UMW Theatre is a wonderful space for artistic people looking to grow as part of a community. I joined the department later in my college career, and it’s been an absolute blast working alongside students and faculty to create professional quality performances. The faculty is very experienced, very supportive, and the student body is cool as hell. If you’re passionate about theatre, this is the place for you.”
Rob Willcox
’26
Rob Willcox ’26 in Peter and the Starcatcher
Cover: Nikki Rizzo ’25 and Ariana Adamek ’25 in John Proctor is the Villain
Stepping into Klein Theatre means more than witnessing a performance—it means becoming part of something greater. When you take your seat, you engage in a conversation about the world we share and play a crucial role in our students’ training. As they gain experience on and off stage, you witness their transformation into artists, technicians, and administrators prepared to enter— and shape—the professional world of our shared passion. Your presence makes it possible. We’re delighted to share an exciting collection of captivating stories with you this season. We open with Jeffrey Hatcher’s bold and suspenseful adaptation of Frederick Knott’s Dial “M” for Murder, a thrilling tale of deception and intrigue. Next, we prepare the way for the uplifting musical by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak, Godspell, featuring a beloved score filled with some of musical theatre’s most enduring songs—a celebration of the strength we find in community. In February, we enter the darkly comedic world of Hand to God by Robert Askins, where a church puppet ministry spins hilariously out of control— exploring conflicts between faith, grief, and desire. Finally, we conclude
the season with Shakespeare’s powerful work, Henry V, a stirring epic of leadership, valor, and the cost of war.
One of our favorite and enduring traditions returns this season— UMW Theatre Road Trip. Join us for an exceptional theatre experience in Washington, D.C. while we take care of the driving and parking so you can simply sit back and enjoy the show!
UMW Theatre Travel returns in June of 2026 with a trip to visit our friends to the North for the Shaw Festival at Niagara-on-theLake and Stratford Theatre Festival in Ontario, Canada! We make experiencing theatre easy—in Fredericksburg, Washington, New York, London, and now, Canada!
Now is the perfect time to become a Season Passholder. With your Season Pass, your seats are guaranteed, you enjoy unlimited ticket exchanges, and you receive the best price we offer all year. Many of our performances sell out quickly, and passholders always get first access to the best seats— before single tickets go on sale.
I can’t wait to welcome you to Klein Theatre for what promises to be an unforgettable season.
Department of Theatre & Dance
“Original and remarkably good theatre— quiet in style but tingling with excitement underneath.” — The New York Times
Dial “M” For Murder
by Frederick Knott
ADAPTED
BY
Jeffrey Hatcher
Ex-tennis pro Tony Wendice hatches the perfect plan to murder his wife, Margot, and make off with her fortune. Plans take an unexpected turn when she kills her attacker in self-defense and the scheme unravels at the seams.
Tony suddenly finds himself at the center of an investigation led by a cunning inspector and of all people, Margot’s lover. Expertly crafted by Frederick Knott, adapted for film by Alfred Hitchcock, and enhanced for the stage by Jeffrey Hatcher, Dial “M” for Murder is a riveting thriller that will keep you spellbound from lights up to the final curtain.
September 18-28
GODSPELL
music and lyrics bY Stephen Schwartz
Book By John-Michael Tebelak
Seeking answers in a world of chaos, a group of strangers heed the call of a prophet to ponder a string of parables speaking to life’s purpose and promise. So much more than just a retelling of the gospels, Stephen Schwartz’s ( Wicked , Pippin) and John-Michael Tebelak’s exhilarating and vibrant Godspell delivers timely messages of love, compassion, and community. With a rock score and renewed story that speaks to today, Godspell showcases a spectrum of songs like “Day by Day,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” and “All for the Best.” Join us for this inspiring and dynamic musical that offers hope in turbulent times.
November 6-23
“An exercise in youthful exuberance and letting one’s light shine before mankind.”
