2025-2026 Season Lineup
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Music & Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Directed by Suann Pollock
Choreographed by Jenna Treinen
Oct. 16-19, 2025
Gallagher Student Center Theatre
Ever wanted to fit in? Ever thought that second place wasn’t good enough or that winning could finally help you figure out who you are? THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is the story of a group of socially awkward kids finding joy, heartache and a purpose competing at the regional spelling bee. Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk awards for best book, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience!
The Crucible
By Arthur Miller
Nov. 14-22, 2025
Directed by Regina Pugh
Gallagher Student Center Theatre
In Salem in the late 1600s, a group of young girls accuse others of witchcraft sparking an alarming series of events. The leaders of the church respond with suspicion and put those accused on trial for their lives ultimately leaving a town in fear, and the man at the center of it all questioning his faith and morality. One of the greatest American plays of all time and winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play, this heart-pounding drama is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [revised]
by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield
Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips
Feb. 12-15, 2026
Gallagher Student Center Onstage Theatre
All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: (ABRIDGED) was London’s longest-running comedy! Join these madcap players in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.
Slut Shaming
by Trey Tatum
Directed by Bridget Leak
Feb. 19-22, 2026
Gallagher Student Center Onstage Theatre
Lauren Lucas, time traveler, views her attack, the trial, the aftermath, and her life-at-large simultaneously. She sees the woman she will become, the undamaged girl she once was; she learns how far into the future this event will consume her. And then she wakes up in the present, in high school, and she knows the struggles that lay waiting. The Artists’ Pick of the 2014 Cincinnati Fringe Festival, SLUT SHAMING is a Time-Travel Rape Adventure that explores how small town communities aggravate teenage sexual assault.
Spring Awakening
Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater
Music by Duncan Sheik
Based on the play by Frank Wedekind
Directed by Stephen Skiles
Music Directed by Dr. Scot Buzza
Conducted by Dr Ben Chamberlain
Choreographed by Jenna Treinen
April 10-18, 2026
Gallagher Student Center Theatre
SPRING AWAKENING is an exhilarating rock musical about the trials and tribulations of growing up. The winner of eight Tony Awards, including best musical, SPRING AWAKENING follows a group of students as they navigate the journey from adolescence to adulthood through a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion. A landmark musical, SPRING AWAKENING electrifies audiences with its fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll.
A NOTE ON OUR SEASON:
For 184 years, theatre has been part of the fabric of Xavier University. At the commencement ceremonies in 1841, the celebration concluded with a “Debate on the Influence of the Theatre.” For the next 70 years, commencement activities included the presentation of odes, debates, poems and theatrical performances.
In 1924, theatre performance became the main endeavor of the new Masque Society (briefly known as the Three Arts Club). Created by “a handful of students who were striving for the artistic endeavor in the college…In its activities the society embraces all the musical and dramatic events of the Liberal Arts College.” At the start of the 1968-69 academic year, the society changed its name to the Xavier University Players and became known as a nonprofit, extracurricular group aimed at providing the campus with quality entertainment throughout the academic year. During the same year, an official theatre concentration was offered as part of the Bachelor of Science degree in communication arts. In 1978, the theatre concentration moved to the English Department.
In 1980, with the acquisition of Edgecliff College (which became known as the Edgecliff College of Fine Arts and Community Affairs at Xavier University), Xavier introduced multiple new arts programs to campus, including a B.A. degree in theatre arts. Although the theatre degree was sunset in 1987, theatre was still a prominent part of the university through the work of Xavier Players.
In 2013, a new B.A. in Theatre was introduced to the Xavier community, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education (2014) and a B.A. in Musical Theatre (2017).
Over the decades, hundreds of students, faculty, staff and guest artists have participated in theatre at Xavier. And our 2025-26 season is a celebration of the people who dedicated countless hours and passion, both on and off the stage. Our final show this year will mark the 100th production since the start of the new Theatre degree, and we can think of no better way to celebrate than by looking back at some of the memorable productions in our first few years. Throughout this season, we hope to welcome back everyone who participated in theatre during their time at Xavier. And we will be announcing extra events to celebrate and recognize their work, while continuing the legacy of outstanding college theatre at Xavier! Check back often and follow us on social media for more details. And we hope to celebrate our first 100 with you all during the year!