The mid-Michigan tradition is back for its 63rd season of FREE theatre. We are so excited to see you back at the Summer Circle Courtyard!
Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) is a professional summer theatre that presents FREE outdoor theatre in the courtyard between the MSU Auditorium and the Kresge Art Building. SCT is a 60+ year old Summer tradition that pays student actors, designers, shop workers, and stage managers. Admission is FREE to the community and attracts audiences of over 300 each night.
FOOLS
June 5 – 8, 2025
- Written by: Neil Simon
- Directed by: Brad Willcuts
- Run Time: Approximately 2 hours with 15 minute intermission
- Rating: Appropriate for ages 10+. Includes mild romantic themes and humorous depictions of ignorance.
Fools is a comic fable by Neil Simon, set in the small, fictional village of Kulyenchikov in the 1890s. The story follows Leon Steponovich Tolchinsky, a schoolteacher who takes a new job educating Sophia, the daughter of Dr. Zubritsky and his wife, Lenya. Leon soon learns that there is a curse on the village that makes everyone Foolish, but complications ensue when Leon falls in love with his pupil.
I and You
June 12 – 15, 2025
- Written by: Lauren Gunderson
- Directed by: Ryan Patrick Welsh
- Run Time: Approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes with 15 minute intermission
- Rating: Appropriate for ages 15+. Includes mature language and themes, references to illness and death, and depictions of emotional vulnerability.
I and You centers on Caroline, a sardonic, homebound teenager dealing with a serious illness, and Anthony, a charismatic and enthusiastic classmate who unexpectedly shows up at her house to work on a school project. Their assignment is a presentation about Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, specifically his poem “Song of Myself.” As they work together, their conversations delve into themes of mortality, connection, and the beauty of small moments. Caroline is initially defensive and resistant to Anthony’s cheery demeanor, but their banter soon evolves into meaningful dialogue, revealing their vulnerabilities and personal struggles. Anthony’s passion for life and Whitman’s poetry begins to break through Caroline’s emotional walls.
Elephant & Piggie's "We Are in a Play!"
June 19 – 22, 2025
- Book and Lyrics by: Mo Willems
- Music by: Deborah Wicks La Puma
- Directed by: Alexis Black
- Musical Direction by: Dave Wendelberger
- Run Time: Approximately 1 hour, 25 minutes with 15 minute intermission
- Rating: Appropriate for all ages. Moments of audience interaction and gentle humor about friendship, sharing, and surprises.
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is a children’s musical based on Mo Willems’ popular book series, where best friends Gerald the elephant and Piggie the pig take to the stage in a vaudevillian-style adventure, singing and dancing through various scenarios that explore their friendship, often dealing with Gerald’s anxieties while Piggie’s optimism shines through, all while engaging the audience with playful antics and catchy tunes.
PRE & POST SHOW SCHEDULE
Pre-Show:
- June 19 – 22: Lansing Makers Network will be doing crafts before all Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” performances for the following times:
- June 19 – 21: approximately 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM
- June 22: approximately 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Post-Show:
- Friday June 6: Broadway Backwards Cabaret
- Saturday June 7: After School Special Improv
- Friday June 13: Broadway Backwards Cabaret
- Saturday June 14: Broadway Backwards Cabaret
- Friday June 20: After School Special Improv
- Saturday June 21: After School Special Improv
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All Summer Circle Theatre productions are FREE and open to the general public.
All of the MAINSTAGE shows are at 7:00 p.m. except for Sundays which start at 4:00 p.m.
The Summer Circle Theatre Courtyard is between the Auditorium Building and the Kresge Building on MSU’s campus. 542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing, MI 48824.
Parking is FREE and available in Lot 9, across the street from the Auditorium Building (542 Auditorium Rd) start 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. Feel free to bring your own picnic as well!
Oh but that we could control the weather! In the event of heavy rain, the performance will be moved into the Auditorium Building.
Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors
A Michigan State University Tradition: 1960 - 2024
For sixty years the MSU Department of Theatre has been producing free performances of a wide variety of shows outdoors on the MSU campus. Presenting a blend of old favorites, musicals, and provocative new plays, Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) provides a professional venue for MSU students that offers free theatre to Mid-Michigan audiences. SCT presents shows of varying styles using the talents of community members and professional artists.
FREE Summer Circle Theatre remains dependent on donations from loyal patrons to maintain the quantity and quality of its town and gown productions. Please consider becoming a Friend of Theatre at MSU. Interested in setting up a gift: Please contact Christine Radtke, Sr. Director of Development in the College of Arts & Letters at radtkech@msu.edu or (517) 353-4725