The University of Alabama Department of Theatre and Dance is preparing for a new season full of variety, energy and storytelling. With an exciting lineup of plays, musicals and dance concerts, students and faculty are eager to share bold voices and fresh perspectives with audiences in Tuscaloosa.
Micah Courtland, a Master of Fine Arts in Dance candidate, said he is especially looking forward to the year ahead.
“Dance is such a powerful way to express emotions and stories,” he said. “Rehearsals can be tough, but it’s worth it when you step on stage and feel that connection with the audience. I’m excited for people to see how much heart goes into these performances.”
Asterilla Joanne Monteiro, an instructor in the theatre and dance department, said every show reflects a team effort.
“Departmental productions are where everything comes together — students apply their training, learn from each other, and see their ideas come to life. It’s a real-world experience in a supportive environment. Through each production, we hope to create a strong connection with our local community and beyond by creating meaningful experiences for each patron that walks through our doors.
Purchase tickets online or at the Rowand-Johnson Hall box office.
Theatre
“Desert Oceans”
Allen Bales Theatre
Sept. 15-21 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. performance Sept. 21
Inspired by the winning script from the 2024 New Voices Theatre Festival, this new play explores themes of loss, memory and belonging. Four characters, including a student, a nun and a fractured family, struggle to navigate grief in a desert town where echoes of the past linger.
“Barbecue”
Allen Bales Theatre
Oct. 20–26 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. performance Oct. 26
Family secrets and sharp humor come together in this comedy. As a reunion unravels, the play dives into identity, relationships and the stories we tell to protect ourselves. Senior theatre major Neeley Robertson said, “This season strikes me as having a theme of honesty and hope. Violet, in particular, speaks to the heartache of betrayal that is renewed by unexpected, “accidental” miracles. I hope audiences encounter an honest view of hope—one that invites them to question the validity of what we place our hope in.”
Violet
Marian Gallaway Theatre
Nov. 10-14 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.
Set in the Deep South in 1964, this musical follows a young woman who sets out on a bus trip in search of healing. Along her journey she discovers hope and self-worth, carried by a musical score that blends gospel, folk and blues.
A Doll’s House, Part Two
Allen Bales Theatre
Feb. 23-March 1 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. performance March 1
Fifteen years after walking out the door in A Doll’s House, Nora Helmer returns in this contemporary sequel to Ibsen’s classic play. The story asks what freedom costs and whether old wounds can truly heal.
Godspell
Allen Bales Theatre
April 6-12 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. performance April 12
With a joyful score by Stephen Schwartz, this musical retells biblical parables through music, comedy and storytelling. The show celebrates community and connection.
Dance
Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre: Resonance
Dance Theatre
Oct. 14-17 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. performance Oct. 17
Movement, sound and emotion come together in a concert that celebrates unity and collaboration. Performances feature contemporary, classical and experimental works from faculty and guest choreographers. Courtland said working with guest artists has been especially rewarding because it exposes dancers to new styles and techniques while also testing their ability to adapt quickly.
MFA Dance Concert
Dance Theatre
Nov. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Graduate students present original choreography that blends technique, experimentation and artistry. Each piece showcases a unique vision and voice. Courtland said creating original work while balancing rehearsals, teaching and research has been challenging but has also helped him grow as both a performer and choreographer.
Emerging Choreographers’ Showcase
Dance Theatre
March 4-7 at 7:30 p.m., with a 5:30 p.m. performance on March 6, and a 2 p.m. performance March 7
This annual performance highlights works by student choreographers. Pieces range from deeply personal to daringly experimental, offering a glimpse into the future of dance.
Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre: Adieu
Dance Theatre
April 15-18 at 7:30 p.m., with a 5:30 p.m. performance on April 17, and a 2 p.m. performance April 18
Closing the season, this concert reflects on transition and farewell. Guest artists and faculty present choreography that explores the emotions tied to change and letting go. Courtland said he hopes audiences leave feeling uplifted. “Despite the difficulties we all face, there is always so much to be thankful for,” he said. “Through dance, I want to show that creativity has the power to lift us up and bring people together.”