LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 5, 2026) — The University of Kentucky Department of Theatre and Dance announced Jan. 30 the productions for its 2026-27 season.
“We’re pleased and excited to present these works to Central Kentucky theatergoers,” said Susie Thiel, chair of the department. “We believe these offerings will showcase not only the incredible talent of our students, but also the commitment of our faculty in giving them the benefit of their guidance.”
The season includes five mainstage productions, showcasing students’ dramatic, musical and dance talents.
The 2026-27 season:
“Antigone”
Directed by Christina Ritter
Location: Lexington Historic Court House | Limestone Hall
Oct. 18-21
This season begins with the widely recognized English adaptation of “Antigone” by British playwright Jeremy Sams and based on Jean Anouilh’s modern retelling of the classic Sophoclean tragedy. Celebrated for its vivid, accessible language and bold theatrical style, this version brings timeless questions of conscience, courage and choice into sharp contemporary focus. We are excited to include this Greek classic in the season and to explore how its enduring themes continue to resonate today, making it a powerful and compelling addition to this year’s lineup.
“Almost, Maine”
Directed by Peter Stone
Location: Briggs Theatre
Nov. 12-15 and Nov. 20-22
“Almost, Maine” by John Cariani brings nine interconnected stories of love and connection to life in a quirky, snow-covered town under the Northern Lights. Filled with humor, heart and a touch of magic, the play explores relationships in all their awkward, hopeful and unexpected moments — experiences that feel especially familiar to students navigating friendship, love and change. Its warmth and accessibility make it a joyful and relatable addition to this season’s lineup.
“Collected Stories: Dance Concert 2027”
Artistic Director: Susie Thiel
Location: Guignol Theatre
Feb. 5-7, 2027
“Collected Stories” brings together dances rooted in genres such as science fiction, fantasy, realism, folklore and memoir. Each work draws from a distinct narrative source: books, personal memory, dreams, biography, myth and imagined worlds. Together, these dances form a moving anthology that reflects how dance shares stories, carries them across time, transforms them through the body, and preserves the complexity of human experience.
“American Son”
Directed by Jeremy Gillett
Location: Briggs Theatre
Feb. 25-28, 2027
March 5-8, 2027
“American Son” by Christopher Demos-Brown is a compelling contemporary drama that examines questions of identity, race and family with urgency and emotional depth. Through an intimate and powerful narrative, the play invites audiences to reflect on complex social realities and the personal stakes behind them. Thought-provoking and deeply resonant, “American Son” offers the audience an opportunity to engage with timely conversations, making it a meaningful and impactful addition to this season’s lineup.
“The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”
Directed by Nancy Jones
Location: Guignol Theatre
April 15-18, 2027
“The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” with a book by Joe Tracz and music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, brings Rick Riordan’s best-selling novel to the stage in a fast-paced, rock-infused adventure. Blending classical mythology with contemporary storytelling, the musical follows Percy Jackson on an epic quest filled with friendship, heroism, and self-discovery — making it an exciting, family-friendly highlight of this season’s lineup.
