Green Bay Reporter

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Theatre & Dance program has announced its 2025–26 season, which will feature a range of productions including established works and new projects. The lineup aims to showcase the abilities of students, faculty, and collaborators while offering audiences various forms and genres of theatre.

The Fall Reader’s Theatre Series will be curated and directed by Dr. Rebecca Stone-Thornberry, with staged readings scheduled for October 3, October 30, and December 4 at the Jean Weidner Theatre. This series is designed to provide an intimate experience focused on text and performance.

The fall musical "Big Fish" will be performed November 13–14 at 7 p.m. and November 15 at 2 p.m. in the University Theatre. With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by John August, "Big Fish" is based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the film directed by Tim Burton. The story follows Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman known for his extraordinary stories, and his son Will as he seeks to discern truth from legend.

A workshop presentation of "Dr. Bellboy," a new musical by Dr. Thomas Campbell and Ben Olejniczak, will take place February 20–21 at 7:30 p.m. in the University Theatre. Directed by Dr. Rebecca Stone-Thornberry, this workshop reflects UW-Green Bay Theatre & Dance’s support for developing original works.

"Constellation," written by Nick Payne, will run April 1–3 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on April 4 at 2 p.m., also in the Jean Weidner Theatre. The play explores choice and destiny through two characters whose lives unfold across multiple realities.

The season concludes with the One Act Festival from April 30 to May 2 in the Jean Weidner Theatre. This event features original one-act plays written and directed entirely by students, highlighting diverse themes and perspectives. Some content may be intended for mature audiences.

Tickets can be purchased or more information found on The Weidner website.

According to information about The Weidner at UW-Green Bay, it is recognized for its design and acoustics in its main hall—Cofrin Family Hall—which seats up to 2,000 people. It also includes other spaces such as Fort Howard recital hall, Jean Weidner Theatre, a dance studio, and Grand Foyer. The venue supports both university programs like Music and Theatre & Dance as well as community events and touring performances (https://www.weidnercenter.com/). Educational programming is also emphasized through initiatives like Stage Doors.

UW-Green Bay serves over 11,500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students each year along with about 100,000 continuing education learners annually across four campuses in Northeast Wisconsin (https://www.uwgb.edu/). Since opening in 1965, it has become one of Wisconsin’s fastest growing universities.