UC Irvine Drama’s 2025–26 Mainstage Season
Performances champion courage, connection and legacy
Irvine, Calif., June 5, 2025 — The 2025–26 mainstage season at UC Irvine’s Department of Drama explores the complexities of human connection, where themes of courage, identity and intergenerational legacy unfold through family dramas, mythic quests, backstage farces and surrealist meditations.
Led by Department of Drama Chair Professor of Teaching Joel Veenstra, the 60th anniversary season presents a dynamic lineup spanning history, styles and lived experiences: a musical inspired by a 19th-century novel of sisterhood in the Civil War; a physical theatre piece based on a 14th-century poem; a farce celebrating comedy and the love of theatre and a new play by an award-winning Latine playwright with works being developed by leading theaters nationwide. The season also accompanies Emergent Series and Off the Grid projects, featuring Shakespeare, improv, student-led productions and new works.
“I am incredibly excited for our 60th season, which is a significant milestone that shines a spotlight on the university’s mission of discovery and innovation,” said Veenstra. “This season isn’t just a showcase of talent, it is a journey into new ideas, fresh perspectives and powerful stories that challenge how we see the world and each other. It will be a season of unforgettable shared experiences that embody the spirit of exploration and creativity at the heart of our community.”
The 2025–26 mainstage season highlights the work of student designers, actors and technicians in collaboration with faculty directors and guest artists across venues such as the Irvine Barclay Theatre, xMPL (Experimental Media Performance Lab), Claire Trevor Theatre and Robert Cohen Theatre.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, through the Arts Box Office.
Little Women, The Broadway Musical
Nov. 20–23, 2025 | Irvine Barclay Theatre
The season opens with Little Women, the beloved Broadway musical based on Louisa May Alcott’s iconic novel. Directed by Myrona DeLaney with music direction by Roland Perold, the show follows the spirited March sisters as they chase dreams, endure heartbreak and come of age in Civil War-era America. With vibrant scenic design by Mariko Cilley and choreography by Christian Alvarez, this musical celebrates the enduring power of family, imagination and resilience.
The Green Knight
Dec. 5–13, 2025 | Experimental Media Performance Lab (xMPL)
Closing out fall quarter is The Green Knight, a contemporary physical-theatre adaptation of the medieval epic Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, based on the translation by UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. Adapted and directed by Annie Loui, this CounterBalance Theater production combines stylized movement with poetic narration as Sir Gawain journeys through temptation, honor and mortality. The production features scenic design by Genesis Tanner (scenic), costumes by Rebecca Shepherd and lighting by Mac McDermott.
Noises Off
March 6–14, 2026 | Claire Trevor Theatre
Winter quarter launches with Noises Off, Michael Frayn’s legendary backstage farce, directed by Eli Simon. A company of actors attempts to hold their play, Nothing On, together, but missed cues, flying sardines and romantic entanglements bring everything hilariously off the rails. With scenic design by Gretchen Ugalde and lighting by Hayden Kirschbaum, Noises Off promises wild and witty productions through the joys and disasters of live theater.
at the very bottom of a body of water
May 7–16, 2026 | Robert Cohen Theatre
Directed by Juliette Carrillo, Benjamin Benne’s lyrical drama at the very bottom of a body of water closes the season with a surreal and emotionally charged meditation on grief, memory and family. Through dreamlike vignettes and a haunting central image — a fish gutted live on stage — the play asks how we carry love and loss across generations. With scenic design by Ashley Mendez and lighting by Rachel Fields, this poignant piece is recommended for adult audiences seeking an intimate theatrical experience that lingers long after the curtain call.
The 2025-26 mainstage season combines the work of students and faculty alike, across all disciplinary modes and identifications. A proud leader of interdisciplinary work, the UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts values and continues to forge creative connections within its departments (Art, Dance, Drama, Music) and across campus.
Learn more about the Department of Drama at drama.arts.uci.edu.
About the Claire Trevor School of the Arts: As UCI’s creative engine, the Claire Trevor School of the Arts has proven itself to be a national leader in training future generations of artists and scholars who go on to inspire audiences in theaters, galleries and concert halls – as well as in entertainment and technology-related venues throughout the world. CTSA combines artistic training with a top-ranked liberal arts education. It is home to the departments of art, dance, drama and music, offering 15 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and two minors. CTSA is currently ranked No. 1 in affordable fine arts, drama/theater and music degrees by the College Affordability Guide. Courses include extensive studio, workshop and performance experiences; theoretical and historical studies; and arts and technology practices. CTSA’s nationally ranked programs begin with training but culminate in original invention. The distinguished, international faculty work across a wide variety of art forms and forge interdisciplinary partnerships with others across the campus. For more information, visit arts.uci.edu.
About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit uci.edu.