Productions

The AU Theatre Department offers students the chance to take part in a dynamic and hands-on production season each academic year. With two to three full-scale shows ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary works, students explore a variety of theatrical styles while gaining real-world experience in performance, design, and production.

Productions are staged in both Perry Theatre and the Black Box Theatre, where students apply what they’ve learned in the classroom, collaborate creatively, and grow as artists. Students from any major are welcome to audition or contribute behind the scenes. All Theatre Department productions are free and open to the public.

2026-2027 Aurora University Theatre Season

All performances and auditions will take place in Perry Theatre.

“13 Past Midnight” by Billy St. John
Auditions:
Digital Submissions due Friday, August 21, 2026
View audition information.

Performances:
October 8, 2026 | 7 p.m.
October 9, 2026 | 7 p.m.
October 10, 2026 | 5 p.m.
October 11, 2026 | 2 p.m.

Ticket reservations are encouraged.

When powerful millionaire Victor Winslow, producer of a popular TV soap opera, invites members of the cast and crew to his mansion for a party, none dares refuse. Winslow informs his guests that he has assembled them to help him develop a new murder mystery game he's invented called "13 Past Midnight." But before the game begins, the host gives the players ample motives to want to kill him — for real! “13 Past Midnight” is a murder mystery comedy that plays with all the tropes you love: the locked room, the loaded guest list, the killer with something to hide. Featuring characters from the glittering world of Hollywood television, where no one is exactly who they seem, and everyone is exactly suspicious enough to be guilty.

Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical” by Dennis Kelly, Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Auditions:
December 8–9, 2026 | 7 p.m.
View audition information.

Performances:
March 19, 2027 | 7 p.m.
March 20, 2027 | 7 p.m.
March 23, 2027 | 3:30 p.m.
March 24, 2027 | 3:30 p.m.
March 25, 2027 | 7 p.m.

Ticket reservations are encouraged.

She's 5 years old, brilliant beyond her years, and completely unloved at home. But Matilda has a few things going for her: a razor-sharp mind, an unshakable sense of right and wrong, and as it turns out, a little bit of magic. At school, she finds an ally in the gentle Miss Honey and an archenemy in the monstrous Miss Trunchbull, a headmistress who despises children and everything they stand for. It's up to Matilda to prove that even the smallest person can change her own story.

With music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly, this Royal Shakespeare Company production has won 47 international awards and delighted audiences worldwide. Bursting with wit, heart, and show-stopping numbers, “Matilda” is a celebration of imagination, rebellion, and the quiet power of a girl who refuses to be told who she is.

“If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” adapted by Jody Davidson, based on the books by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Auditions:
September 8–9, 2026  |  7 p.m
View audition information.

Performances:
November 17, 2026 | 10 a.m.
November 18, 2026 | 10 a.m.
November 19, 2026 | 10 a.m.
November 21, 2026 | 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Ticket reservations are encouraged.

Based on Laura Numeroff's beloved children's book and adapted by Jody Davidson, this fast-paced, funny romp follows one small request spiraling into a house full of chaos. Perfect for audiences of all ages, it's a joyful reminder that the best adventures start with the smallest asks. Boy just wants a quiet afternoon with a bag of cookies and his comic book. Then Mouse shows up, curious, hungry, and impossible to say no to. One cookie leads to a glass of milk, which leads to a napkin, which leads to... well, you know how this goes.

Main Stage

Each academic year, the Theatre Department presents two to three Main Stage productions in Perry Theatre, featuring a mix of classics, contemporary plays, and everything in between. These full-scale shows are led by faculty or guest directors and supported by student designers, technicians, and crew members. Whether you’re studying theatre or just have a passion for performance, there’s a role for you.

Spartan Stage

Spartan Stage offers student-led productions from start to finish, featuring original projects, staged readings, and senior capstones. Students serve as directors, producers, designers, and performers.

To lead a Spartan Stage production, interested students must submit a project proposal to the Theatre Department. If approved, students will receive faculty mentorship to guide the entire process, from casting to the final performance.

Past Performance Photo Galleries