Resident student-run theatre company kicks off its 2024-2025 season with a Tony Award-winning comedy
A playground altercation between 11-year-old boys brings together two sets of Brooklyn parents for a meeting to resolve the matter.
Read MoreTag: Theatre and Dance
Sofia James and Hermelinda Hernandez Monjaras named 2024 Dean’s Medalists
The 2024 College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Medalists were named at the Arts in Motion event on Friday, April 19, at the Fresno State Concert Hall.
Read More‘Lit Night’ event brings collaboration and original works to University Theatre stage
Fresno State’s Department of Theatre and Dance, in collaboration with the Department of English’s MFA Creative Writing Program, presents “Lit Night” at the Dec. 5 performance of “Seminar.”
Read MoreNew Faces: Kathy Luo
The College of Arts and Humanities is excited to welcome Kathy Luo to the Department of Theatre and Dance. Luo is a local Dance Artist and Choreographer and will be teaching Modern Dance, Pilates, and University Dance Theatre.
Read MoreFor several Theatre and Dance majors, Fresno State is only the beginning
Fresno State’s Department of Theatre and Dance takes pride in its talented and dedicated students, who consistently demonstrate exceptional skills and passion for their craft. These graduates are eager to continue their artistic development and expand their knowledge through advanced studies.
Read More‘The Pillowman’: University Theatre presents Tony Nominated play from Academy Award nominated playwright
Fresno State’s University Theatre presents the final production of the 2022-2023 Mainstage season, “The Pillowman” written by Martin McDonagh and directed by J. Daniel Herring.
Read MoreUniversity Theatre announces 2023/24 Mainstage Season
Fresno State University Theatre is pleased to announce the 2023/24 Mainstage Season featuring the annual Contemporary Dance Ensemble Concert, four Fresno premieres and a fully staged musical.
Read MoreShakespeare’s ‘Comedy of Errors’ ushers in the holiday season
“The Comedy of Errors” tells the story of two sets of identical twins accidentally separated at birth.
Read MoreTheatre and Dance alumni contribute to local arts community
“Fresno State taught me how to fight to be seen in a predominantly white, male industry and not take for granted the professors and friends who rooted for me,” says Macedo.
Read MoreUniversity Theatre kicks off the season with Pulitzer Prize finalist ‘4,000 Miles’
After suffering a major loss on a cross-country bike trip, 21-year-old Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera in her West Village apartment.
Read MoreNew Faces: Nicola Olsen
We are excited to welcome Nicola Olsen as she joins the Department of Theatre and Dance as Assistant Professor of Piano. She teaches Drama 137 Creative Dramatics, Drama 136(S) Puppetry, Drama 138A Children’s Theatre and Drama 138B Children’s Theatre.
Read MoreUniversity Theatre Celebrates 25 Seasons of Love with Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning Musical
The acclaimed and influential musical makes its Fresno State University Theatre debut on May 6th. Under the direction of J. Daniel Herring, the production features a cast of 20 Fresno State students, alumni, and community members.
Read MoreUniversity Theatre announces the 2022/23 mainstage season
The 2022/23 Fresno State University Theatre season features a diverse range of comedic, dramatic, classic, and inventive works.
Read MoreAbsurdist comedy ‘Mad Gravity’ presented by student-run theatre company
Fresno State’s Experimental Theatre Company presents “Mad Gravity” written by William Missouri Downs and directed by Fresno State student, Krishan Joshi.
Read MoreDance ensemble presents first in-person program in two years
Experience six new entertaining and thought-provoking dance works at the Contemporary Dance Ensemble’s spring concert, “Not What It Seems.” The show represents the artistic work of four choreographers, twelve talented dancers and numerous behind-the-scenes artistic collaborators.
Read MoreUniversity Dance Theatre presents the first in-person dance concert in two years
Fresno State’s University Dance Theatre (UDT) will present “From the Top,” a student-produced and choreographed dance concert, under the artistic direction of Kenneth Balint. Performances are at 8 p.m. Nov. 18–20, 2021 and 2 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Lab School 101 Theatre.
Read MoreLive theatre makes a welcome return to Fresno State
Theatre is a unique art form in that it only exists at the moment it is being created. No other art form relies so heavily on the audience. A single person or multiple people can view paintings, but the impact of the piece remains the same because it is a tangible art piece.
Read MoreFeminist thriller ‘Man of God’ features first all Asian American cast
Fresno State’s University Theatre will presents its first in-person production of the 2021-22 Mainstage season with “Man of God,” written by Anna Ouyang Moench and directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis. It is the first University Theatre production written by an Asian American playwright for an entirely Asian American cast.
