Our students shine on stage and behind the scenes. Come see the many ways that the
university's theatre and dance performances enhance the arts scene in Columbia, South
Carolina and the Midlands.
2022-2023 Theatre Season
A Midsummer Night's Dream
October 2 & 8-9, 2022
Written by William Shakespeare Adapted and Originally Directed for the Stage by Victor Malana Maog Directed by Devin Haqq
Shakespeare Festival Stage
Experience the enchantment of The Bard in the open air setting of our brand new outdoor
venue, the Shakespeare Festival Stage! This new touring stage made its national debut
this summer at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, where it served as
the set for the Folger Theatre’s critically-lauded production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Now, it’s coming home to campus, where our talented student actors will take on
the same timeless tale of magic, mix-ups and mayhem under the direction of guest artist
Devin Haqq.
"Small Mouth Sounds" contains adult situations and content that is not suitable for
children.
This production utilizes theatrical haze and strobe effects.
A 2016 Critics’ Pick (New York Times, Time Out), Bess Wohl’s hit off-Broadway play is a unique theatrical experience that will leave
you “moved, refreshed and even enlightened” (New York Times). Set at a meditation retreat in a secluded forest, six strangers take a week-long
respite from the noise of modern day society with an added vow of complete silence.
Guided by an unseen guru, we embark with them on an alternately hilarious and heartbreaking
journey that asks, “How do we address life’s biggest questions when words fail us?”
It will still be winter outside, but in the Lab Theatre we’ll be all about the shorts -- short plays, that is! Enjoy a fast-paced evening of laughter, heartbreak and everything
in between as we present a collection of 10-minute plays, each directed by a different
member of our theatre performance faculty. “A ten-minute play is a streak of theatrical
lightning. It doesn’t last long, but its power can stand your hair on end.” (Take Ten, Vintage Books)
Recipient of Chicago’s Jefferson Award for Best Play in 2018, The Light is a visceral, real-time roller coaster ride that sees a loving relationship rocked
by secrets from the past. When we are introduced to Genesis and Rashad, it’s during
the romantic high of a heartfelt marriage proposal. The happy plans are suddenly derailed,
however, by an accusation of sexual assault that threatens to rip apart their bond
of love and trust. “...the #MeToo play you didn’t know you wanted, but that you need
to see.” — Nylon
Contains mature content that is not appropriate for children.
Little Shop of Horrors
April 7-14, 2023
Book by Howard Ashman Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Howard Ashman Based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith
Directed by Jessica Francis Fichter Associate Directed by Abigail McNeely Music Direction by Ayush Joshi Choreography by Kim Ball
Drayton Hall Theatre
A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years. The meek floral assistant
Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after
his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame
and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it BLOOD. Over
time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards
global domination!
Contains mature content that is not appropriate for children.
Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.