Penn State Centre Stage

The professional theatre training program in Central Pennsylvania


Follow Us

2026–27 Season Productions

A musical theatre classic, a soccer-infused tale of adolescence, a laugh-out-loud farce, and more will entertain audiences during Penn State Centre Stage’s 2026–27 season. Our dynamic lineup of productions offers something for every theatre lover and includes the inaugural Centre Stage Theatre Festival in April 2027.

Promotional graphic for a 26–27 Season Sneak Preview featuring a faded theatrical mask background and the text “26–27 Season Sneak Preview.”

Sneak Preview

Date: September 17
Venue: Olsan-Stone Terrace
(if rain, School of Music Recital Hall)
Advance Ticket sales only: $53

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we lift the curtain on the 2026–27 season! Your exclusive admission includes delicious hors d’oeuvres, refreshing libations, and a lively performance that offers a taste of what's to come. Meet the creative forces behind the magic – our directors, designers, and talented students – and get a first look at the productions that will light up our stages this season.

Buy Sneak Preview Tickets
Promotional graphic for Sister Act featuring a performer singing into a microphone against a colorful stained-glass-inspired background.

Sister Act

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner
Directed by Marcus Jordan

Dates: October 6–17
Venue: Jimirro Playhouse Theatre

Buy Sister Act Tickets
Promotional graphic for The Wolves featuring orange peels scattered on a grassy athletic field beside a painted sideline.

The Wolves

By Sarah DeLappe
Directed by Christine O’Grady

Dates: October 27–November 7
Venue: Pavilion Theatre

Buy The Wolves Tickets
Promotional graphic for Tyrants featuring portraits of historical figures framed between alternating vertical bands in a monochrome design.

Tyrants

Music and Lyrics by Alexander Sage Oyen
Book by Nora Brigid Monahan
Directed by John Simpkins

Dates: November 17–December 5
Venue: Jimirro Playhouse Theatre

Buy Tyrants Tickets
Promotional graphic for Guys and Dolls featuring a brightly lit city street with vintage cars and colorful theater marquees and neon signs.

Guys and Dolls

Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling
Directed by Kelsey Robins

Dates: February 23–March 5
Venue: Jimirro Playhouse Theatre

Buy Guys and Dolls Tickets
Promotional graphic for the PSCS Theatre Festival featuring a close-up of two weathered theatrical masks.

PSCS Festival

More details forthcoming.

Dates: April 1–11, 2027
Venue: Downtown Theatre

Promotional graphic for Noises Off featuring a group of legs and feet in assorted shoes arranged around a circular opening.

Noises Off

By Michael Frayn
Directed by Steve Snyder

Dates: April 13–24, 2027
Venue: Jimirro Playhouse Theatre

Buy Noises Off Tickets

Designer Discussions

Opening Night Pre-show Reception & Designer Discussion. $20

Meet the artistic team and discover the creative process at the opening night pre-show reception and designer discussion! Join us at 6:00 PM to mingle, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about what we do. Don’t miss this unique chance to dive into the artistry behind the production!

Note: Reception & Designer Discussion tickets are $20 per event. You must purchase Reception & Designer Discussion and show tickets separately.

Promotional graphic for Opening Night Designer Discussions featuring a close-up of a bronze theatrical mask with the text “Opening Night Designer Discussions.”

Firefly Rep

The professional summer theatre initiative within Penn State Centre Stage.

Firefly Rep is the professional summer theatre company within Penn State Centre Stage. After well-received inaugural and follow-up seasons, Firefly Rep continues momentum in its mission to bring quality, professional summer theatre to the State College community and surrounding areas.

Through Firefly Rep, the Penn State School of Theatre provides opportunities for seasoned theatre artists and select School of Theatre students to offer the community a unique cultural experience.

Give the Gift of Theatre

Gift certificates are available in increments of $25 to $250 and can be redeemed by phone or in person for entry to any event for which the Arts Ticket Center sells tickets. Gift certificates do not expire and are nonrefundable. Tickets are transferrable.

Buy a Gift Certificate

Become a Patron

Support Penn State Centre Stage

Penn State School of Theatre is home to one of the finest theatre training programs in the country. We invite you to have a richer theatre experience by becoming a patron of Penn State Centre Stage. With your gift, the show can go on. Let our students know that you love the theatre and care about ensuring opportunity for artists.

Our students, faculty, and visiting professionals bring tremendous talent to the stage – and you give them a stage to stand on. Our choreographers, costume and scenic designers, lighting technicians, and entire artistic team envision new worlds – and you give them the resources to realize those worlds. While Penn State provides a foundation for our theatrical productions, we rely on the generosity of our community to provide the additional resources needed to perform at the highest level. Your gifts provide financial assistance with show rights, costumes, technical equipment, set materials, music, marketing, and supporting visiting artists and educators who come to share their craft.

Your patronage will also provide assistance for students with financial need to take advantage of extra-curricular opportunities such as master classes, regional theatre productions, and conference participation. We’re thankful for your partnership and philanthropy, and we applaud every person who joins us in our mission to make our theatre training program one of the top ranked in the country. We can’t wait to show you what’s next.

You can make a tax-deductible donation to Penn State Centre Stage by phoning 888-800-9163, or by visiting raise.psu.edu/PSCentreStage. Specify “Centre Stage–XAFPS” when you make a credit card gift by phone or online. You can also mail a check to: PSCS/Penn State, 116 Theatre Building, University Park, PA 16802-1506.

Support PSCS

Patron Levels and Benefits

Friend $5 to $99

  • Pre-sale season notification

Benefactor $100 to $499
Above, plus:

  • Playbill recognition

Supporter $500 to $999
Above, plus:

  • Name recognition in lobby
  • Invitation to pre-season event
  • Tour behind the scenes

Performer $1,000 to $2,499
Above, plus:

  • Invitation to preshow meet/greet
  • Invitation to meet Artistic Director

Director $2,500 to $4,999
Above, plus:

  • Membership in Ralph D. Hetzel Circle of the Penn State President’s Club
  • Playbill program highlight

Producer $5,000+
Above, plus:

  • Membership in Edwin E. Sparks Circle of the Penn State President’s Club
  • Playbill program highlight
  • Unique personalized production experience, with recognition as a show sponsor

Previous Seasons on Centre Stage