UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State Centre Stage will produce five shows during the 2026–27 season, including a musical theater classic, a soccer-infused tale
of adolescence, a laugh-out-loud farce and more. The season also will include a sneak preview event to kick off the year and the inaugural Centre Stage Theatre Festival in April 2027.
Tickets start at $24 for an adult and $19 for students. Sneak preview tickets are $53.
Purchase tickets at the Arts Ticket Center online or via the app by calling 814-863-0255; or in person from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at Eisenhower Auditorium. Prices listed include all fees. Save $4 per ticket when you order by phone or in person.
Penn State Centre Stage is the professional arm of the School of Theatre in the College of Arts and Architecture.
Penn State School of Theatre Director Kikora Franklin said the new season offers a dynamic lineup of productions for every style of theater lover.
“From beloved classics and award-winning plays to an exciting new musical and our inaugural Centre Stage Theatre Festival, this season celebrates the extraordinary talent, creativity, and dedication of our students, faculty and staff,” Franklin said.
Visit Penn State Centre Stage for more information about the season productions.
2026-27 season
Sneak Preview Celebration
- 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17
- Olsan-Stone Terrace (if rain, School of Music Recital Hall)
- Drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a performance, and discussions with the creative teams and students.
“Sister Act”
- Oct. 6–17
- Playhouse Theatre
- Form a habit with this musical comedy based on the 1992 hit film.
“The Wolves”
- Oct. 27–Nov. 7
- Pavilion Theatre
- A girls’ indoor soccer team tackles the challenges of adolescence.
“Tyrants”
- Nov. 17–Dec. 5
- Playhouse Theatre
- New biographical musical in which brothers Edwin and John Wilkes Booth find themselves on opposing sides of one of the most important events in history.
“Guys and Dolls”
- Feb.23–March 5
- Playhouse Theatre
- Hailed as “the perfect musical comedy.”
Penn State Centre Stage Theatre Festival
- April 1–11
- Penn State Downtown Theatre Center
“Noises Offs”
- April 13–24
- Playhouse Theatre
- Called the “funniest farce ever written.”
- Expect ‘transformative theatrical experiences’
Centre Stage will continue to offer opening night pre-show receptions and designer discussions, where attendees can meet the artistic team. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased separately from show tickets (via Arts Ticket Center).
Franklin said a highlight of the upcoming season is the inaugural Centre Stage Theatre Festival.
“It’s a space intended to provide new opportunities for student and faculty-driven creativity alongside a season of exceptional productions. Together, these experiences embody the spirit of our school — where many voices, disciplines and perspectives come together to create transformative theatrical experiences,” Franklin said. “Whether you are a longtime patron or joining us for the first time, we invite you to experience the energy, artistry, and innovation that define Penn State Centre Stage.”
