From an upbeat young adult drama to character-driven journeys of self-exploration, IU Department of Theatre, Drama and Contemporary Dance brings together a vibrant performance line up this semester. Here’s what to expect from the 2025-26 season:
“Dance Nation” by Clare Barron was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2019 and is now being performed by IU Theatre as Kendrick Weingast’s directorial debut. Weingast’s first show at IU was “F**king A” as a stage manager. Weingast hails from Washington, D.C. and recently joined the 2027 directing Master of Fine Arts cohort.
“Dance Nation” follows a group of teen dancers navigating societal expectations, self-doubt, adolescence and pressure while preparing for a competitive dance showdown. Theatre audiences described the story as transformative, as characters deal with complex themes like asserting their individuality and challenging norms through their dance journey.
The production is 90 minutes long and will run Sept. 26-Oct. 24 at the Wells-Metz Theatre on campus. Showtimes are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the IU Auditorium box office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday -Friday.
“The Prom” is based on a fiction novel written by Bob Martin, inspired by the true story of Constance McMillen. McMillen, from Mississippi, fought for her right to bring her girlfriend to prom at school in 2010. While the setting of the book is changed from Mississippi to a fictional town in Indiana, it maintains a strong message about acceptance and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. 
The story is about a group of fictional Broadway stars who step up to help a teen named Emma who was banned from taking her girlfriend to the school prom. The Tony-nominated Broadway musical will be directed by Ansley Valentine and DJ Gray.
Gray, a professor of practice and the associate area head for IU's Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre program, is an expert in the field. Valentine brings extensive experience as a professional director, choreographer, and educator, having taught at both the collegiate and high school levels.
The production is two hours long and will run Oct. 24-Nov. 1 at the Ruth N.Halls Theatre on campus. Showtimes are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the IU Auditorium box office from Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The Legend of Georgia McBride” focuses on Casey, a struggling Elvis Presley impersonator. It follows his journey of self exploration and embracing his identity as a drag queen after being fired abruptly from his gig at a small bar in town. Lopez taps into themes like family, authenticity and the right to live freely wrapped in humorous and light-hearted notes.
The rendition of the play at IU is directed by Nate Sayatovich. Sayatovich is a first-year Master of Fine Arts directing candidate and educator from Ohio. Sayatovich has worked with Inside Broadway, Stagedoor Manor, Gallery Players, United Solo Fest at Theatre Row and Players Theatre in New York.
The production is two hours long and will run Nov. 13 to Nov. 21 at the Wells-Metz Theatre on campus. Showtimes are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the IU Auditorium box office from Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In the department’s fall 2025 semester finale, IU Contemporary Dance Theatre members explore how dance knowledge is passed down through generations using physical connection. The production is meant for dancers to perform and present their learnings from mentors in a curated showcase.
The performance will feature visiting artists Maxine Montilus, a New York-based Afro-Haitian contemporary dance creator, and Ishmael Konney, who specializes in Ghanaian folklore and contemporary dance at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Both guest choreographers will work alongside performers to develop custom choreographies of their dance pieces. The production is directed by Selene Carter, who has her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Carter has also received the Ruth Page Award and funding from city agencies and private foundations for her work in alternative dance and improvisation.
The production lasts two hours and will run Dec. 12-13 at the Ruth N. Halls Theatre on campus. Showtimes are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the IU Auditorium box office from Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost of the tickets is $19 for IU students and children and $29 for adults for each show.
A full list of showtimes is available here.
