Students of any major are welcome to audition for theatre productions and are invited to participate behind the scenes in design and technical theatre.
Theatre and Performing Arts Events - Spring 2026
Into the Woods
By Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine
March 26-29, 2026 | Smith McFarland Theatre
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning musical weaves together familiar fairy tale characters in a dazzling and poignant journey through dreams, choices, and consequences.
From Cinderella to the Baker and his Wife, Little Red Riding Hood to the Witch, Into the Woods explores what happens after “happily ever after.”
With unforgettable music and a powerful message, this production promises to be a highlight of the season and a must-see for audiences of all ages.
Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Tennage Blockhead
By Bert V. Royal
April 16-19, 2026 | Smith McFarland Theatre
When America’s favorite comic strip characters grow up, the results are anything but cartoonish. In this darkly comic, coming-of-age play, CB and his friends navigate the messy realities of adolescence—grief, love, identity, bullying, and self-discovery—after the death of a beloved pet. With sharp humor and raw honesty, Dog Sees God reimagines childhood icons as teenagers struggling to find meaning in a complicated world. At turns funny, heartbreaking, and deeply moving, this play is a provocative exploration of what it means to grow up.
**Due to strong language and mature themes, this play is recommended for audiences of 14 and up
Current Season Tickets
Show info and tickets for this season's theatre productions and musical concerts
Performance Schedules
- Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
Advanced ticket purchases are strongly recommended; however, we will accommodate at-the-door sales.
Pricing for all shows unless otherwise noted:
- General admission, $20
- Faculty/staff and senior citizens (with ID), $15
- Students (with ID), $10
- Youth (under 18), $5
For reservations or other information, please email esuarts@esu.edu or call (570) 422-3694.
Performing arts student organizations are also very active at ESU, do not require auditions and are open to all student majors.
Students may audition beginning in their freshman year for roles in Theatre Department main stage productions and Stage II one act plays.
A number of classes also provide performance opportunities through showcases and recitals with no auditions required:
- Stage and Comic Technique
- Acting for Shakespeare and classical theatre
- Directing
- Acting for the Camera
- Collaborative Theatre Workshop
- Acting for Musical Theatre
Theatre productions encompass a range of genres including:
- Classical Theatre
- Musical Theatre
- Contemporary Theatre
- Theatre for Young Audiences
- Stage II Student produced and directed shows
Get Involved in ESU Theatre Productions
Roles are cast by audition. Backstage positions are by arrangement with design faculty and directors. Involvement in all productions is open to all ESU Students. No prior experience required. We love to train you!
For students interested in getting involved in the Theatre Department's productions, there are many opportunities for you to choose from.
Auditions
Audition information is posted on the bulletin board in the Fine Arts Building lobby.
- Auditions for the fall production are generally the first or second week of school.
- Auditions for the winter production are generally one month into Fall semester.
- Auditions for the Stage II production are early Fall.
- Auditions for the Spring productions are mid to late Fall semester.
Acting
Performance opportunities are open to all ESU students. Performance roles are gained by audition and audition notices are posted each semester on this page and the bulletin board in the Fine Arts building lobby. Students may audition beginning in their freshman year for roles in Theatre Department main stage productions and Stage II one act plays.
A number of classes also provide performance opportunities through showcases and recitals with no auditions required: Stage and Comic Technique, Children’s Theatre, Directing, Advanced Acting (class entry by audition), Collaborative Theatre Workshop, Senior Seminar.
Design & Tech
Technical theatre roles are available to any interested students. Design and technical leadership development opportunities are assigned to those ready for the specific challenges of the positions.
All students have training in all aspects of theatre, but as they discover their unique abilities and talents, the students will work closely with faculty advisers to tailor their experiences to suit their emerging specialties. After appropriate preparation through classes and entry-level experiences, students are invited to take on leadership positions in ESU theatre productions that bolster their resumes and lead directly to internships, employment and graduate school opportunities.
Supervisory positions might include:
- Sound designer
- Costume designer
- Scenic designer
- Stage manager
- Assistant director
- Technical director
- Master carpenter
- Master electrician
- Props master
- Lighting designer
- Running crew chief
- Assistant designer
- House manager
- Box office manager
Students have the opportunity to learn to program computer lighting boards and sound systems, draft designs, build costumes and scenery, and read and hang light plots.
Run the Show
For many running crew positions, you do not need any backstage experience, we will train you!
Running crew positions include:
- Light Board Operator
- Sound Board Operator
- Back stage crew
- Assistant Stage Manager
- Wardrobe
All crew participate in the following:
- Set-up the stage before the performance
- Resetting the stage after the performance
- Sweeping and mopping the stage
- Assisting with light or sound check
Contact Us
Campus Address
Fine & Performing Art Center
(570) 422-3694
Co-Department Chair, Theatre
Professor Bethanie Watson
bwatson4@esu.edu
(570) 422-3790
Co-Department Chair, Theatre
Dr. Jason Narvy
jnarvy@esu.edu
(570) 422-3259
