University Theatre

06/25/2026

Need to get a University Theatre fix over the summer? Might we suggest checking out the Fresno Premiere of "Good Night, Oscar" directed by our own J Daniel Herring and featuring Fresno State student, Jayvaughn Sterns Jr.

The production opens tomorrow and runs through August 16th at the 2nd Space Theatre in the Tower District.

Tickets are available at www.gcplayers.com or by calling 559.266.0660

COMING SOON!!
It’s 1958, and Jack Paar’s talk-show guest is the famous Oscar Levant, who breaks all the rules of live TV when he sneaks out of a psychiatric hospital to do the show. Good Company Players' production of GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR opens this Friday, June 26th at 2nd Space Theatre!

Get tickets TODAY: www.gcplayers.com / 559.266.0660

Rated PG-13 (This production contains strong language)

06/16/2026

For more than 60 years, our Theatre for Young Audiences program has been bringing the magic of live theatre directly to children across the Central Valley.

Each year, our students step into the roles of artists, educators, and ambassadors, sharing stories that spark imagination and create lasting memories. For many of the children we visit, this production is their very first experience with live theatre.

We're proud of the impact this program continues to have, both on the young audiences we serve and on the students who make it all possible.

Take a deeper look into what it takes to make this program possible.

Senior Kaylee Myers helped bring this spring’s production of Lemonade Stand, written by Lojo Simon, to life through colorful and culturally informed set design.

05/21/2026

🎭 FALL 2026 MAINSTAGE AUDITIONS 🎭

Auditions for ‘Is This a Room’ and ‘The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane’ are scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026 in the John W. Wright Theatre from 6:00 - 10:00 PM.

Auditions are open Theatre Arts majors & minors, Fresno State students, and Fresno community members.

For detailed audition and production information visit linktr.ee/UniversityTheatre

We’ll see ya in the fall!

05/16/2026

“We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” - William Shakespeare, ‘Hamlet’

The curtain closes on another successful year for the Department of Theatre and Dance.

To our graduating seniors, YOU DID IT! We couldn’t be more proud of you for achieving this major accomplishment. We eagerly wait to see what you do armed with the knowledge, skills, and experience gained while creating art during your time with us.

As you enter the next chapter of your creative journey remember to create passionately, unapologetically, and authentically. ❤️💙

05/15/2026

Another late celebration, but better late than never! 🎉

Earlier this spring, Myah Galvan served as the first-ever Department of Theatre and Dance intern supported through the College of Arts and Humanities Mellon Grant Internship Program.

Through this opportunity, Myah served as the Assistant Stage Management Intern for the Chanticleer Shakespeare Company’s production of ‘The Tempest,’ gaining valuable hands-on professional experience in the field.

We’re grateful for our partnership with Chanticleer Shakespeare Company and excited to continue growing opportunities like this that support our students’ artistic and professional development beyond the classroom. Here’s to creating even more pathways for the next generation of theatre-makers!

05/12/2026

A couple of weeks ago we were deep in the throes of tech week so we have some recognitions to catch up on!

On April 29th Dr. Nicola Olsen was recognized as this year’s recipient of the Dr. Rich Berrett Outstanding Service-Learning Faculty Award at Fresno State!

This award honors faculty who carry forward Dr. Rich Berrett’s legacy of community engagement, compassionate teaching, and service-learning excellence. Through Drama 136S – Puppetry, Dr. Olsen inspires future educators to use the arts to spark creativity, learning, and connection for young people of all ages.

From partnering with local schools during Read Across America Week, to collaborating with the Phoenix Pageant in Auberry, to hosting community puppet events at the Betty Rodriguez Library, Dr. Olsen and her students continue to make a meaningful impact throughout the Central Valley.

Congratulations, Dr. Olsen, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for the incredible work you do both in and beyond the classroom! We are so lucky to have you in our department!

05/11/2026

Post-show blues are hitting hard…so here’s something to brighten the mood:

📣ANNOUNCING OUR 2026/2027 MAINSTAGE SEASON! 📣

In 2026/2027 we are taking a bold journey through urgent contemporary stories, imaginative adventures, and powerful explorations of hope, resilience, and human connection. From the gripping true-story drama “Is This a Room” to the heartfelt “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” the innovative “Contemporary Dance Ensemble,” a staged-reading of a moving new work “Yo Te Esperaba: An Abolition Story,” and the inspiring “The Shawshank Redemption,” this season celebrates the transformative power of live performance and the stories that bring us together

Mainstage season subscriptions go on sale Monday, July 13, 2026. Individual performance tickets go on sale September 1, 2026.

Get the full details at the link in our bio!

05/09/2026

Tonight, we take our final journey to Illyria. This adventure has been long and full of so many incredible moments. Thanks to everyone who came out and joined us along the way.

If you haven’t experienced our show yet,we hope to see you tonight at 7:30.

‘Twelfth Night’ closes tonight in the John W. Wright Theatre. Tickets available at bit.ly/UniversityTheatreTIX

05/08/2026

You’ll be surprised to know- just like Sir Andrew and Sir Toby- that the hottest place to party in Fresno tonight is the John W. Wright Theatre for the penultimate performance of ‘Twelfth Night.’

Wear your dancing shoes and meet us at the theatre tonight at 7:30. We’ll see ya there!

‘Twelfth Night’ runs through May 9th in the John W. Wright Theatre. Tickets available at bit.ly/UniversityTheatreTIX

05/08/2026

We are so proud of our student, Myah Galvan, for completing her internship with Chanticleer Shakespeare Co. during their production of 'The Tempest.'

We look forward to this continued partnership and can't wait to see where it takes our students.