Butler Theatre Day 2024!

Butler Theatre Day is a free and unique opportunity for high school students and includes lunch and parking.  

 Attendees will have the opportunity to: 

  • Take classes with Butler Theatre faculty in all aspects of theatre – performance, design/tech, analysis, and more
  • Learn how to prepare for college theatre auditions and interviews 
  • Interact with current Butler Theatre students 
  • Learn what studying Theatre at the college level is really like
  • Enjoy a professional performance of The Art of Laughter by our Christel DeHaan Visiting International Theatre Artist, Jos Houben

Register here for Butler Theatre Day 2024!

2024–2025 Butler Theatre Mainstage Season

They Don’t Pay? We Won’t Pay!

By Dario Fo Translated by Jon Laskin
and Michael Aquilante
Directed by Jos Houben and Emily Wilson Christel DeHaan Visiting International
Theatre Artists

October 9–13, 2024
Lilly Hall Studio Theatre

It is the 1970s in Italy. Inflation is rampant, workers are restless, and the only way to afford a balanced meal is to “borrow” provisions from the grocery store. This rollicking political farce with contemporary resonance was created by Nobel Prize winning author, actor, director and designer Dario Fo and is sure to entertain audiences from start to finish!

She Kills Monsters

By Qui Nguyen
Directed by William Fisher

November 13-17, 2024
Schrott Center for the Arts

This heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all is a comedic romp that invites us into the world of fantasy and role-playing games BEFORE the internet. Boasting homicidal fairies, nasty ogres and the like, it is the story of Agnes who, after the death of her teenage sister Tilly, finds herself on a journey of discovery in the Dungeons & Dragons world that was Tilly’s refuge. This Jordan College of the Arts Signature Series production features a guest creative team including designers from the original Vampire Cowboys’ production as well as a talkback with playwright Qui Nguyen.  

*She Kills Monsters contains strong language, references to death, sex, and sexuality. Partially set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, the performance contains fantasy gore and killing on stage, as well as intense sound and lighting and is generally suitable for ages 14+. 

Macbeth

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Andrés López

February 26-March 2, 2025
Lilly Hall Studio Theater

A prophecy. A violent seizure of power. A swift, intense fall from the heights of said power. The eponymous character Macbeth, encouraged by his wife Lady Macbeth and fueled by a prophecy telling him he will be King of Scotland, stops at nothing to ascend the throne. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, however. Feeling the mounting pressures of ruling, both real and imagined, Macbeth begins eliminating others to secure his position and solidify his status. This fresh take on Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy presented in the intimate Lilly Hall Studio Theatre allows audiences to be part of the action!

*Macbeth contains references to death as well as scenes of extreme physical aggression and murder. The production is generally suitable for ages 14+.

About Love:
From the Pen of
Anton Chekhov

Directed by Elaina Artemiev

April 16–19, 2025
Lilly Hall Studio Theatre

Human relationship elements of love, humor, friendship, and betrayal are at the heart of this unique opportunity to experience Chekhov’s short stories. These brilliant treasures have been shared throughout the world for decades and continue to provide an impressive framework for relationships in contemporary society. Afterall, we all seek to be understood, do we not? Be warned, this is not your average Chekhov!