UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Centre Stage, in the College of Arts and Architecture, will present the 2026 Graduate Directing Festival, a dynamic showcase of emerging directors whose work reflects bold artistic vision, rigorous inquiry and collaborative storytelling. The festival features two compelling productions: “Detroit ’67” by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Marcus Jordan, April 16–18; and “My Fair Lady,” book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, music by Frederick Loewe, directed by Kelsey Robins, April 23–25. Both productions will be staged at the Penn State Downtown Theatre.
The Graduate Directing Festival is dedicated to highlighting the work of graduate directors as they partner closely with faculty mentors, designers, performers and fellow students. Together, they bring thoughtful and innovative theatrical visions to life in an environment rooted in mentorship, exploration and shared creation.
“’Detroit ’67’ is a powerful drama set against the backdrop of the 1967 Detroit uprising. As part of the creative process, the cast and crew traveled to Detroit, engaging directly with the city’s rich cultural history, political tensions, and the lived experiences that inform the play. Their work reflects a deep commitment to authenticity and specificity — an approach that echoes playwright Lorraine Hansberry’s belief that “in order to create something universal, you must pay very great attention to the specific.” Through the rhythms of Motown, the pulse of a city on the brink, and the intimate stories of its characters, “Detroit ’67” explores enduring themes of family, identity, resilience and hope.
The festival continues with a sold-out production of “My Fair Lady,” directed by Kelsey Robins, which offers a fresh and imaginative interpretation of the beloved musical classic. Embracing nontraditional casting and a spirit of inquiry, Robins reexamines the musical through a contemporary lens, inviting audiences to reconsider familiar characters and relationships. Rather than treating the work as a fixed artifact, this production approaches “My Fair Lady” as a living piece of theater — one that evolves through dialogue with its artists and its audience. The result is a production that both honors the original and opens space for new perspectives and discoveries.
Artistic Director A. Kikora Franklin wrote, "Together, these productions exemplify the core mission of the graduate directing program: to empower artists to take creative risks, challenge conventions, and engage deeply with the theatrical form. The Graduate Directing Festival celebrates not only the work on stage, but also the process of artistic growth, collaboration and innovation that shapes the future of the field."
Looking ahead, Penn State Centre Stage invites audiences to continue the theatrical experience with “One Night on Broadway” on May 18, at the Playhouse Theatre, followed by the premiere of the new musical “Wild Child” (June 11–13), directed by Professor John Simpkins, and “Would I Lie to You,” a selection of scenes from Shakespeare presented by Firefly Rep (June 24–28) at the Arboretum.
For tickets and more information, visit theatre.psu.edu/centrestage, call 814-863-0255, or stop by the Arts Ticket Center.
All prices include a $4 Ticketmaster fee, which will be waived for in-person or phone purchases. Non–Penn State Arts and Architecture students can attend for free by visiting the Arts Ticket Center during the week of the production.
Penn State Centre Stage is the producing arm of the Penn State School of Theatre in the College of Arts and Architecture, training the next generation of theatre professionals.