Season 79 Spotlight: The Conservatory for Performing Arts Launches Dynamic Lineup
For more than seven decades, the Stephens College 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 2026–2027 season marks an especially exciting milestone: Joseph Price’s 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.
“I couldn’t be more excited to begin my first season as Dean of the Conservatory at Stephens College,” Price said. “The 2026–2027 season reflects the breadth of experiences we want our students to have while offering audiences an engaging and diverse lineup of productions.”
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.
“My biggest goal this year is to listen, learn, and build relationships,” Price said. “The 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.”
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.
“Stephens College 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,” he added.
Season 79: The Complete Lineup
Here is what is taking the stage for Season 79:
“Spring Awakening” (Oct. 2–4, 2026)
- Book & Lyrics by Steven Sater
- Music by Duncan Sheik
- Based on the play by Frank Wedekind
This electrifying contemporary rock musical explores the tumultuous journey of teenage self-discovery, identity, and coming of age in late 19th-century Germany.
Showtimes: 11 a.m. Oct. 2 | 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 & 3 | 2 p.m. Oct. 3 & 4
Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
*Content Advisory: Recommended for ages 16+ due to mature theme.
“Eurydice” (Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026)
- By Sarah Ruhl
A dreamlike, poetic reimagining of the classic Orpheus myth, told from Eurydice’s perspective as she journeys into the Underworld.
Showtimes: 11 a.m. Oct. 30 | 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 | 2 p.m. Oct. 31 & Nov. 1
Warehouse Theatre (104 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
“She Loves Me” (Dec. 11–13, 2026)
- Book by Joe Masteroff
- Music by Jerry Bock
- Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
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.
Showtimes: 11 a.m. Dec. 11 | 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 & 12 | 2 p.m. Dec. 12 & 13
Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
“The Addams Family A New Musical” (Feb. 12–14, 2027)
- Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
- Music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Everyone’s favorite eccentric, creepy family takes the stage in an upbeat comedy about love, honesty, and embracing your quirks.
Showtimes: 11 a.m. Feb. 12 | 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 & 13 | 2 p.m. Feb. 13 & 14
Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
“Picnic” (March 19–21, 2027)
- By William Inge | Directed by Dean Joseph Price
Inge’s 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.
Showtimes: 11 a.m. March 19 | 7:30 p.m. March 19 & 20 | 2 p.m. March 20 & 21
Warehouse Theatre (104 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
“Curtain Up! 2027” (April 23–25, 2027)
A high-energy showcase celebrating student versatility through music, scene, and dance.
Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. April 23 & 24 | 2 p.m. April 25
Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
“Senior Showcase” (May 9, 2027)
A final spotlight celebrating the graduating class of BFA Performance majors before they launch into the professional industry.
Showtime: 7:30 p.m. May 9
*The Senior Showcase is free to attend.
Macklanburg Playhouse (100 Willis Ave., Columbia, MO)
The Dean Takes the Director’s Chair
Price is especially eager to direct Inge’s “Picnic,” connecting 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 $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: Macklanburg Playhouse lobby, or purchase tickets online.
- Box Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Concessions: A wide selection of snacks and beverages is available at every performance.
“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.”
