UCM Theatre and Dance Offers ‘Make ‘em Laugh’ 2025-26 Season Tickets

Join the University of Central Missouri (UCM) Division of Theatre and Dance for performances full of heart and hilarity during the 2025-26 season, themed “Make ‘em Laugh.”

 

Season tickets for “Make ‘em Laugh” are available through Oct. 2 and include five shows for the price of four. With four mainstage productions and a Fringe Festival, season tickets are $80 for the general public, $60 for UCM faculty, staff and senior citizens, and $40 for non-UCM students and children age 5 and up. UCM students receive free admission to all UCM Theatre and Dance productions upon presenting their UCM student ID. Tickets are also free for military members, veterans and their families upon presenting a military ID.

 

To purchase 2025-26 season tickets by check or cash, please call the Box Office supervisor at 660-543-8811, email boxoffice@ucmo.edu or stop by Martin Building Room 113 on the UCM campus between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To purchase season tickets online, visit. 

 

The 2025-26 season opens in the Elliott Student Union Auditorium with “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” directed by Dr. Kasey Lynch and presented Oct. 2-5. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a coming-of-age musical that tells the story of six eccentric middle school spelling bee competitors and the words that define them. Through unexpected twists, catchy music and audience participation, it celebrates individualism, awkward youth and the magic of being who you are.  

Next is the inaugural UCM Fringe Festival directed by Ashley Miller-Scully, set for Oct. 30-Nov. 2 in various locations and times on UCM’s campus. The UCM Fringe Festival serves as a collection of performances from theatre to comedy and dance to spoken word, showcasing the extraordinary talents of UCM artists across campus in traditional and unexpected places. UCM is thrilled to welcome back guest alumni who will perform their own original shows as part of the festival. A special Theatre and Dance alumni event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1, with more details to be announced. 

The fall semester wraps with “The Importance of Being Earnest,” directed by Dr. Aaron Scully, at the Highlander Theatre from Nov. 19-22. Through an exploration of identity, love and the rules of society that is both witty and satirical, this performance follows the clever ruse of two young bachelors and their imaginary identities, concocted to escape their responsibilities and the hilarious consequences that ensue.

To open the “Make ‘em Laugh” season in spring 2026, UCM Theatre and Dance will present “Bus Stop,” directed by Scully, in the Highlander Theatre on Feb. 26-March 1. Brought together by a roadside diner, a bus and a blizzard, this tale of human connection is a heartwarming and hilarious exploration of loneliness, love and the longing to be understood, even in the most unlikely places.

Closing out the “Make ‘em Laugh” season on April 17-19 and 23-25 is “9 to 5,” directed by Lynch, at the Highlander Theatre. Pour yourself a cup of ambition and get ready to take care of business as three women scheme against their misogynistic and egotistical boss in this celebration of female empowerment featuring iconic music by Dolly Parton.

For those who may not be interested in season tickets but want to see the show for an even lower price, UCM Theatre and Dance provides a Pay-What-You-Can option (minimum $1) for every Sunday matinee for each show. These tickets may be purchased at the box office or online. Online tickets include a service/handling fee. For people who are hard of hearing, ASL interpreters are also present at one performance of every production. 

Additionally, anyone who wants to support UCM Theatre and Dance through a donation is encouraged to become a UCM Theatre and Dance Foundation member. Benefits can include a tax deduction, season tickets, preferred seating, special events and the donor’s name in every playbill for the entire season. Interested individuals should call 660-543-4020 or visit . 

For more information, contact the UCM Division of Theatre and Dance at boxoffice@ucmo.edu or 660-543-8811.

The productions of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “9 to 5” are licensed by Music Theatre International.