Theatre Productions

Theatre Productions

The Department of Theatre fills the academic calendar with five main stage productions and several Second Stage productions each year. All of our students, regardless of major or class year, are invited to audition or to serve in a technical capacity.

From day one, our students work closely with faculty in practical production positions. Even first-year students can work as assistant designers and assistant stage managers for main stage productions, and experienced students often serve as lighting or scenic designers, under faculty supervision.

2025-2026 Season

Click here for ticket information.

Main Stage Season

The main stage season offers classic plays, historical drama and a popular musical production. All performances occur in Degenstein Center Theater.

Chains of Dew by Susan Glaspell
► Oct. 2, 3 & 4, 7:30 p.m.
► Oct. 5, 2:30 p.m.
Written in 1922, this sophisticated comedy is rich with social critique and still-timely observations about politics, culture and women’s right to freedom and self-determination.

Spring Awakening by Steven Sater & Duncan Shiek
► Nov. 13, 14 & 15, 7:30 p.m.
► Nov. 16, 2:30 p.m.
A thrilling, rock-infused musical that dives into the emotional turmoil of adolescence, capturing the raw and rebellious energy of young people struggling to understand their sexual desires and the oppressive forces around them. With its unforgettable score by Duncan Shiek and a heartbreaking story based on the controversial 1891 play by Frank Wedekind, this revolutionary theatrical experience speaks to the heart and the soul. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and four Drama Desk Awards.

For mature audiences only.

ANNUAL STUDENT DIRECTING SHOWCASE
Love/Sick by John Cariani
► Jan. 30 & 31, 7:30 p.m.
► Feb. 1, 2:30 p.m.
Nine hilarious short plays happening on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, exploring the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Dramatists Play service says, “LOVE/SICK is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone.”

The student directing showcase is an exciting program of short plays and scenes featuring emerging acting and design talent, directed by senior students in the Directing course.

The Secret Garden by Marsha Norman & Lucy Simon
► March 19, 20 & 21, 7:30 p.m.
► March 22, 2:30 p.m.
In this magnificent musical based on the classic children’s book of the same name, composer Lucy Simon and the Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Marsha Norman spin a magical story of forgiveness, redemption, rebirth and wonder. Winner of three Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards.

The Lion in Winter by James Goldman
► April 24 & 25, 7:30 p.m.
► April 26, 2:30 p.m.
Historical figures Richard Lionheart, Prince John, Eleanor of Aquitaine and the great Plantagenet King Henry II come to life in this fast-paced, witty tale of family rivalry, bloodthirsty plots and ill-fated romance.

As Eleanor of Aquitaine asks, “What family doesn’t have its ups and downs?”

Second Stage Season

The second stage season features a collection of mostly student-generated productions focusing on bare-bones performances of challenging works in unconventional spaces. Admission to second stage productions is free, and contributions to relevant causes
may be welcome at the door for some productions.

24-Hour Play Festival
Isaacs Auditorium
► Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Student teams conceptualize, write, rehearse and perform exciting new short works in the span of a single day.

Staged Reading of Student Work
Isaacs Auditorium
► Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.
A staged reading of a new work by a Susquehanna University student playwright is featured during this performance.

Choreopoem
Isaacs Auditorium
► April 10, 7:30 p.m.
► April 11, 2:30 p.m.
Students create an original full-length work of poetry and action, derived from the popular Choreopoem course in the English & creative writing department.

SHAKESPEARE CLUB PRODUCTION
King Lear by William Shakespeare
Degenstein Center Theater
► April 11, 7:30 p.m.
► April 12, 2:30 p.m.
In this annual audience favorite, an all-volunteer company of students from various majors and backgrounds will perform the Bard’s dark tragedy of grief and greed.

Past Production Seasons