Summer Theatre is Back!
Penn State Centre Stage returns to professional summer theatre with “True Crime Frankenstein,” June 12–15, Penn State Downtown Theatre; Firefly Rep’s “Love Hurts,” free Shakespeare at the Arboretum, June 16–18; and “Strings, Sonnets, and Shakespeare,” a Penns Woods and Firefly collaboration June 21, Recital Hall, University Park campus.
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Upcoming PSCS Productions
True Crime Frankenstein
Or the modern, modern Prometheus.
Book by Matt Cox
Music and Lyrics by Eli Bolin
Co-production with Concord Theatricals & Penn State Musical Theatre
Directed by John Simpkins
Music Direction by Ben Kiley
Choreography by Johnny Fenton
June 12–15, Penn State Downtown Theatre
(146 S Allen Street, State College PA)
Preview: June 12 at 7:30pm
Evenings: June 13, 14 at 8:00pm
Matinee: June 15 at 3:00pm
Ticket prices: Evenings $28; Preview/Matinee $23; Student $15
When young pop sensation William Frankenstein is murdered, the family’s nanny is blamed. However, local high school loner Mary Sheldon knows there’s more to the story. Armed with a microphone and her own ambitions, she launches an investigative podcast to expose one Victor Frankenstein’s secrets, unraveling a tale of dark science, monsters, and an alarming amount of preventable murder. The deeper she digs, the more she realizes she’s not only telling this story – she’s in it.
A musical comedy about monsters and how you make them – complete with local ads!
The show is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
Love Hurts
Produced by Penn State Centre Stage
June 16–18, 7:30pm
The Arboretum at Penn State
Free, limited unreserved seating.
Donations to Penn State Centre Stage are kindly accepted.
A lively evening of Shakespeare and music featuring some of the bard's funniest feuds and romantic arguments.
Strings, Sonnets & Shakespeare
Penn's Woods and Centre Stage's Firefly Rep Collaboration
This enchanting concert blends the expressive beauty of string music with the timeless poetry of William Shakespeare. The program features original musical settings of Shakespearean sonnets and iconic scenes from The Bard himself, alongside Dvořák's spirited American Quartet – a vibrant swirl of energy and folk-inspired charm. Join us for an unforgettable evening where words and music intertwine to celebrate the richness of art across the ages.
June 21, 7:00pm
Recital Hall
814-863-0255 / pwmf.psu.edu
Ticket prices: $34
($4 Ticketmaster fee on non-ticketed purchases online. No fee at box office or phone orders.)
Made possible in part through gifts from Robert & Ann Titze
Firefly Rep
A new professional summer theatre initiative within Penn State Centre Stage.
Firefly Rep, a new professional company within Penn State Centre Stage, is reviving professional summer theatre in State College. Firefly Rep promises to provide vibrant, high-quality performances to the heart of central Pennsylvania and aims to become a destination for theatre lovers from across the region. As the curtain rises on this exciting new chapter, the Penn State School of Theatre endeavors to build a summer season that will showcase incredible performances and provide the community with unforgettable cultural experiences.
Relive Previous Seasons on Centre Stage
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.
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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.
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