-269-4444 from noon–5 p.m. on the following dates:

• Thursday, Nov. 14
• Friday, Nov. 15
• Thursday, Nov. 21
• Friday, Nov. 22

Content Note: This play satirizes destruction of various kinds. The action of the play includes many things and people being exploded or shot, and various “atrocities.” There will be loud noises, flashing lights, profanity, theatrical haze, and stylized portrayals of injuries, sex, death, murder, invasion, cannibalism, drone strikes, indiscriminate bombing, shellfire, plague, loneliness,  and natural disasters. (Onsite resources: If you become agitated or overwhelmed, you are welcome to leave the theater and re-enter at your discretion.  There is a quiet space located off of this lobby with water and other grounding resources. House Management will not bother you unless you request assistance. Masks, ear plugs, fidget toys, regular and large print copies of the script are available in the lobby.)

Accessibility: 51���app College welcomes the participation of people with disabilities. Access needs should be coordinated through Joyce Bergan at 641-269-4378. Advance notice (at least 5 days) is appreciated.

by Philip Dawkins

directed by Jen Shook

The Crucible, but high school social media. Mercedes is an outsider. Tara makes sure she knows it. When a high school production of The Crucible forces them together, tensions escalate into acts of bullying — both online and IRL.

Format: Auditioned with several rehearsals (info forthcoming)
Performs: Friday, Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. in Humanities and Social Studies Center, Room A2231 - Auditorium
Commitment: 7 days / 22 hours
Credits: 0.5

Reserved Seating: Tickets are available in advance and at the door. To reserve your ticket in advance, visit the Bucksbaum Box Office or call 641-269-4444 from noon–5 p.m. on the following dates:

• Thursday, Nov. 7
• Friday, Nov. 8

Content Notice: (this is a work in progress) Depiction of bullying and abusive language including racist, sexist, ableist, anti-fat, and homophobic slurs. Descriptions of violence.

The Burn is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the collection.