On Stage
On stage
Each year, YSU’s University Theatre presents a vibrant season of plays, musicals, cabarets, and student-produced projects. Events are selected with thoughtful consideration to provide a diverse portfolio for our students. Our annual seasons include originals works and student projects, which allow our students to explore all facets of performance and contribute within their areas of focus.
Dynamic 2025-26 season
Arsenic and Old Lace
October 3 - 4 & 10 - 11, 7:30 PM
October 5 & 12, 2:00 PM
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
Every family has secrets, and the eccentric Brewster family is no exception. When theater critic Mortimer Brewster comes home to announce his engagement, he discovers his two spinster aunts’ macabre secret: their penchant for poisoning lonely old men as an act of mercy! Further complications arise as he deals with a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt and another murderous brother returning home after plastic surgery to hide from the police. Between grappling with family loyalty or obeying the law, it will be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his own wedding. This madcap comedy is sure to keep audiences laughing and on the edge of their seats!
Be More Chill
November 14 - 15 & 21 - 22, 7:30 PM
November 16 & 23, 2:00 PM
YSU Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
Jeremy Heere is just an average teenager. That is, until he finds out about “The Squip,” a tiny supercomputer that promises to bring him everything he desires most: a date with Christine, an invite to the raddest party of the year, and a chance to survive life in his suburban New Jersey high school. But is being the most popular guy in school worth the risk? A hit on Broadway and in the West End, Be More Chill is based on the novel by Ned Vizzini.
Episode 26
February 13 - 14 & 20 - 21, 7:30 PM
February 15 & 22, 2:00 PM
YSU Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
Remember those glorious days of Saturday morning sci-fi serials at the local bijou: Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon. Here is an affectionate and extremely ingenious send-up of the genre. Our hero is Buzz Gatecrasher, and he finds himself on the Planet Darvon with our sweetheart and his, Hillen Dale, and Dr. Art Deco, the obligatory dotty scientist. Darvon is ruled by Vaknor, a cross between Darth Vader, Ming the Merciless, and Dracula, who fancies himself Emperor of the Universe. With the help of Arno, the winged King of the Hawk People, Buzz vanquishes Vaknor and saves the universe, only to be reminded by the announcer that we must tune in next week for Episode 27!
Kiss Me, Kate
April 16 - 18, 7:30 PM
April 19, 2:00 PM
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
Passions run high as leading lady Lilli Vanessi and her ex-husband, actor/director Fred Graham, battle onstage and off in a production of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. With romance, comedy, sophistication, and behind-the-scenes high jinks, Kiss Me, Kate combines the irreverent humor of four brilliant writers: Sam and Bella Spewack, Cole Porter, and William Shakespeare.