The Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) performance of School House Rock LIVE! (Photo by Raymond Black Photography)
The mid-Michigan tradition is back for its 64th season of FREE Summer theatre in 2026. We are so excited to see you at the Summer Circle Courtyard!
Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) is a professional summer theatre that pays student actors, designers, shop workers, and stage managers to present FREE outdoor theatre in the courtyard between the MSU Auditorium and Kresge Art Building. Admission is FREE to the community and attracts audiences of 300+ people each night!
(Illustration by Buu-Tran Duong)
Dates: June 4, 5, 6 at 7 PM | June 7 at 4 PM
- Based on the novel by Kate DiCamillo and adapted by Dwayne Hartford
- Directed by: Dionne O’Dell
- Music Direction by: Matt Durland
- Rating: 8+, with themes of friendship, death and identity.
- Run Time: 95 minutes with a 15 minute intermission
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, adapted by Dwayne Hartford from the novel by Kate DiCamillo, follows the transformative journey of a self-absorbed china rabbit. Through a series of extraordinary adventures, profound relationships, and moments of self-discovery, Edward learns the true meaning of love, loss, and resilience.The story weaves together themes of hope and despair, revealing the lasting impact of those we encounter along our path. Its episodic structure invites actors to embody multiple roles, while collaborating with designers to bring the world to life through a blend of truth and imagination. We invite you to suspend your disbelief and join us on this miraculous storytelling journey!
(Illustration by Buu-Tran Duong)
Dates: June 11, 12, 13 at 7 PM | June 14 at 4 PM
- Written by Daniel Elihu Kramer
- Directed by: Alexis Black
Assistant Directed by: Matt Durland - Rating: Suitable for all ages, while best appreciated by those 9 and up.
- Run Time: Approximately 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission.
Pride@Prejudice is a lighthearted reimagining of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen that invites us to look at a classic story of identity, empathy and love through a fresh and joyful lens. Building on the strong foundation of a beloved novel, Daniel Elihu Kramer has added delightful modern voices and touches, including chat room debates, blog posts and the words of Austen-enthusiasts. By blending Regency romance and customs with these contemporary points of view, we are asked to consider how love, class, gender, and societal expectations continue to shape our lives today. For this production, we leaned into the playfulness of the piece: our five actors play over 25 roles and will invite you into a world where the boundaries between character and performer are deliciously blurred. Prepare yourself– things may get a little Austen-tatious! In the words of our Miss Elizabeth Bennet, “Till this moment I never knew myself.” We hope you will experience both the comfort of this treasured story and the thrill of discovering it anew.
(Illustration by Buu-Tran Duong)
Dates: June 18, 19, 20 at 7 PM | June 21 at 4 PM
- Written and Created by Roger Bean
- Directed by: Adam Yankowvy
- Musical Direction by: Dave Wendelberger
- Choreography by: TBA
- Rating: Recommended 13+. Contains moderate adult language and themes around infidelity, substance use, and innuendo
- Run Time: Approximately 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission
Move over, Thelma and Louise! When Lana Mae Hopkins, owner and proprietress of the Wishy Washy Washateria, hires Katie to help out in the laundromat, they soon find themselves up to their elbows in soap, suds, and cheatin’ hearts. Watch these two country angels join forces to turn their good ol’ laundromat into a bootscootin’ honky-tonk and exact a touch of revenge against those that done ‘em wrong, all while guaranteeing every customer a good, clean time! With 90s/200s country music hits, this is sure to be a hoot and a half!
PRE & POST SHOW SCHEDULE
TO BE ANNOUNCED!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) productions are FREE and open to the community!
All shows are at 7 PM except on Sundays which start at 4 PM.
The Summer Circle Theatre Courtyard (542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing, MI 48824) is between the Auditorium Building and the Kresge Art Building on MSU’s campus.
Parking is FREE and available in Lot 9, across the street from the MSU Auditorium Building. It becomes free starting at 6PM on weekdays and all day on weekends.
There is tiered, amphitheater-style seating. But we suggest bringing your own blanket and/or lawn chairs for maximum comfort.
Concessions will be available to buy. Feel free to bring your own food and drink as well!
Oh, if only we could control the weather! In the event of heavy rain, the performance will be moved into the MSU Auditorium Building.
HISTORY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) performance of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]. (Photo by Raymond Black Photography)
For 60+ years, the MSU Department of Theatre has been presenting a blend of old favorites, musicals, and/or provocative new plays through Summer Circle Theatre (SCT), a professional summer venue for MSU students, professional artists, and community members.
FREE Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) remains dependent on donations from the community to maintain its quantity and quality. So please consider supporting us!
Learn more on Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) History
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
