The Little Theatre
Each year The Little Theatre produces at least four main stage productions, in addition to student-directed projects and collaborative work with the Music department. Touring professional productions, guest speakers and musical artists also appear in the intimate 209-seat facility.
Scholarship Opportunity
Calling all actors, designers, and techies! CMU is currently offering the "Center Stage" scholarship. The grand prize is a full-tuition scholarship and major scholarships will be given to the top two winners in the categories of Acting and Theatre Design and every participant will receive a scholarship.
Note: Full-tuition scholarship winners are required to live on campus.
Show Information
Tickets: For CMU main stage productions, $15 for general admission, $10 CMU Faculty and Staff, $5 non-CMU student and senior citizens; CMU students free with ID. Price varies for other productions; oftentimes no admission. Check with the box office at 660-248-6281 for details.
Curtain Time: Thursday-Saturday evening performances at 7:00 pm; Sunday matinee performances at 1:30 pm.
Reservations: Individual and group reservations can be made at any time by calling the Little Theatre box office at 660-248-6281. Reserved tickets are held at the box office, and can be picked up and paid for the night of the performance. The Little Theatre accepts cash and checks.
2024 - 2025 Season
*Please note the change in curtain time for evening shows this year. Thursday through Saturday evening shows will begin at 7:00 p.m.
The Drowsy Chaperone
Music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison; Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar
With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan, and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.
Charlotte’s Web
Adapted by Joseph Robinette, based on the book by E.B. White
The most enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be “a true friend and a good writer.” Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins her campaign with the "miracle" of her web in which she writes, "Some pig." It's the beginning of a victorious campaign which ultimately ends with the now-safe Wilbur doing what is most important to Charlotte.
November 13-15 performances are school day matinees presented for elementary schools in the region.
Performances: November 13-17, 2024 (directed by Kasey Lynch)
Student-Directed Scenes
The students taking our Directing Techniques class will present a slate of one-act shows as the culmination of their class activities. FREE ADMISSION TO THIS BONUS EVENT!
Performances: December 4-7, 2024
Hansel & Gretel
Opera by Engelbert Humperdinck
In Engelbert Humperdinck's operatic retelling of the classic Grimm Brothers fairytale, Hansel and Gretel find themselves lost in the haunted Ilsenstein forest, where they encounter sandmen, dew fairies, and gingerbread children. Will they be able to defeat the evil Witch, rescue the imprisoned children, and find their way back safely to their mother and father? Join us to witness this beautiful, fun, family-friendly story, sung in English! We hope to see you there!
Performances: February 13 and 15, 2024 (directed by Dr. Jonathan Ray)
Student-Written Ten-Minute Play Festival
CMU students will stage their original ten-minute plays in workshop format for public comment and discussion. John Cariani, author of Almost, Maine and Love/Sick, both of which we have presented at The Little Theatre, will join us for one of the performances to provide commentary and feedback to our students. He will also deliver the Geist-Yancey Lecture.
Performances: February 27-March 2, 2025
She Kills Monsters
By Qui Nguyen
A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games! In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and ’90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.
Performances: April 23-26, 2025
Cultural Affairs
Each year CMU sponsors a Cultural Affairs Series. Theatrical and music productions, poets and lecturers are some of the events included in the series. Please check the CMU Event Calendar for upcoming performance dates.
Academic Programs
Learn more about CMU's Theatre programs.
