Season 79 Spotlight: The Conservatory for Performing Arts Launches Dynamic Lineup听听
For more than seven decades, the 91涩漫 Conservatory for the Performing Arts has been showcasing student talent on center stage.
From timeless classics to musicals that make it hard to stay seated, Stephens has brought live theatre to mid-Missouri for nearly 80 years. The 2026鈥�2027 season marks an especially exciting milestone: Joseph Price鈥檚 inaugural year as Dean of the Conservatory.
Bringing an electric mix of contemporary rock, Golden Age romance, reimagined Greek mythology, and mid-century American drama, Price is ready to welcome both longtime patrons and first-time guests to the historic Macklanburg Playhouse.
鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 be more excited to begin my first season as Dean of the Conservatory at 91涩漫,鈥� Price said. 鈥淭he 2026鈥�2027 season reflects the breadth of experiences we want our students to have while offering audiences an engaging and diverse lineup of productions.鈥�
Leading by Listening
Taking the helm of a program with more than 70 years of theatrical heritage, Price emphasized that his top priority for year one is fostering connection across the campus community.
鈥淢y biggest goal this year is to listen, learn, and build relationships,鈥� Price said. 鈥淭he Conservatory already has a remarkable legacy of excellence, and I believe the best way to lead is by first learning how I can best support the talented people who make this program thrive.鈥�
For Price, that support means cheering on students from the rehearsal wings, championing faculty innovation, and ensuring Stephens graduates step into the professional industry fully prepared.
鈥�91涩漫 has so much to offer, and I want prospective students and their families to see it as a destination where talented artists can receive outstanding training, perform exceptional work, and become part of a vibrant, supportive community,鈥� he added.
Season 79: The Complete Lineup听听
Here is what is taking the stage for Season 79:听听
(Oct. 2鈥�4, 2026)听
- Book & Lyrics by Steven Sater听
- Music by Duncan Sheik听
- Based on the play by Frank Wedekind听
This electrifying contemporary rock musical explores the tumultuous journey of teenage self-discovery, identity, and coming of age in late 19th-century Germany.听
Showtimes:鈥�11 a.m. Oct. 2 | 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 & 3 | 2 p.m. Oct. 3 & 4听
Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
*Content Advisory: Recommended for ages 16+ due to mature theme.听
(Oct. 30鈥揘ov. 1, 2026)听
- By Sarah Ruhl听
A dreamlike, poetic reimagining of the classic Orpheus myth, told from Eurydice’s perspective as she journeys into the Underworld.听
Showtimes:鈥�11 a.m. Oct. 30 | 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 | 2 p.m. Oct. 31 & Nov. 1听
Warehouse Theatre (104 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
(Dec. 11鈥�13, 2026)听
- Book by Joe Masteroff听
- Music by Jerry Bock听
- Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick听
A warm, witty, romantic musical comedy set in a 1930s Budapest parfumerie, where two feuding shop clerks have unknowingly fallen in love as secret pen pals.听
Showtimes:鈥�11 a.m. Dec. 11 | 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 & 12 | 2 p.m. Dec. 12 & 13听
Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
(Feb. 12鈥�14, 2027)听
- Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice听
- Music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Everyone鈥檚 favorite eccentric, creepy family takes the stage in an upbeat comedy about love, honesty, and embracing your quirks.听
Showtimes:鈥�11 a.m. Feb. 12 | 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 & 13 | 2 p.m. Feb. 13 & 14听
Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
(March 19鈥�21, 2027)听
- By William Inge | Directed by Dean Joseph Price听
Inge鈥檚 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama captures longing, romance, and hidden desire in small-town Kansas over Labor Day weekend. Inge taught drama and English at Stephens from 1938 to 1943 before his Broadway success.听
Showtimes:鈥�11 a.m. March 19 | 7:30 p.m. March 19 & 20 | 2 p.m. March 20 & 21听
Warehouse Theatre (104 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
(April 23鈥�25, 2027)听
A high-energy showcase celebrating student versatility through music, scene, and dance.听
Showtimes:鈥�7:30 p.m. April 23 & 24 | 2 p.m. April 25听
Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
(May 9, 2027)听
A final spotlight celebrating the graduating class of BFA Performance majors before they launch into the professional industry.
Showtime:鈥�7:30 p.m. May 9听
*The Senior Showcase is free to attend.听听
Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
The Dean Takes the Director’s Chair
Price is especially eager to direct Inge’s鈥�“Picnic,”鈥痗onnecting contemporary students with a masterwork penned by a former Stephens faculty member.
“It’s a beautiful American classic with rich characters, complex relationships, and timeless themes that continue to resonate with audiences today,” Price said. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with our students as we bring this remarkable story to life.”
Plan Your Visit & Ticket Details
General admission tickets are鈥�$15 per patron, with special discount pricing available for high school and college students, as well as groups of 10 or more.
- Box Office Location & Inquiries:鈥疢acklanburg Playhouse lobby, or . 听
- Box Office Hours:鈥疢onday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.鈥�
- Concessions:鈥疉 wide selection of snacks and beverages is available at every performance.听
“Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the Conservatory or attending your very first performance, I hope you’ll join us this season,” Price said. “Our students are doing exceptional work, and every production offers audiences the opportunity to experience compelling stories while supporting the next generation of theatre artists.”
