School of Theatre

Gain the skills, experience, and professional know-how to pursue careers in the demanding world of the stage.

Penn State Centre Stage & the School of Theatre present:

New One Night on Broadway

Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Playhouse Theatre, University Park

Alumni from Broadway and the professional world return to Penn State to create a one-of-a-kind program that honors the School of Theatre's rich history while celebrating the vibrant future of our theatrical community.

Purchase tickets today!

Event Details

5:00–6:00pm: Cocktails & hors d'oeuvres on terrace
6:15–7:15pm: Performance in theatre
7:30pm: Gala buffet celebration on stage

(Cocktail attire is requested.)

Ticket Options

Pre-show & performance: $129
Full evening, including the gala buffet celebration: $254

Advance sales only. Price includes $4 Ticketmaster fee. Fee will be waived if tickets are purchased in person at the Arts Ticket Center or by phone.

Free parking in lot Green N (behind former Palmer Museum, Park Ave & Shortlidge Rd)

A Grand Reunion of Talent
One Night on Broadway is hosted by Interim Director Aquila Kikora Franklin and the Penn State Centre Stage Community Council. The program is directed by Professor John Simpkins, featuring Penn State School of Theatre Alumni.

Spotlight on Designers
Experience the creativity behind the curtain! Designers shaping the future of theatre will showcase their work in stunning displays throughout the theatre lobby, offering a glimpse into the artistry that brings productions to life.

Support the Legacy
All proceeds from the New One Night on Broadway will directly support the School of Theatre, helping future generations of performers, designers, and directors bring their artistry to life.

Succeed around the globe

Award-winning faculty whose experience spans the world provide individualized instruction, giving students the extra edge they need to succeed. Preparation that extends beyond skills and experience – that’s what you’ll find in the School of Theatre.

The School of Theatre offers undergraduate and graduate degrees covering a range of areas, including Acting, Musical Theatre, Stage Management, Theatre Design and Technology, and Directing.

Learn more about our community commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Contact

School of Theatre
116 Theatre Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7586
814-865-5754 (fax)

Kikora Franklin
Interim Director, School of Theatre

Judy King
Administrative Support Manager, School of Theatre

Other Contacts

Live Theatre at Centre Stage

The School of Theatre houses Penn State Centre Stage (PSCS), the professional theatre training program in Central Pennsylvania. PSCS presents theatrical masterpieces and new gems by emerging masters. Tickets on sale July 16.

Penn State Centre Stage 2024-2025 Season!

  • Sneak Preview
  • John Proctor is the Villain
  • Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
  • How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
  • Love's Labour's Lost
  • Alice in Wonderland
  • Special School of Theatre production: Much Ado About Nothing
  • Special Town & Gown Annual Event: A Christmas Carol

Learn More

Buy Tickets

Show images from past performances
Headshot of

alumni spotlight

Emily Akers

“My training at Penn State has helped me get to where I am today. I am back in my hometown of Brooklyn, NY working for a community Ed tech startup working as a community coordinator and digital content strategist. I would not have gotten here if it weren’t for the amazing mentors and faculty I had within the School of Theatre. Whether you plan on pursuing a career on stage or off, the professors you will work with are happy to help you find ways to flourish.”

Studios, Labs and Venues

Production studio spaces, a design and lighting lab, and venues that support student, faculty, and professional performances.

Headshot of

faculty spotlight

Curtis Craig

Head, Sound Design

Curtis Craig (Sound Designer, Composer, Projection Designer) Recent work: Pipeline (Cleveland Playhouse, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Detroit Public Theatre), Indecent (Denver Center Theatre Company), world premier – Dominique Morriseau’s Mud Row (People’s Light & Theatre Company), world premier – The Great Leap (Denver Center Theatre Company, Seattle Rep), The Bacchae (Classical Theatre of Harlem), How to Catch Creation (Baltimore Center Stage, Philadelphia Theatre Company). In 2017, his sound design and composition from the Denver Center production of All The Way was awarded the Silver Medal in Sound Design at the World Stage Design exposition in Taipei, Taiwan. He previously won the Gold Medal in Sound Design for Pentecost in 2009 in Seoul, South Korea. His work can be heard at www.curtiscraig.com.

See all our Faculty