—New
York Magazine
“Furiously funny . . . Askins’ most impressive talent is his ability to make us laugh while juggling those big themes that make life so terrifying: death, depression, alcoholism, sexual guilt, emotional repression, religious hypocrisy and the eternal battle between your good puppet and your bad puppet.” — Variety
Hand To God
by Robert Askins
In the bowels of a church basement in Texas, this riotous dark comedy features Jason, a timid teenager and reluctant recruit to a Christian Puppet Ministry run by his mother, Margery. With a mouth so foul it would make a sailor blush, Jason’s fiendishly loquacious puppet, Tyrone, spews everyone’s deepest secrets, creating rifts between Jason, his peers, his pastor, and his mother. A provocative and hilariously profound exploration of human nature and the fragility of faith, Hand to God may have the faint of heart running for the exits (while stifling a laugh), but its message will resonate long after Tyrone proclaims his ultimate prophecy.
February 5-15
HENRY V
by William Shakespeare
History and drama collide in this beautifully penned work that explores the rise of a brazen and intrepid young king as he leads his ragtag army to claim the French crown. Honor, duty, and the burdens of kingship are brought to the forefront in many of Henry’s inspiring appeals and in William Shakespeare’s rich and vivid portrayal of the Battle of Agincourt. One of Shakespeare’s most famous history plays, unmatched in capturing the essence of heroism and the complexities of war, Henry V is as much an unforgettable and timeless story of transformation and triumph as a cautious reminder of the costs of reckless ambition.
April 9-19
“A coruscating production about the desperate grasp for power, and how it does no man or country any good.” — The Guardian
JUNE 10-17, 2026
Join UMW Theatre Travel for an unforgettable cultural experience at the renowned Shaw Festival at Niagara-onthe-Lake and Stratford Theatre Festival in Ontario, Canada! From the classics to contemporary plays and musicals, this trip promises to be a delightful blend of world-class theatre, charming town exploration, and memorable group activities.
All for only $3,100 per person! (or $3,750 for single occupancy) To reserve your spot, go to FredTix.com to download a registration form. Space is limited! Reserve today! Background:
The Tom Patterson Theatre at Lazaridis Hall in Stratford
The trip includes:
• a “get acquainted” gathering prior to departure
• round trip air travel from Washington, DC to Toronto
• seven nights in fabulous hotels at both festival cities
• hotel transfers by coach and between festival locations
• double-occupancy lodging with daily breakfast
• a welcome dinner in Niagara-on-the-Lake with fine food and flowing beverages
• great tickets to five or more terrific performances/events across the two festivals
• a wrap-up dinner at the close of the trip in Stratford with fine conversation and yummy food and drink
• plenty of free time for shopping and sightseeing
• all hotel taxes, porter, and driver gratuities
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
The Stratford Festival Theatre
The Shaw Festival Spiegletent
Stratford Main Street Shakespearean Gardens in Stratford, Ontario, Canada
That’s right! Our UMW Theatre Road Trips are back this season, and we are hard at work securing tickets at a variety of theatres. Join us for exceptional performances in Washington, D.C. We make it easy for you! Park your car at duPont Hall and board our charter bus where your host will talk with you about the production you are about to experience as you travel to the theatre.The bus will drop you at the front door and will return to pick you up. On the way home, your host will lead you and your fellow theatregoers in a post-performance discussion about the show. Come along for the ride—going to the theatre in Washington couldn’t be easier!
We are currently working with a number of theatres to make our Road Trips as incredible as they have ever been, but at press time, we do not have definitive information to share. In the meantime, here are some titles and theatres that we are considering:
Damn Yankees book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop, music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross— at Arena Stage
Pal Joey new book by Richard LaGravenese, based on the original book by John O’Hara, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart—at Arena Stage
Merry Wives by William Shakespeare, adapted by Jocelyn Bioh—at Shakespeare Theatre Company
Guys and Dolls based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon, book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser— at Shakespeare Theatre Company
Fiddler on the Roof based on Sholem Aleichem stories by permission of Arnold Perl, book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick— at Signature Theatre
Pippin book by Roger O. Hirson, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz— at Signature Theatre
As You Like It by William Shakespeare— at Folger Theatre
Jonah by Rachel Bonds— at Studio Theatre
Mother Play: A Play in Five Evictions by Paula Vogel— at Studio Theatre
1776 book by Peter Stone, music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards— at Ford’s Theatre
Be on the lookout for more information in your mailbox soon! Titles and locations are subject to availability and may change.
