Houston Daily

The University of Houston School of Theatre & Dance has announced its 2025-26 season lineup, which will include a range of theatrical and dance performances. The season features new collaborations, adaptations of classic works, student-written plays, and musical theater.

The fall program begins with “The Circadian Project,” a devised physical theater piece created with PUSH Physical Theatre and UH students. This is followed by Naomi Iizuka’s “Anon(ymous),” which reimagines Homer’s “Odyssey” through the story of a young refugee separated from his mother while fleeing violence.

After nearly two years of renovations, the Lyndall Finley Wortham Theatre will reopen this fall with Nick Dear’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” The production explores themes such as ambition and technological advancement.

“Our 2025-26 season celebrates the power of live performance across a wide spectrum. From the haunting beauty of ‘Frankenstein’ to the vibrant energy of student choreography and award-winning new plays, this season offers something for every audience,” said Sharon Ott, director of the School of Theatre & Dance.

In the spring, Amy Freed’s “Restoration Comedy,” which combines Colley Cibber’s “Love’s Last Shift” and John Vanbrugh’s “The Relapse,” will be staged at Jose Quintero Theatre. The mainstage musical for spring is “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” featuring music and lyrics by William Finn and book by Rachel Sheinkin.

Dance events remain central to the school’s offerings. On December 5 and 6, student choreographers will present original works in the Emerging Choreographers Showcase at Wortham Theatre. The dance season concludes with Creative Exchange: UH Dance Faculty and Guest Artist Concert in March, highlighting new pieces by faculty members and guest artists.

Student-written work includes Samantha Ray's "Breaking the Bands" in fall and an annual 10-Minute Play Festival in spring featuring short plays by emerging playwrights from UH.

Last year, Sage Mitchell's play "Everything Rises" received national recognition when it won the Kennedy Center's Rosa Parks Playwriting Award (https://www.kennedy-center.org/).

Sharon Ott reiterated: "Our 2025-26 season celebrates the power of live performance across a wide spectrum," adding that there is something for every audience member.

Ticket prices are $30 for general public admission, $25 for staff, faculty or alumni, $25 for seniors and students; certain student events are priced at $10 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased online or through the KGMCA Box Office.

Further information about show dates, times, venues and ticket purchasing options is available through official university channels.