Houstonians are well aware of the talents emanating from the University of Houston’s School of Theatre & Dance. Soon, audiences will experience the creative energies of its actors in some of the most intimate performance spaces on campus.
For a full season, the school’s plays and dance concerts will be delivered in UH’s acclaimed black box space, the Jose Quintero Theatre, and Studio 208. Both venues are located at Entrance 16 off Cullen Boulevard in the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts building.
During the Alley Theatre’s residency in the Lyndall Finley Wortham Theatre, audiences can get a close look at the artists being developed by UH’s School of Theatre and Dance.
“What I love about doing shows in the Quintero is that I find them incredibly engaging,” said Jim Johnson, director of UH’s School of Theatre & Dance. “I feel like I'm more directly engaged in the experience of live theatre.”
For its upcoming season, the school will deliver stage classics and new works (written by students themselves). It also will present premiere dance performances choreographed by the school’s students, faculty and local dance pros.
Single performance tickets are $20; $15 for faculty, staff and alumni; $12 for seniors and $10 for students. Subscription packages are available for $60. For additional ticket information, visit the UH School of Theatre and Dance ticket website, or call the box office at 713-743-2929.
The following plays performed in the Quintero Theatre are included in the subscription series:
- Oct. 2 – 12: “The Playboy of the Western World” by John Millington Synge – directed by Carolyn Houston Boone
Previously shy Christy Mahon becomes the toast of the town (particularly the ladies) when he brags about committing a murder - until things come to light, and come to life in this Irish comedy.
- Nov. 13 – 23: “The Liar” by Pierre Corneille – directed by Jack Young
This classic farce from the 15th century has been completely reimagined by playwright David Ives, focusing on Dorante, whose lies backfire in his efforts to court a young woman.
- Dec. 3 – 6: Emerging Choreographers Showcase
Each year, the creative minds in UH’s Dance Program premieres new works (performed by their peers).
- Feb. 19: “Bus Stop” by William Inge – directed by Adam Noble
The stage classic – once performed by Dennis Quaid when he was a UH student – returns to campus. A group of travellers are stuck in a diner during a snowstorm, but romance heats up an otherwise icy predicament.
- March 25 – 29: UH Dance Ensemble
Houston dance professionals (including UH faculty) showcase new works performed by students.
- April 23 – May 3: “The Miser” by Molière – directed by Sara Becker
Harpagon is a recent widower and a penny pincher who is determined to marry the young Marianne, except that she's involved with his son. And his daughter's wandering eyes aren't helping him stay focused. Alley Theatre company members will join the UH cast in this classic from Moliere.
Additional performances in Studio 208 will include:
- Dec. 4 – 6: “The End of Side A” by Kendall Kaminsky – directed by Robert Shimko (Actors Studio show) A son and daughter gain insights as they sift through their father's surprise collection of covert recordings of strangers.
- April 30 – May 3: “The 10-Minute Play Festival” Audiences can experience the next generation of playwrights during this festival featuring short works written and performed by students.
The UH School of Theatre & Dance produces pre-professional plays, dance concerts, studio productions, and school shows through the Theatre for Young Audiences program. Performances are delivered in in the Wortham Theatre and the Quintero Theatre. The UH School of Theatre & Dance offers bachelor’s degrees in playwriting and dramaturgy, acting, design and technology, stage management and theatre education. Its graduate programs consist of a Master of Arts in theatre studies, a summer Master of Arts in theatre education, and Master of Fine Arts degrees in acting, and design and technology. Noted alums include actors Jim Parsons, Dennis Quaid, Brett Cullen and Robert Wuhl. Faculty includes Tony Award-winning producer Stuart Ostrow and Tony-nominated designer Kevin Rigdon. Among the greats who have taught at the school are Edward Albee, Lanford Wilson, Sir Peter Hall, Jose Quintero, Patsy Swayze and Cecil Pickett. In 2012 and 2013, the school was named “Best College Theater” in the Houston Press Theater Awards. For details on UH's School of Theatre & Dance, visit www.theatredance.uh.edu.
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