Fresno State’s University Theatre 2025-26 mainstage season features a compelling mix of classic works, contemporary voices and bold storytelling. With stories that span generations, cultures and genres, the season offers audiences a rich theatrical journey filled with heart, humor and humanity.
Oct. 3-11: “A Raisin in the Sun,” by Lorraine Hansberry and directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis
Set on Chicago’s South Side, Lorraine Hansberry’s celebrated play concerns the divergent dreams and conflicts in three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis, and matriarch Lena. When her deceased husband’s insurance money comes through, Mama Lena dreams of moving to a new home and a better neighborhood in Chicago. Walter Lee, a chauffeur, has other plans: buying a liquor store and being his own man. Beneatha dreams of medical school. Hansberry’s portrait of one family’s struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration.
Nov. 14-22: “Godspell,” based on the “Gospel According to St. Matthew” book by John Michael Tebelak, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and directed by J. Daniel Herring
A small group of performers help Jesus Christ share his parables through an energetic mix of games, storytelling and sharp comic timing — reimagined for today’s world. This updated take on the classic musical “Godspell” blends pop culture nods, fresh perspectives and a wide range of musical styles — from pop to vaudeville — to bring new life to timeless messages. As the story moves from joyful celebration to the emotional weight of the Last Supper and Crucifixion, Jesus’ teachings of kindness, tolerance and love resonate with a bold, contemporary edge.
Feb. 13-21: “Contemporary Dance Ensemble,” artistic director, Kenneth Balint
This annual contemporary dance concert highlights contemporary classics, creative innovation and collaborations between students and faculty.
March 13-April 21: “Fade,” by Tanya Saracho and directed by Gina Sandí-Díaz
When Lucia, a Mexican-born novelist, gets her first TV writing job, she feels a bit out of place on the white, male-dominated set. Lucia quickly becomes friends with the only other Latino around, a janitor named Abel. As Abel shares his stories with Lucia, similar plots begin to find their way into the TV scripts that Lucia writes. A Fresno premiere, “Fade” is a play about class and race within the Latinx community, as well as at large, and how status does not change who you are at your core.
May 1-9: “Twelfth Night,” by William Shakespeare and directed by Michelle Bellaver
Shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, Viola washes ashore in the land of Illyria and disguises herself as a man to work for the Duke Orsino. But things quickly spiral into romantic chaos when Viola falls for Orsino, who’s in love with the Countess Olivia, who then falls for Viola in disguise. Full of mistaken identities, unrequited love and hilarious twists, “Twelfth Night” is Shakespeare’s witty, heartwarming celebration of love in all its beautiful confusion.
University Theatre Mainstage season subscriptions go on sale Monday, July 14. Individual performance tickets go on sale Sept. 1. Visit fresnostate.edu/theatrearts to stay updated on when ticket sales go live.
(Story by Miguel A Gastelum)
