West Chester University’s Department of Theatre & Dance Announces 2025-2026 Season
West Chester University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to announce its 2025–2026 season featuring compelling plays, beloved musicals, original student work, and innovative dance concerts. This year’s lineup offers something for everyone—from family-friendly adventures to powerful dramas that examine history, identity, and moral conflict.
Tickets are on sale now at www.wcupa.edu/TheatreDanceTickets and range in price from $12 - $15. Tickets for the Student Written One Acts are $5 at the door.
All performances take place in one of three state-of-the-art, intimate theatres on West Chester University’s campus:
- Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester
- MainStage Theatre, E.O. Bull Center for the Arts, 2 E. Rosedale Avenue, West Chester
- J.P. Adler Studio Theatre, E.O. Bull Center for the Arts, 2 E. Rosedale Avenue, West Chester
2025–2026 THEATRE & DANCE SEASON
Sideways Stories from Wayside School
A Play Adapted from Louis Sachar’s Wayside School Novels
Adapted for the stage by John Olive
October 16–18 at 7:30 p.m.; October 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre
Welcome to the 30th Floor classroom of Wayside School – a place that was accidentally built sideways, where the 19th story may or may not exist, and the mean Mrs. Gorf can turn children into apples. Louis Sachar’s beloved collection of short stories about very relatable elementary school kids in very unbelievable situations comes to life onstage. Get ready for fun surprises, laughs, coming-of-age lessons, mashed potatoes, and maybe even a ghost. This production is fun for the whole family!
Fall Dance Concert
November 7 at 7:30 p.m.; November 8 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre
University Dance Company’s annual Fall Dance Concert focuses on work by current WCU dance faculty and professional guest artists with selected student work.
Little Women, The Broadway Musical
Book by Allan Knee, Music by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)
November 20–22 at 7:30 p.m.; November 23 at 2:00 p.m.
MainStage Theatre, E.O. Bull Center for the Arts
Based on the life of Louisa May Alcott, Little Women, The Broadway Musical tells the heartfelt story of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up together during the time of the Civil War. With dreams of becoming a writer, Jo struggles to get her stories published. Encouraged by her friend, Professor Bhaer, to write from the heart, Jo crafts a touching tale inspired by the lives, laughter, and challenges she shares with her sisters. A timeless coming-of-age story filled with warmth, courage, and family bonds—perfect for audiences of all ages.
Good
By C.P. Taylor
February 26–27 at 7:30 p.m.; February 28 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; March 1 at 2:00
p.m.
J.P. Adler Studio Theatre, E.O. Bull Center for the Arts
In this modern adaptation of Faust, the story follows Dr. Halder—a seemingly moral man living in 1930s Germany—as he
becomes entangled in the rising influence of the Third Reich. As the line between
good intentions and dangerous choices begins to blur, this psychological drama, infused
with dark irony, examines how even the noblest traits can be manipulated in the pursuit
of power.
Recommended for high school audiences and older due to mature themes.
Student Written One Acts
By the Students of THA313
March 20 at 7:30 p.m.; March 21 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; March 22 at 2:00 p.m.
J.P. Adler Studio Theatre, E.O. Bull Center for the Arts
Step into a night of theatre crafted entirely from the Theatre 313 Playwriting Class. Experience original short plays exploring issues and themes that resonate with West Chester University students. What makes it even better? Students are leading every part of the process as writers, directors, designers, technicians, stage managers, and actors. Come support the next wave of theatre-makers as they share their stories on stage.
Henry V
By William Shakespeare
April 9–11 at 7:30 p.m.; April 12 at 2:00 p.m.
MainStage Theatre, E.O. Bull Center for the Arts
Henry V is a powerful coming-of-age story that has fortified the courage of many audiences since Shakespeare wrote it nearly 400 years ago. This famous story, filled with intrigue, betrayal, and adventure features a young king, who must navigate a politically volatile England while managing the ongoing Hundred Years War with France. At the famous Battle of Agincourt, the 28-year-old Henry rallies and inspires his rag-tag troops against a superior force and impossible odds.
Spring Dance Concert
April 23–24 at 7:30 p.m.; April 25 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre
University Dance Company’s annual Spring Dance Concert celebrates the creative choreography of WCU students in a variety of dance styles.
For ticket information, visit www.wcupa.edu/TheatreDanceTickets. Join us for another incredible season of storytelling, movement, and artistry at West Chester University.