Penn State Centre Stage kicks off its 2026–27 season with annual Sneak Preview Celebration

UNIVERSITY PARK -- Penn State Centre Stage will kick off the 2026-27 season with its annual Sneak Preview Celebration from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, on the Olsan-Stone Terrace outside the Theatre Building on the University Park campus. (The rain location is the adjacent School of Music Recital Hall).

Centre Stage is the professional arm of the School of Theatre in the College of Arts and Architecture.

The event will include hors d'oeuvres and performances featuring scenes and songs from the upcoming season. Patrons also will have the opportunity to meet performers and members of the artistic teams. Tickets are $53 and are available to purchase online at the Arts Ticket Center, by phone at 814-863-0255 or in person (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays) at Eisenhower Auditorium. Prices listed online 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.

"We are excited to kick off the Penn State Centre Stage 2026-27 production season with our annual Sneak Preview event on Sept. 17," said Kikora Franklin, professor and director of the School of Theatre and Penn State Centre Stage. "This special evening offers us an opportunity to introduce our community to the upcoming shows while celebrating the beginning of a new academic year. The 2026-27 season has something for everyone and showcases the extraordinary talent of our students, faculty and staff."

The 2026-27 season includes five productions, plus the inaugural Centre Stage Theatre Festival in April 2027, featuring pieces selected, created, and performed by School of Theatre students, faculty and staff.

"The festival will showcase an exciting range of contemporary and traditional theatrical genres and perspectives," Franklin said. "It will be an opportunity for our community to experience the many ways theater can engage, challenge and inspire us."

Visit Penn State Centre Stage for more information about the season productions.

2026-27 season

The 2026-2027 season includes the following shows:

-- "Sister Act," Oct. 6-17, James P. and AJ Jimirro Playhouse Theatre

-- "The Wolves," Oct. 27-Nov. 7, Pavilion Theatre

-- "Tyrants," Nov. 17-Dec. 5, James P. and AJ Jimirro Playhouse Theatre

-- "Guys and Dolls," Feb. 23-March 5, James P. and AJ Jimirro Playhouse Theatre

-- Penn State Centre Stage Theatre Festival, April 1-11, Penn State Downtown Theatre Center

-- "Noises Offs," April 13-24, James P. and A.J. Jimirro Playhouse Theatre

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 should be purchased separately from show tickets (via the Arts Ticket Center). For additional show and ticket information, visit Penn State Centre Stage.