UMW Road Trips provide a stress-free means to visit many DC theatres to see many wonderful productions that I wouldn’t otherwise have the ability to see. I look forward to the next season with joy and anticipation!”
—Joella Killian, UMW Theatre Road Tripper
September 18-28
November 6-23
February 5-15 April 9-19
BRING A GROUP
UMW Theatre is a place where artists grow. As someone stepping into their very first production, I was unsure if I would measure up to the talented students around me. From the start, I was welcomed with open arms. This department fosters a community where every voice is valued and where the skills we gain extend far beyond the stage. I’ve already experienced tremendous personal and artistic growth and I’m so excited to continue this journey, learning from my peers and professors, and pursuing my passion for theatre here at UMW.” —Regan Bailey ’28
Regan
Bring a Group to Klein Theatre!
Gather your friends and colleagues for a memorable performance in Klein Theatre. Our productions offer perfect and affordable opportunities to celebrate a special occasion, escape for a night out, or just get together with the favorite people in your life. We work with all kinds of groups to create a special experience—businesses, social and civic clubs, faith gatherings, student organizations, fraternities, sororities, and alumni chapters. Our personal touch makes creating a group experience convenient and effortless.
Rebecca Yee ’25 and Katherine Farmer ’26 painting scenery for Nunsense
Willcox ’26 & Emma Magner ’25
Gathering a Group is Easy!
If you have ten or more people, you are a group! This entitles you to early booking, discounted tickets, and flexible payment terms.
Booking Tickets is Simple!
Our Group Sales staff will work closely with you to reserve your tickets before single tickets go on sale to the public— ensuring you great seats as well as availability for performances that sell out quickly.
We will work with you to establish a date for you to commit to a final number of tickets and pay for them. Our flexible approach makes it easy for you to bring your group to the theatre.
Get in Touch!
For more information about Group Sales, email tickets@fredtix.com or call (540) 654-1111
We would love to help you plan a theatre event for your group!
I would not be the artist or person I am today without UMW Theatre. With the help of supportive faculty and staff and a hands-on learning environment, I’ve gained knowledge and skills that have allowed me to grow as a person and as an actor. Entering the professional world, I feel prepared and excited because of the experiences and opportunities I’ve had here.” —Emma Magner ’25
Rob
in John Proctor is the Villain
Matt Carroll ’25 adjusting lighting instruments for John Proctor is the Villain
Give To THEATRE
UMW Theatre has felt like home from my very first day on campus to my last. This department has been such a welcoming space for me to discover more about myself as a person and as an actor. Every experience that I’ve had over the past four years has helped me to build valuable skills and knowledge that I am confident will help me in the future, and continues to drive me to becoming a better artist.” —Ariana Adamek ’25
Ariana Adamek ’25
Help us help them!
When you join us for a performance, you are a part of our students’ educational journeys. Without an audience in the theatre, they cannot have the conversation that our plays and musicals inspire. You play an important role in helping them to develop as young theatre artists.
Producing theatre and creating learning opportunities are costly endeavors. We want to do everything we can to bring in guest artists to help our students gain new perspectives and to network in the professional world. We want to support them when they have a chance to go to a national conference or to audition for summer theatre.We want to be sure we can heflp them produce plays in Studio 115 where they grow in the skills and knowledge they get in our classrooms and studios. Many of our students struggle to make ends meet with tuition, room and board, books, and supplies.We want, more than anything else, our students to be fully focused on their work in order to be the strongest they can be when they leave UMW.This is critical in order for them to be competitive when they seek their first job after graduation. We are committed to doing everything we can to support our students.We hope you will partner with us to provide what our students need to succeed at UMW. Won’t you consider joining UMW Theatre and supporting our talented students?