Read MoreUniversity Theatre returns to face-to-face performances for 2021/22 mainstage season
The season offers a diverse range of work from seasoned playwrights and young, up-and-coming playwrights.
Read MoreTheatre students win national acting awards
The winners of all eight regional festivals typically travel to Washington, D.C. to compete at the National Festival at the Kennedy Center. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the festival had to be postponed.
Read More‘All in the Timing’ streams levity to your screen
“Emerging from this pandemic, it just felt right to me to present a bit of fun layered with some serious notes, but not too serious.” ~ J Daniel Herring.
Read MoreEmmy-winning production designer Roy Christopher leaves lasting impact in theatre arts
Roy Christopher, a Fresno State alumnus and 10-time Emmy-winning production designer and art director, died of natural causes on Feb. 2 at his home in West Hollywood. He was 85. His credits include decades of work on Oscar, Tony, Emmy and Grammy award broadcasts.
Read MoreOriginal piece examines gender and sexuality through William Shakespeare
Fresno State’s University Theatre will present its third virtual production of the 2020-21 mainstage season, “To Thine Own Self Be True: Gender, Sexuality and the Bard,” written by William Shakespeare, conceived and directed by Brad Myers.
Read More‘Shelter-in-Plays’ highlights 5 original student-produced virtual productions
The productions were to be developed, rehearsed, and produced entirely over Zoom. No face-to-face meetings were ever held while these productions were in development.
Read MoreRiveting drama brings historic 1967 Detroit race riots into the spotlight
Fresno State University Theatre is pleased to announce the second virtual production of our 2020 -2021 mainstage season, “Detroit ‘67” online Dec. 4 – 12
Read MoreFrom stage to screen; the Department of Theatre and Dance goes virtual
“Darkside” is the Department of Theatre and Dance’s first attempt at producing virtual theatre. Director Kathleen McKinley has sought out the Department of Media, Communications and Journalism’s video expertise, and specifically Profesor Candace Egan, to turn this “virtual multimedia theatre experience” into a reality.
Read MoreFall 2020 theatre auditions to be held virtually
The Fresno State University Theatre says they will hold auditions for Fall 2020 productions virtually. Auditioning actors should prepare two audition videos and submit them with the online audition form between August 12 and August 18. Zoom callbacks will be held on Aug. 19 and 20. Video audition requirements and audition information for each production […]
Read More#TBT A new leading character: Telling untold stories to inspire youth
“When I got cast, I immediately called my dad and I said, ‘Dad, I’m a little brown girl playing a little brown girl!’”
Read MoreUniversity Theatre announces 2020-21 Mainstage season lineup
While the method of presentation is yet to be determined, the Department of Theatre and Dance is excited to be able to offer a diverse lineup of theatrical work in these challenging times. As more decisions for the upcoming academic school year are made, we will solidify the method in which this season will be […]
Read MoreTheatre and Dance student wins top acting honor at Regional Kennedy Center Festival
The Fresno State Theatre and Dance Department had a particularly strong showing in what many consider the highlight of the festival, the Irene Ryan Acting Competition.
Read MoreContemporary Dance Ensemble presents spring dance concert, ‘Covenants’
An evening of contemporary dance steeped in passionate expression, self-reflection, and pathos in motion.
Read MoreUniversity Theatre breathes new life into Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’
Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy of betrayal, courtship, lust, and mistaken identity. Updated to a modern time-period, old and young flee an erratic tyrant to dwell as happy exiles amid the welcoming “country copulatives” of a secluded forest.
Read MoreUniversity Dance Theatre Presents Fall 2019 Concert, ‘On the Edge.’
Fresno State’s University Dance Theatre is proud to present “On the Edge” their student-created dance performance. “On the Edge” will run November 21 – 23 in the Lab School 101 Theatre on the campus of Fresno State.
Read MoreStudent designers create worlds that transform the University Theatre stage
“It’s an amazing learning experience,” said Mel Johnson. “The difference between just coming up with a design for a class and actually designing for a show is huge.
Read MoreNeil LaBute’s raw, visceral, dark comedy ‘Fat Pig’ takes the University Theatre Stage
“Cow.” “Slob.” “Pig.” How many insults can you hear before you have to stand up and defend the woman you love?
Read MoreImmigration at the center of University Theatre season opener
Separated from his mother, a young refugee called “Anon” journeys through the United States, encountering a wide variety of people — some kind, some dangerous and cruel — as he searches for his family.
