Summer Circle Theatre offers free outdoor performances throughout June

Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre's 2026 Summer Circle Theatre season runs from June 4-21 and will feature three productions, along with pre- and post-show performances, including lively cabarets and improv. This marks the 64th year Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) has offered free outdoor performances for the public to enjoy.

“In the past six decades, we have been delighting audiences with free outdoor performances on our beautiful campus,” said Alexis Black, associate professor in MSU’s Department of Theatre and artistic director of SCT. “Summer Circle Theatre continues to offer a vibrant, professional venue for MSU students while bringing the joy of live theatre to mid-Michigan audiences.”

This year’s SCT theme is “Resilience,” with stories featuring characters who are challenged to grow, adapt and rediscover their sense of self.

The season begins with “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” in which a porcelain rabbit’s unexpected travels reveal the transformative power of love and loss. The season then moves into “Pride@Prejudice,” an inventive reimagining that reminds us how identity, perception, and connection continue to evolve across time, and concludes with “Honky Tonk Laundry, The Musical,” where a pile of laundry and a jukebox full of country hits create an uplifting story of friendship and perseverance.

“Each production invites us to consider how we navigate change, hold onto hope, and move forward with renewed strength,” Black said. “As Artistic Director, I remain continually inspired by the dedication and talent of our remarkable company and our extraordinary audiences. The shared laughter, music, and moments of reflection are what make the SCT tradition so meaningful year after year.”

In addition to the mainstage performances, a variety of pre- and post-show events are planned to celebrate the artistic spirit. Audiences can expect lively cabarets and captivating improv performances that further enrich the celebration of community and creativity.

“Summer Circle Theatre highlights the transformative power of the arts, not only for our audiences but for our students who bring these productions to life,” said Thomas Stubblefield, Dean of the College of Arts & Letters. “It is a space where learning, creativity, and community intersect in meaningful ways. We are proud to support this long-standing tradition and the role it plays in enriching both campus and community life.”

All performances take place at the Summer Circle Courtyard, located between the Auditorium Building and Kresge Art Center on MSU’s campus. In the event of inclement weather, performances will move into the Auditorium Building.

The Summer Circle Courtyard is a tiered, amphitheater-style venue. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for maximum comfort. Concessions will be available at each performance with all proceeds going to Summer Circle Theatre. Audience members also are welcome to bring their own picnic. Free parking will be available after 6 p.m. on weeknights and weekends in Lot 9, located across the street from the Summer Circle Courtyard.

All shows begin at 7 p.m., except for the Sunday performances, which begin at 4 p.m. For a full schedule and more information, visit the Summer Circle Theatre website.

‘The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane‘

“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” scheduled for June 4-7, is adapted by Dwayne Hartford from the children’s novel by Kate DiCamillo. The play follows the transformative journey of a self-absorbed toy rabbit named Edward Tulane. Through a series of extraordinary adventures, profound relationships, and moments of self-discovery, Edward learns the true meaning of love, loss, and resilience.

The story weaves together themes of hope and despair, revealing the lasting impact of those we encounter along our path. Its episodic structure invites actors to embody multiple roles, while collaborating with designers to bring the world to life through a blend of truth and imagination.

The play is directed by Dionne O’Dell, Academic Specialist in the Department of Theatre, who specializes in teaching children’s theatre and writing and directing plays for youth and community, with music direction by Matt Durland, MFA in Acting Candidate, and choreography by Miranda Bourne.

Rating: 8+ with themes of friendship, death, and identity.
Run Time: Approximately 1.5 hours, with a 15-minute intermission.

‘Pride@Prejudice‘

“Pride@Prejudice,” written by Daniel Elihu Kramer, runs June 11-14. This lighthearted reimagining of “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen invites the audience to look at this classic story of identity, empathy, and love through a fresh and joyful lens.

Building on the strong foundation of a beloved novel, Kramer has added delightful modern voices and touches, including chat room debates, blog posts, and the words of Austen-enthusiasts. By blending Regency Romance and customs with these contemporary points of view, the audience is asked to consider how love, class, gender, and societal expectations continue to shape our lives today.

The play is directed by Alexis Black, SCT Artistic Director and Associate Professor of Acting, Movement, and Stage Combat, assistant directed by Matt Durland, MFA in Acting Candidate, and with choreography by Nicole Jenosky, BFA in Acting major.

Rating: Suitable for all ages, while best appreciated by those 9 and older.
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours, with a 15-minute intermission.

‘Honky Tonk Laundry, The Musical‘

“Honky Tonk Laundry, The Musical,” written and created by Roger Bean, runs June 18-21.

When Lana Mae Hopkins, owner and proprietress of the Wishy Washy Washateria, hires Katie to help at the laundromat, the pair soon find themselves up to their elbows in soap, suds, and cheatin’ hearts. Together, they transform their good ol’ laundromat into a bootscootin’ honky-tonk, featuring country music hits from the 1990s and 2000s. Along the way, they exact a touch of revenge against those that done ‘em wrong, all while guaranteeing every customer a good, clean time.

The play is directed by Adam Yankowy, Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre, with music directed by Dave Wendelberger, Academic Specialist of Musical Theatre in the Department of Theatre, and choreography by Nicole Jenosky, BFA in Acting major.

Rating: 13+ with moderate adult language and themes of infidelity, substance use, and innuendo.
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours, with a 15-minute intermission.

Find more things to do on campus throughout the month of June.

This story originally appeared on the College of Arts & Letters website.