KU Theatre & Dance announces 2024-25 performance season

LAWRENCE — In its 2024-25 performance season, the University of Kansas Department of Theatre & Dance features contemporary titles and themes that speak to the mettle of humanity throughout the academic year starting KU Family Weekend, Sept. 27-29. The season invites contemplation on identity, self-expression and self-exploration through a diverse array of theatrical genres and dance forms.

Offering intimate portraits of life and meticulous choreography, these University Theatre and University Dance Company events will be accompanied by discussions, receptions and digital content to provide well-rounded and social experiences. Theatre fans will catch several nods to the industry. For example, the season opener, “Indecent,” is a play within a play. Coming-of-age narratives in “Hookman,” “John Proctor Is the Villain” and “Pippin” deal with emotional and mental struggles, power and vulnerability. Audiences can expect moments of poignancy and lightness, said Markus Potter, artistic director and professor.

“Expect humor, theatricality and student-centered creativity. Our students will not only perform but also direct, design, produce and engage in various roles, including dramaturgy and box office management. This season has been meticulously curated to challenge and prepare our students for professional endeavors, ensuring they graduate with a comprehensive and practical understanding of the theatre industry,” Potter said. “We are excited to showcase diverse talents, including the UDC Fall Concert featuring renowned artist Amirah Sackett, further underscoring our commitment to providing rich and multifaceted artistic experiences.”
 
The department’s academic and production efforts continue to interweave, and evidence of that is this season’s theme: “We break our fears to become limitless.” Generated by the spring dramaturgy class, it serves as a through line of the theatrical titles and the dance concert.
 
“As a first-tier research university, KU is all about pushing the boundaries of human experience,” said Henry Bial, professor and chair of the Department of Theatre & Dance and director of “Indecent." “This season’s offerings reflect the power of the arts to unite communities in times of challenge and change.”
 
Tickets may be purchased at KU Theatre's website, by calling 785-864-3982, or in person at the box office in Murphy Hall, noon-5 p.m. weekdays starting Aug. 27. KU Theatre & Dance offers discounted tickets for KU faculty, staff, students and retirees, as well as groups. The Jack B. and Judy L. Wright Student Ticket Endowment is a resource for KU and Haskell students needing assistance attending shows. Contact Jim Dick, managing director, at 785-864-3985. 

Patrons should note showtimes have been moved up by a half-hour and now start at 7 p.m. for evening performances and 2 p.m. for matinees.

KU Theatre & Dance Calendar:

• Sept. 27, 28*, 29*, 29 – “Indecent” by Paula Vogel
• Nov. 1, 2, 3*, 5, 6, 7 – “Hookman” by Lauren Yee
• Nov. 22, 23, 24* – University Dance Company Fall Concert
• March 7, 8, 9*, 11, 12, 13, 2025 – “John Proctor Is the Villain” by Kimberly Bellflower
• April 11, 12*, 13*, 18, 19*, 2025 – “Pippin” by Roger Hirson and Stephen Schwartz

All dates subject to change based on campus conflicts.
 
Presented in the fall and spring, student-led works will be featured in smaller productions of Senior Showcase, a repertoire concert of choreographic capstone projects, and Jayhawk Performance Lab, an incubator for young creators to tell stories that resonate with them. Showtimes can be found in the season listing.
 
The University Theatre and University Dance Company are production arms of the KU Department of Theatre & Dance, offering public productions throughout the academic year. Their shows are funded in part by KU Student Senate, and the theatre’s season is supported by Truity Credit Union.  
 
Visit the Department of Theatre & Dance website for more information.