Read MoreAcclaimed actors to perform solo plays during Summer Arts
Join CSU Summer Arts for an evening of solo plays by acclaimed actors Kayla Kearney and Robert Lee Hart at 7 p.m. Friday, July 5, at the John Wright Theatre.
Read MoreUniversity Theatre to offer original concept on African-American musical, ‘Carmen Jones’
University Theatre will present their first-ever African-American musical “Carmen Jones” on May 3 – 11 in the John Wright Theatre. This Fresno premiere is directed by Professor Thomas-Whit Ellis and will feature an all African-American cast.
Read MoreTheatre for Young Audiences to perform two free showings of ‘The Super Cilantro Girl’
“The Super Cilantro Girl: Three Stories of Juan Felipe Herrera” revolves around the lives of a family of migrant workers: twelve-year-old Esmeralda, her younger brother Juanito, Papi, and Mamá. After years on the road, full of hard work and adventures, the family can finally settle down.
Read MoreExperimental Theatre Co. tackles love in the age of social media with “subText”
Even though everybody on the planet is just a text away, getting your message across has never been more complicated.
Read MoreSmall town life takes center stage in Lanford Wilson’s drama, ‘Book of Days’
When murder roars through the town, Ruth Hoch begins her own quest to find truth and honesty amid small town jealousies, religion, greed, and lies.
Read MoreLia Christine Dewey, Student of Distinction
For Theatre Arts student Lia Christine Dewey, the accolades keep coming as her final semester at Fresno State nears completion.
Read MoreFresno State Theatre Arts students bring home top honors from regional theatre festival
In her first attempt writing as a theatre critic, Theatre Arts student Lia Dewey found herself at the top of the region and among four finalists who will compete at the national level at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Read MoreThe Contemporary Dance Ensemble presents, ‘Moving Through the Static’
“Moving Through the Static” is under the artistic direction of Kenneth Balint and runs February 15 – 23, 2019 in the John Wright Theatre in the Speech Arts building on the campus of Fresno State.
Read MoreFresno State Grad Designs Her Perfect Career
Before ever setting foot on the Save Mart Center stage for her graduation, Maggie Srmayan had her first professional job lined-up. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree on Friday afternoon, she packed her car and headed down to Los Angeles to start work on a short film that Monday morning.
Read MoreChildren inspired as audience grows for Christmas opera ‘Lucinda y las Flores de la Nochebuena’
The opera that Fresno State commissioned, workshopped and performed in 2016 titled “Lucinda y las Flores de la Nochebuena” has now been seen by over 15,000 people across the country, according to Dr. Anthony Radford, Fresno State professor of voice and opera. “This holiday season it was performed for the first time at Coker College […]
Read MoreUniversity Theatre to Produce Fun, Fanciful, Holiday Production
“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley”, was first produced in 2016 in a Rolling World Premiere. “Miss Bennet” is a sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”, set in 1815, two years after the novel ends. The play continues the story of the Bennet sisters, only this time with bookish middle-sister Mary as its unlikely heroine.
Read MoreUniversity Theatre announces production of ‘Carmen Jones’
University Theatre is pleased to announce the newest addition to our 2018/2019 Mainstage Season, “Carmen Jones” by Oscar Hammerstein II, based on Meilhac and Halevy’s adaption of Prosper Merimee’s “Carmen”, Music by Geroges Bizet, and directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis. The production will run from May 3-11, 2019 in the John Wright Theatre located in the […]
Read MoreHALLOWEEN SPECIAL! Get two ‘Just Like Us’ tickets for the price of one; details…
University Theatre is pleased to present the Central Valley premiere of “Just Like Us” by Karen Zacarías, based on the novel by Helen Thorpe. The production is directed by Dr. Gina Sandí-Díaz and runs October 26 – November 3, 2018 in the Dennis & Cheryl Woods Theatre in the Speech Arts building on the campus […]
Read MoreUniversity Theatre season opens with Central Valley premiere of ‘The Wolves’
University Theatre is pleased to present the Central Valley premiere of “The Wolves” by Sarah DeLappe. The production is directed by Kathleen McKinley and runs Sept. 28 – Oct. 6 in the Dennis & Cheryl Woods Theatre in the Speech Arts building on the campus of Fresno State.
Read MoreLocal theater legend and performing arts alumnus receives lifetime award
Dan Pessano is among four who will be honored by the Fresno County Office of Education Foundation for a lifetime of educational contributions. The 2018 FCOE Honors Gala will be held on September 15, 2018, at the Fresno City College Old Administration Building.
