UCM Division of Theatre and Dance Announces Inspiring 2026-27 Season: ‘[your story here]’

 

Join the University of Central Missouri (UCM) Division of Theatre and Dance as you discover your story in the 2026-27 season.

Exploring the profoundly personal journeys that shape us, this year’s theme, “[your story here],” features four mainstage productions and a dance concert. Season tickets are on sale now and cost $80 for the general public, $60 for faculty, staff and senior citizens, and $40 for non-UCM students and children ages 5 and up. These prices include five shows for the price of four. 

All tickets for UCM Theatre and Dance productions are free for UCM students, active military personnel, veterans and military families upon presenting a valid student ID or military ID at the box office. 

 

The compelling 2026-27 season opens Oct. 1-4 in the Nickerson Black Box Theatre with “Alabaster,” directed by Kasey Lynch, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor of Theatre. This darkly comic, poignant play serves as a perfect launch for the season's theme. It follows a prominent photographer recording the lives of women who have survived trauma on an isolated Alabama farm — all under the watchful eye of a cynical, talking goat who explores the raw, funny and deeply touching ways we heal our emotional scars. 

Up next at UCM’s Highlander Theatre will be “Shrek the Musical,” in collaboration with the Division of Music and directed by guest director Steve Barth. Running Nov. 13-15 and 19-21, this high-energy fairytale twist celebrates rewriting your narrative, flying your freak flag and finding where your true story begins.

 

The spring 2027 season opens Feb. 25-28 in the Nickerson Black Box with “[title of show],” directed by Lynch. This hilarious musical follows two struggling writers as they attempt to create an original show in three weeks — an inspiring underdog story about friendship and the chaos of chasing a dream. 

Next, Arthur Miller’s timeless masterpiece, “The Crucible,” directed by Aaron Scully, Ph.D., associate professor of Theatre, runs March 24-27 at the Highlander Theatre, powerfully examining a community hijacked by fear and mass hysteria. 

Closing the season at the Highlander Theatre from April 22-25 is “Wonderland.” Co-directed by guest artist Amy Gilchrist and Ashley Miller Scully, chair of Theatre and Dance, this visually spectacular dance concert uses inventive choreography to translate Lewis Carroll's classic tale into a modern dance narrative of self-discovery.

Be a part of the UCM Theatre and Dance season, “[your story here],” by purchasing your season tickets today. Tickets are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by visiting the UCM Theatre and Dance Office in Martin 113, calling 660-543-8811 or emailing boxoffice@ucmo.edu, or online at ucmboxoffice.universitytickets.com. The UCM Theatre and Dance Box Office will open for in-person ticket sales one week prior to each show's run and during the run, from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For those who may not be interested in season tickets but want to see a show at an even lower price, UCM Theatre and Dance offers a Pay-What-You-Can option for every Sunday matinee of each show. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office for a minimum of $1; online tickets include a service fee. To ensure theatre is accessible to everyone, ASL interpreters will be present at one performance of each production. 

Additionally, anyone who wants to support UCM Theatre and Dance through a donation is encouraged to become a member of the UCM Theatre and Dance Foundation. Member benefits can include a tax deduction, season tickets, preferred seating, special events, and the donor’s name prominently displayed in every playbill for the entire season. Interested individuals can call 660-543-4020 or visit ucmfoundation.org/give/theatre. 

“Alabaster” is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals. “Shrek the Musical” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI); all authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. “[title of show]” is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals. “The Crucible” is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection.