Mainstage Season

Mainstage productions are directed by faculty, typically designed by professionals, and always brought to life by students. There are four mainstage productions each year: the first three vary widely between scripted pieces and devised works; the fourth production is typically dance. 

Spring 2024

  • A dark and stormy maelstrom churns behind bold title text: Folokoto, the Tornado

    Mainstage

    Folokoto, the Tornado

    Dance Ensemble/ACTivate Performance
    directed by Aguibou Sanou

    A captivating immersion into a world where the storm rages both outside and within the human soul. At the heart of this tumultuous whirlwind, hatred intensifies, leading to the loss of wandering souls. The remnants of humanity seem to fade, forcing humans to relearn the essential values of love, care, and attention.

    Friday–Saturday, April 26–27, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
    Sunday, April 28, 2023, 2 p.m. (relaxed performance*)
    Roberts Theatre

    Friday livestream
    Saturday livestream
    Sunday livestream

    Reserved Seating: Tickets are available in advance and at the door. To reserve your ticket in advance, visit the Bucksbaum Box Office or call 641-269-4444 on Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26 from noon–5 p.m.

    Content Disclosures: This performance includes bright and flashing lights, theatrical haze, and existential themes.

    *A relaxed performance will typically keep house lights on at a dim level, fidget toys are provided, and it is understood that audience members are welcome to get up, move around, etc.

  • Sepia toned black and white graphic with a steam engine train, corn stalks, woman in vintage dress, and the show title.

    Mainstage

    Songs of the Scarlet and Wayback

    a throwback party turned time travel train ride

    directed by Jen Shook

    created by Jen Shook, Andra Velis Simon (music director), the cast, and students from Playwriting and Introduction to Performance Studies, with special programming from the Performance Studies Workshop.

    A new play with music, devised in the rehearsal room, inspired by Poweshiek County community interviews, student archival research, and performances, pageants, and parties of Grinnell past. 

    Thursday–Saturday, March 7–9, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
    Sunday, March 10, 2023, 2 p.m. (relaxed performance)
    Bucksbaum Arts Center, Flanagan Theatre

Fall 2023

  • A six-sided die rests on a table. The background is fuzzy with playful colors.

    Mainstage

    Everybody

    by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins

    directed by Karie Miller

    This modern riff on the 15th-century morality play Everyman follows the character Everybody (chosen from amongst the cast by lottery at each performance) as they journey through life’s greatest mystery — the meaning of living.

    Thursday–Saturday, Oct. 5–7, 2023, 7:30 p.m.
    Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, 2 p.m.
    Bucksbaum Arts Center, Flanagan Theatre

    Notice: This play contains coarse language and discussions of mortality.

  • Road detour sign pointing to the left

    Mainstage

    [Second Production Canceled]

    Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the second fall mainstage production will not continue as planned.  Students who are interested in getting involved yet this fall should head over to the Student Season page for more information!

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