Read MoreNEW! Earn your bachelor’s degree in Art History or Dance at Fresno State
The Fresno State College of Arts and Humanities is proud to announce two new Bachelor of Arts degrees. In the Theatre Arts department, has launched their B.A. in Dance and the Art and Design Department has started their B.A. in Art History.
Read MoreThe Bulldog Pride Fund establishes two new scholarships
The Bulldog Pride Fund at Fresno State has established two new, annual scholarships to be presented for the first time in the 2018-19 academic year: the Eartha Kitt Vocal Performance Award and the Larry Newsome Theatre Arts Award.
Read MoreMCJ and Theatre Arts collaborate on web series ‘Specula’
Fresno State’s Department of Media Communications and Journalism along with the Department of Theatre Arts came together for a collaborative supernatural web series titled “Specula” this past fall.
Read MoreTop 10 stories of 2017
Here’s a look back at our Top 10 Arts and Humanities stories for all of 2017: No. 10: New Faces: Dr. Gina Sandí-Díaz, Theatre Arts No. 9: New Faces: Art and Design welcomes two new professors No. 8: Three from College of Arts and Humanities named 2017 Fulbright recipients No. 7: New Faces: Four new […]
Read More‘Native Son’ next up in University Theatre’s season
A new stage adaptation of the influential Richard Wright Novel, “Native Son,” takes center stage Oct. 27 through Nov. 4 at the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre at Fresno State. The adaptation of “Native Son,” written by Nambi E. Kelley and directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis, is the second show of University Theatre’s 2017-2018 season.
Read MoreALUMNI NEWS: One theatre grad’s path from student to NYC stage manager
A Q&A with 2008 theatre arts alumna Samantha Watson, now a successful New York City stage manager.
Read MoreUniversity Theatre to hold fall auditions
Calling all thespians — fall theatre auditions are here! The Fresno State Department of Theatre Arts will hold preliminary auditions for its fall season at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, in the John Wright Theatre on campus.
Read MoreUniversity Theatre: ‘Heathers the Musical’ and a look ahead to the 2017-18 season
~ By Anthony Cody, communications specialist for the Department of Theatre Arts Fresno State’s University Theatre will wrap up the 2016-17 theatre season with a presentation of “Heathers The Musical” May 5 through 13 (the stage is dark on May 8). This production is directed by Brad Myers. The musical, adapted from the cult-film “Heathers,” […]
Read MoreStudent actors compete in Kennedy Center Acting competition
Photo, back row from left: Nwachukwu Oputa, Lauren Folland, Emilea Paulson, Lia Dewey, Chlorissa Prothro, Alyssa Benitez and Danielle Valdivia. Bottom row from left: Karina Rodriguez, Emily Kearns, Kindle Cowger and Arium Andrews. Nineteen Fresno State Theatre Arts students competed in the Irene Ryan Acting Competition while at the Region VIII Kennedy Center American College […]
Read MoreUniversity Theatre auditions for spring productions Jan. 22-25
~ By Anthony Cody, reprinted from FresnoStateNews.com University Theatre will hold auditions Jan. 22 through 25 for two spring performances. The first of the staggered auditions, which will take place in the Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre in the Speech Arts Building (Room 135), will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 22 and 23 for “Heathers the Musical,” directed […]
Read MoreTheatre Arts alum wins ‘Chopped’ cooking competition
~ By Lisa Maria Boyles Fresno State alumnus Alex Lawrence was declared the winner of “The Turkey Day Heroes” cooking competition during an episode of the Food Network program “Chopped” that aired Monday, Nov. 14. Lawrence, who earned a degree in theatre arts in 2005, competed against three other soup kitchen representatives with the final […]
Read MoreInspire a Child – Adopt a School
For more than 50 years, Fresno State’s Theatre for Young Audiences has provided college students with performance and touring experience, while providing quality theatre productions for children throughout theValley. Arts education programs have shown to improve the developmental growth of school-aged children, while lowering delinquency and truancy rates in at-risk youth. Unfortunately, due to the restriction of school budgets, arts programs […]
Read MoreART NOTES: ‘Stephanie Bradshaw: New Work’
Stephanie Bradshaw, costume shop supervisor for University Theatre (fresnostate.edu/artshum/theatrearts/), will show her art work at the Voice Shop (thevoiceshop.com/). “Stephanie Bradshaw: New Work” can be seen at the Sept. 1 ArtHop and through the month of September. Bradshaw won the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Thesis. Here’s what Bradshaw has to say about her exhibit: The bulk of the artworks I’ll […]
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The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 