Productions

Production

The Theatre Department produces three main stage performances, one Theatre Studio Lab production, and one student-driven show each academic year. Theatre majors participate in all areas of production, but students in any major are invited to audition.

Theatre students will be given the opportunity to perform and train in a wide variety of genres and styles including Shakespeare, Greek, Contemporary Drama, Farce, and Avant-garde.

2024-2025 Aurora University Theatre Season

All performances will take place in Perry Theatre.

"The Importance of Being Earnest"
Auditions:
August 28, 2024 | 7 p.m.

Performances:
October 9-12, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
October 13, 2024 | 2:30 p.m.

Prepare to step into a world of wit, charm, and social satire with Oscar Wilde's timeless comedy, "The Importance of Being Earnest." This play, celebrated for its sharp humor and clever dialogue, masterfully pokes fun at the absurdities of Victorian society, from the rigid class system to the trivial concerns of the upper class. Wilde's masterpiece is not just a comedy of manners but also a satire on the very nature of identity, with its playfully convoluted plot involving mistaken identities, secret engagements, and the pursuit of love under false pretenses.

Set in a world where every word is a double entendre and every social norm is ripe for parody, "The Importance of Being Earnest" is filled with sharp wit and theatrical brilliance. Wilde's sparkling dialogue and unforgettable characters—like the dashing yet deceptive Jack Worthing and the delightfully self-absorbed Lady Bracknell—make this play a joy to watch. Wilde’s classic is more than just a play; it’s a celebration of the art of being utterly earnest in a world that often rewards the opposite.

"Dragons Love Tacos"
November 23-24, 2024 | 2:30 p.m.

Prepare for a sizzling, salsa-filled adventure with "Dragons Love Tacos," an enchanting play adapted by Ernie Nolan from the beloved picture book by Adam Rubin. This playful, family-friendly performance invites audiences into a world where dragons, with their fiery appetite for tacos, become the most unexpected guests at a lively taco party. But beware—while dragons adore the tasty treat, they can't handle even a hint of spicy salsa! As the story unfolds, the audience will join the boy and his dog as they navigate the chaos of a taco feast gone wrong, creating an experience filled with laughter, fun, and a few fiery surprises. With its clever dialogue, whimsical story, and a healthy dose of dragon-sized fun, this production is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Whether you're a fan of the book or new to the tale, "Dragons Love Tacos" offers a theatrical experience that promises to be as unforgettable as the dragons’ love for tacos—minus the salsa, of course!

To audition for "Dragons Love Tacos" you must be enrolled in THE 3811-01, Theatre for Young Audiences, or email Jessica Johnson at jjenson@aurora.edu.

"Alias Grace"
Auditions:
January 15, 2025 | 7 p.m.

Performances:
March 21-22, 2025, and March 27-29, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
March 23, 2025 | 2:30 p.m.

"Alias Grace" by Margaret Atwood and adapted for the stage by Jennifer Blackmer is a gripping exploration of memory, identity, and justice. Blackmer masterfully weaves a narrative that questions the reliability of truth through the life of Grace Marks, a convicted murderer in 19th-century Canada. As Grace recounts her story to Dr. Simon Jordan, a psychiatrist studying her case, the audience is drawn into a complex web of reality and perception, where the lines between innocence and guilt blur. This thought-provoking play, like Atwood's novel, challenges us to consider the societal forces that shape our understanding of morality and truth.

Through Blackmer's expert adaptation, "Alias Grace" transcends the courtroom drama, offering a deep and nuanced portrayal of one woman's struggle against the confines of her time and the weight of her past. The play sheds light on the darker aspects of society, though with a more introspective and haunting tone. Audiences are left to ponder the true nature of Grace Marks: Is she a victim, a villain, or something in between? The production is a powerful exploration of storytelling itself, questioning who gets to tell the story and whose version of the truth prevails.

This production contains adult themes and is not recommended for young audiences.

For more about Jennifer Blackmer's work, visit her website.