On the MainStage

Built on the model of a small regional theatre, the mainstage is the place our students are mentored by faculty or guest directors and designers. All shows are performed in the Gates-Abegglen Theatre

Down in Mississippi

A Gospel Play With Music by Carlyle Brown
Directed by Ann Elizabeth Armstrong

in collaboration with the Performing Arts Series

October 1-4, 8-10 2009

Down in Mississippi explores the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, as three college students—an African-American man, a white woman and a white man—travel to the dangerous world of Mississippi in 1964. Their journey begins at Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio and takes them from rural Mississippi to the national spotlight. Along the way, they discover that they have to change themselves in order to change the world. More >>

The Department of Theatre and Center for American and World Cultures commissioned award-winning playwright, Carlyle Brown, to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Freedom Summer. A 2008 Guggenheim Fellow, Brown has received numerous commissions including those from The Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and Houston Grand Opera.

Sponsored by the Center for American and World Cultures, Institute for Learning in Retirement and Western College Alumnae Association. Media partners: 88.5 WMUB and 91.7 WVXU

Hedda Gabler

By Henrik Ibsen
Adapted by Jon Robin Baitz
Directed by Paul K. Jackson

The 11th Annual John D. Yeck Production

November 19-21, Dec. 3-6 2009

In the Industrial Age, where conventionality is obligatory, non-conformist Hedda Gabler finds herself caught in a passionless marriage of convenience. Upon the reappearance of an old flame of hers, who is now an academic rival of her husband’s for a prime professorship, Hedda must make critical decisions.

The Arabian Nights

By Mary Zimmerman
Directed by Lewis Magruder

April 15-17, 22-25 2010

King Shahryar, betrayed by his love, has decreed that each night he will take a new bride, only to have her killed the next morning so that he cannot be hurt again. Bride-to-be Scheherezade fashions a most clever way to save her life. She begins telling the most captivating stories of love, folly, and enlightenment. The passions of old Baghdad come to life in this joyful and inspired adaptation of a literary classic. More >>

On the SecondStage

Built on the model of a storefront theatre, the secondstage is run with limited budgets, allowing beginning student directors and designers to keep focus on the text and performers. All shows are performed in Studio 88.

Woyzeck

By Georg Büchner
Adapted by Daniel Kramer
Directed by Matt Coon

February 17-21 2010

Inspired by real events, Georg Büchner’s dark masterpiece is the story of a young soldier, Woyzeck, struggling with the world that surrounds him. Systematically oppressed beneath the iron heel of the military government he serves, he struggles merely to make ends meet. Witness this young man’s inexorable spiral into madness in a twisted tale of love, loneliness, and despair.

And a special bonus to the season!
Alpha Psi Omega/USITT Showcase

Miss Witherspoon

By Christopher Durang

October 28- Nov. 1 2009

Who knew staying dead would be so difficult? Certainly not poor Miss Witherspoon. She just can’t seem to rest in peace: one minute trying to escape her comically sad life on earth, the next scrambling to make sense of an afterlife she tries desperately to embrace. Join us for a hilarious evening of theatre that explores the pro–fun–dities of life after death . . . . It’s to die for!

Ticket Information

For tickets, purchase online or contact the Miami Box Office 513.529.3200. The Miami Box Office, located in the Shriver Center, is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-Subscription series are also available at the Miami Box Office.

The Box Office in the Center for Performing Arts lobby is open one hour before curtain for door sales and ticket pickup.

For additional information about the productions please contact the Department of Theatre Office at 513.529.3053