As a student with a passion for being on stage as well as behind the scenes, I was nervous about finding my place at UMW Theatre. I will forever be grateful to the faculty and staff who gave me such grace and patience while supporting my educational endeavors and allowed me to explore! I feel like I have gained a wider range of skills than I ever expected and look forward to my future outside these walls!
—Nikki Rizzo ’25
Join today!
Alumni and Guest Costume Designer, Alicia Austin ’16 and Nikki Rizzo ’25 working on a garment for John Proctor is the Villain
Membership with UMW Theatre enables you to:
• give scholarships and sponsor educational activities for theatre students
• receive acknowledgement in production programs
• receive advance notice of special opportunities and events
For more information, and to join online, visit cas.umw.edu/theatre/make-a-gift
The cast of Nunsense gathering for warmups before a performance
The Fine Print
a
instrument
Coming in as a first-year student, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in college. The faculty and staff of UMW Theatre noticed my interest and excitement surrounding creating theatre and encouraged me to pursue the subject I was passionate about. Within the last four years, I’ve been able to work both in and outside of the classroom to turn that passion into a career, and I’m leaving UMW with a robust understanding of professional theatre practices, connections to the industry, and skills that I know will translate into a great one.” Rylie Vann ’25
Rylie Vann ’25 focusing
lighting
in the grid above Klein Theatre
Tickets
Tickets are available at the Klein Theatre Box Office in duPont Hall starting two weeks before opening. Tickets are also available online through our website, www.FredTix.com and by calling (540) 654-1111. UMW/GCC pricing requires visiting the box office in person and presenting a student ID. A $3 handling fee applies to telephone orders and a $6 convenience fee applies to online orders per ticket purchased.
Season Passes
Season Passes are available online at www.FredTix.com anytime, at the Klein Theatre Box Office in-person, and over the phone until the first production closes. Please visit cas.umw.edu/theatre for Box Office hours. Free exchanges are offered prior to the Box Office opening to the public for single ticket sales. A $10 handling fee applies for each Season Pass purchased.
Groups
Discounted rates are available for groups of ten or more. For more information, call the Klein Theatre Box Office at (540) 654-1111 or email tickets@fredtix.com. A $6 per order fee applies.
AfterWords
AfterWords post-show discussions allow you the opportunity to speak to the actors and ask questions about the process of mounting a production. Be sure to stick around to hear from our students about their experiences working on a show with us!
Pay-What-You-Can Preview
Our preview performance is Pay-What-You-Can. Simply go to the Klein Theatre Box Office two hours before curtain and pay whatever amount you wish for your general admission ticket. Arrive early to guarantee your seat in the theatre!
Content Advisories
Please visit www.FredTix.com for content advisories.
Information
Season subject to change. For more information, call the Klein Theatre Box Office at (540) 654-1111 or visit cas.umw.edu/theatre.
Location
Klein Theatre is located in duPont Hall on College Avenue at Thornton Street.
Parking
There is plenty of free parking along College Avenue and in the lot on Thornton Street. Two short-term box office parking spaces are available during Box Office hours.
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available. Please inquire when purchasing tickets. Accessible parking is available in the Thornton Street lot and in the rear of duPont Hall.
Assistive listening devices are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the Klein Theatre Box Office.
Large print programs are available at the Klein Theatre Box Office.
The November 15 matinee of Godspell will be a sensory-friendly performance designed to create a welcoming and comfortable arts experience for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning, or cognitive disabilities and their families and companions. Sound and lighting levels will be adjusted, and guests will be free to talk or leave their seats during the performance.
We are eager to help you plan your visit. For more information on accessibility or parking, please call the Klein Theatre Box Office at (540) 654-1111.
Photography by Geoff Greene and Parker Michels-Boyce Production Artwork by Justin Slone
If you receive more than one brochure, please pass along to a friend! My first production here at UMW has given me an unforgettable experience of not only a vast improvement in my skills and professional development, but also a chance to truly appreciate the wonderful people in this department. Improving my technique and craft alongside other like-minded students and professors has made me feel truly appreciated for everything that I do, and I cannot wait for whatever opportunities UMW Theatre may present in the future!”
