LAWRENCE — During the 2024-25 season, the University of Kansas Department of Theatre and Dance will present contemporary titles and themes that speak to the courage of humanity. Running throughout the academic year, KU Family Weekend kicks off Sept. 27-29. The season invites reflection on identity, self-expression and self-exploration through a diverse range of theatre genres and dance forms.

These events by the University Theatre and University Dance Company feature intimate portraits of life and careful choreography, and are accompanied by discussions, receptions and digital content to provide an immersive and convivial experience. Theatre fans will find several nods to the industry. For example, the season’s opening play, “Indecent,” is a play within a play. The coming-of-age stories in “Hookman,” “John Proctor Is the Villain” and “Pippin” deal with emotional and mental struggles, power and vulnerability. Audiences can expect moments of poignancy and levity, said Markus Potter, artistic director and professor.

“Expect humor, theatricality, and student-centered creativity. Our students will not only perform, but will also direct, design, produce, and perform in a variety of roles, including dramaturgy and box office management. This season has been carefully crafted to challenge and prepare our students for professional endeavors so they graduate with a comprehensive and practical understanding of the theater industry,” Potter said. “We look forward to showcasing diverse talent, including the UDC Fall Concert featuring renowned artist Amirah Sackett, which further underscores our commitment to providing rich and multifaceted artistic experiences.”

The department’s academic and production efforts continue to be closely intertwined, and evidence of this is this season’s theme: “Overcoming our fears to become limitless.” Developed in the spring dramaturgy course, it serves as a common thread for the theater titles and dance concert.

“As a premier research university, KU is all about pushing the boundaries of human experience,” said Henry Bial, professor and chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance and director of “Indecent.” “This season’s offerings reflect the power of the arts to unite communities in times of challenge and change.”

Tickets can be purchased on the KU Theatre website, by phone at 785-864-3982, or in person at the box office in Murphy Hall from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays beginning August 27. KU Theatre & Dance offers discounted tickets for KU faculty, staff, students and retirees, as well as groups. The Jack B. and Judy L. Wright Student Ticket Endowment is a resource for KU and Haskell students who need assistance attending shows. Contact Jim Dick, executive director, at 785-864-3985.

Visitors should note that show times have been brought forward by half an hour and now begin at 7 p.m. for evening performances and 2 p.m. for matinees.

KU Theatre and Dance Calendar:

• 27, 28*, 29*, 29 Sept. – “Indecent” by Paula Vogel
• November 1st, 2nd, 3rd*, 5th, 6th, 7th – “Hookman” by Lauren Yee
• 22, 23, 24 November* – University Dance Company Autumn Concert
• March 7, 8, 9*, 11, 12, 13, 2025 – “John Proctor is the villain” by Kimberly Bellflower
• 11, 12*, 13*, 18, 19* April 2025 – “Pippin” by Roger Hirson and Stephen Schwartz

All dates are subject to change due to conflicts on campus.

In the fall and spring, student-led works are presented in smaller productions at the Senior Showcase, a repertory concert featuring final choreographic projects, and the Jayhawk Performance Lab, an incubator for young artists to tell stories that speak to them. See the Season Schedule for performance times.

The University Theatre and the University Dance Company are production arms of the KU Department of Theatre and Dance and offer public productions throughout the academic year. Their shows are funded in part by the KU Student Senate and the theatre season is supported by Truity Credit Union.

For more information, visit the Department of Theatre and Dance website.