UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Centre Stage will kick off the 2026-27 season with its annual Sneak Preview Celebration from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, on the Olsan-Stone Terrace outside the Theatre Building on the University Park campus. The rain location is the adjacent School of Music Recital Hall. Centre Stage is the professional arm of the School of Theatre in the College of Arts and Architecture.
The event will include hors d’oeuvres and performances featuring scenes and songs from the upcoming season. Patrons will have the opportunity to meet performers and members of the artistic teams. Tickets are $53 and available online, by phone at 814-863-0255, or in person (10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays) at the Arts Ticket Center in Eisenhower Auditorium. Prices listed online include all fees. Save $4 per ticket when ordering by phone or in person.
"We are excited to kick off the Penn State Centre Stage 2026-27 production season with our annual Sneak Preview event on Sept. 17,” said Kikora Franklin, professor and director, School of Theatre and Penn State Centre Stage. “This special evening offers us an opportunity to introduce our community to the upcoming shows while celebrating the beginning of a new academic year. The 2026-27 season has something for everyone and showcases the extraordinary talent of our students, faculty and staff.”
The 2026-27 season includes five productions, plus the inaugural Centre Stage Theatre Festival in April 2027, featuring pieces selected, created and performed by School of Theatre students, faculty and staff.
“The festival will showcase an exciting range of contemporary and traditional theatrical genres and perspectives,” Franklin said. “It will be an opportunity for our community to experience the many ways theatre can engage, challenge and inspire us.”
2026-27 Season Schedule
“Sister Act”
Oct. 6–17, Jimirro Playhouse Theatre. Based on the 1992 hit film.
“The Wolves”
Oct. 27–Nov. 7, Pavilion Theatre. A girls’ indoor soccer team tackles the challenges of adolescence.
“Tyrants”
Nov. 17–Dec. 5, Jimirro Playhouse Theatre. A new biographical musical in which brothers Edwin and John Wilkes Booth find themselves on opposing sides of one of the most important events in history.
“Guys and Dolls”
Feb. 23–March 5, Jimirro Playhouse Theatre. Hailed as “the perfect musical comedy.”
Penn State Centre Stage Theatre Festival
April 1–11, Downtown Theatre.
“Noises Off”
April 13–24, Jimirro Playhouse Theatre. Called “the funniest farce ever written.”
Centre Stage will continue to offer opening night pre-show receptions and designer discussions where attendees can meet the artistic team. Tickets are $20 and should be purchased separately from show tickets (via the Arts Ticket Center). For additional show and ticket information, visit theatre.psu.edu/centrestage.