Department of Theatre and Dance
University Theatre
2025-2026 Mainstage Season
Welcome to Fresno State University Theatre's 2025–2026 Mainstage Season, where classic texts and contemporary perspectives converge to illuminate the enduring power of live performance. This season invites audiences on a vibrant journey through stories of resilience, community, identity, and love. We begin with Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking "A Raisin in the Sun," a powerful portrait of a Black family navigating generational dreams and systemic barriers on Chicago’s South Side. Next, the beloved musical "Godspell" brings joy, humor, and heart to the stage with a reimagined take on the parables of Jesus, told through music, movement, and ensemble storytelling. The spring semester kicks off with the annual "Contemporary Dance Ensemble," celebrating innovative choreography and collaboration across disciplines. We continue as we present Tanya Saracho’s "Fade," a sharp and witty exploration of class, race, and ambition within the Latinx community, marking its Fresno premiere. Finally, we close the season with Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night," a romantic comedy full of mistaken identities, hilarious twists, and a timeless celebration of love in all its forms. Join us as we explore the beauty, complexity, and humanity that theatre brings to life on the stages of Fresno State.
TICKETS:
Season Subscriptions will go on sale Monday, July 14, 2025.
Individual perormance tickets will go on sale Monday, September 1, 2025.
A Raisin in the Sun
by Lorraine Hansberry | Directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis
October 3 - 11, 2025
Set on Chicago’s South Side, Lorraine Hansberry's celebrated play concerns the divergent dreams and conflicts in three generations of the Younger family: son Walter Lee, his wife Ruth, his sister Beneatha, his son Travis, and matriarch Lena. When her deceased husband’s insurance money comes through, Mama Lena dreams of moving to a new home and a better neighborhood in Chicago. Walter Lee, a chauffeur, has other plans: buying a liquor store and being his own man. Beneatha dreams of medical school. Hansberry's portrait of one family’s struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration.
Godspell
based on The Gospel According to St. Matthew
originally conceived and directed by John Michael Tebelak
book by John Michael Tebelak | music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
directed by J. Daniel Herring
November 14 - 22, 2025
A small group of performers help Jesus Christ share his parables through an energetic
mix of games, storytelling, and sharp comic
timing—reimagined for today’s world. This updated take on the classic musical, “Godspell”
blends pop culture nods, fresh perspectives, and a wide range of musical styles—from
pop to vaudeville—to bring new life to timeless messages. As the story moves from
joyful celebration to the emotional weight of the Last Supper and Crucifixion, Jesus’
teachings of kindness, tolerance, and love resonate with a bold, contemporary edge.
Contemporary Dance Ensemble
artistic director, Kenneth Balint
Feb. 13 - 21, 2026
This annual contemporary dance concert highlights contemporary classics, creative innovation, and collaborations between students and faculty.
Fade
by Tanya Saracho | directed by Gina Sandí-Díaz
March 13 - 21, 2026
When Lucia, a Mexican-born novelist, gets her first TV writing job, she feels a bit out of place on the white male-dominated set. Lucia quickly becomes friends with the only other Latino around, a janitor named Abel. As Abel shares his stories with Lucia, similar plots begin to find their way into the TV scripts that Lucia writes. Fade is a play about class and race within the Latinx community, as well as at large, and how status does not change who you are at your core.
A Fresno Premiere!
Twelfth Night
by William Shakespeare | directed by Michelle Bellaver
May 1 - 9, 2026
Shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, Viola washes ashore in the land of Illyria and disguises herself as a man to work for the Duke Orsino. But things quickly spiral into romantic chaos when Viola falls for Orsino—who’s in love with the Countess Olivia—who then falls for Viola in disguise! Full of mistaken identities, unrequited love, and hilarious twists, Twelfth Night is Shakespeare’s witty, heartwarming celebration of love in all its beautiful confusion.
Box Office and Theatres
Hours and Location
• Tuesday - Thursday, Noon to 3:00 p.m. (During the regular academic year)
• One hour before curtain on performance days.
North Entrance of the Speech Arts Building
Parking
View a parking map, including suggested lots and parking meters.
Contact
Phone: 559.278.2216
Fax: 559.278.7215
Email
Address
Speech Arts Building
5201 North Maple Avenue
M/S SA46
Fresno CA 93740-8027