The mid-Michigan tradition is back for its 62nd 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 Auditorium and the Kresge Art Building. SCT is a 60-plus-year-old tradition that pays student actors, designers, shop workers, and stage managers. Admission is free to community audiences of over 300 each night.
FOOLS
Written by Neil Simon
Directed by Brad Willcuts
Fools is a comic fable by Neil Simon, set in the small, fictional village of Kulyenchikov, Poland during 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
Written by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Ryan Welsh
The play 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!"
Book and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Directed by Alexis Black
Musical Direction by Dave Wendelberger
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 AND POST SHOW ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
SCT Cabaret: An Evening of Broadway
Post Show June 6, 20, 22
Join us for an enchanting evening of musical revue, featuring members of the Summer Circle Theatre company performing beloved songs from Broadway. Stick around after the show for an extra helping of musical fun to extend your evening of entertainment!
After School Special Improv
Post-Show June 7, 8 & Pre-Show June 14
After School Special began in 2017 led by Second City alumni and Department of Theatre faculty, Sarah Hendrickson. After School Special’s mission is to provide a place for performers to practice the craft of improvisation and elevate their performance to a professional level.
Buck’s Funhouse!
Post-Show June 13 & 14
A live filmed podcast that combines the thrill and fun of a gameshow, with the intimacy of a podcast. Join Buck and the Funhouse band for a night of good ol’ fashioned FUN! Put your name in the bucket for your chance to come on stage, be interviewed, and play simple yet challenging games for prizes!
Staged Reading
Post Show June 16
On the Other Side of the Sea by Jorgelina Cerritos, winner of the Casa de las Americas award for Drama, by Salvadoran playwright Jorgelina Cerritos. This lyrical, humorous play explored the pressing issue of “documentation” from a thought-provoking perspective.
Stand-Up Comedian Louis D. Michael
Post-Show June 15
Recently featured at the Limestone Comedy Festival, Haslett, MI resident Louis D. Michael has performed with Williamston Theatre and also tours nationally. https://linktr.ee/louisdmichael (for mature audiences)
Greater Lansing Ballet Company
Pre-Show June 9, 16, and 23 from 3:30-4:00pm
The Greater Lansing Ballet Company offers youth, pre-professional, and professional dancers a vehicle for performance opportunities of full length ballet, as well as contemporary ballet, dance art education, and practical experiences in an atmosphere of professional standards.
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