Theatre Program and Summer Theatre
The oldest continuously-running summer theatre on the Great Plains
The 72nd Season of Summer Theatre Presents:
Summer Theatre 2026 Showings
- Much Ado About Nothing
Much Ado About Nothing
ESU Summer Theatre brings a "Yacht Rock" concept to the Bard’s famous comedic romp. Known for the brilliant war of words between the feisty Beatrice and the staunch bachelor Benedicke, Much Ado About Nothing plays out amidst the brittle high spirits of a post-war house party.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join us for a one of a kind outdoor theatrical event. A cash bar with show themed drinks will be available throughout the performance for the ultimate nautical experience.
Showtimes:
- June 25th @ 7:30 PM
- June 26th @ 7:30 PM
- June 27th @ 7:30 PM
- June 28th @ 7:30 PM
When Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon visits Leonato, Duke of Messina, love antics ensue. War hero Claudio falls in love with Leonato’s daughter, Hero and their marriage is agreed upon. While marriage preparations ensue, Don Pedro schemes up a plan to make old flames and longtime bantering partners Benedicke and Beatrice fall in love. Despite Beatrice’s ire against Benedicke and his claims to being a confirmed bachelor, when both overhear that they have feelings for one another, they both begin to wonder whether love between them is possible. Meanwhile Don John, the prince's misanthropic brother, contrives a more malicious plot to make Claudio believe his betrothed is unfaithful.
- Disney and Pixar's Finding Nemo KIDS Summer Camp
Disney and Pixar's Finding Nemo KIDS Summer Camp
Just Keep Swimming!
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
Auditions: May 5th from 6 PM - 8 PM located in the Friesen Studio, Roosevelt Hall
Age Range: All students who have finished 4th - 8th grade
Dates: June 29th - July 11th
Rehearsal Times: Monday - Friday from 9 AM - 4 PM
Performances: July 10th @ 6 PM and July 11th @ 2 PM
What is Finding Nemo?
Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo KIDS is a 30-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.
Finding Nemo KIDS brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure!
What should I expect for rehearsals?
All kids will be working with a team of Emporia State University students and faculty to guide them in their performance. Additionally, all our fin-tastic friends will be singing and dancing throughout the day. We encourage all to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. As for food, please bring a packed lunch but snacks will be provided to help everyone "just keep swimming"!
Where does my Registration Fee go?
All proceeds will go back to ensuring your child has the best experience possible! Meaning all costumes and makeup will be provided to your child. A scenic set that your swimmer can safely perform on to their hearts content. Professional guides to help train campers in singing, dancing, and acting.
As per the Emporia State University Policy all personal have undergone background checks to ensure your child's safety.
Please note: Needs-based scholarships are available upon request.
A vital performing arts activity in the Flint Hills
The oldest continuously-running summer theatre on the Great Plains was created by Dr. Karl C. Bruder at Emporia State University in 1955. Until 1967, ESU Summer Theatre was presented in Albert Taylor Hall and from 1955-1958 featured an astounding 8 shows in 8 weeks! The usual format for the next 21 years (1959-1979) was 6 shows, and from 1980 until 2020 4 shows was the norm. Starting in 2021, the summer program will serve as a focused, pre-professional opportunity highlighting the skills of rising seniors as performers, designers and production ensemble. Hundreds of former ESU students have benefited from the intense training that our summer experience has provided, and our audiences are drawn from cities and towns throughout Kansas and from throughout the region.
We believe that summer theatre is a vital performing arts activity in the Flint Hills. You also know that the costs of putting on a summer season of plays continue to rise. As you enjoy this summer theatre offering, we hope that you will take a moment to consider a gift to ESU Theatre.
We encourage Angles to offer a gift to the Butcher Summer Theatre Fund. As this fund grows, we can better meet the growing costs of producing live theatre and help to underwrite the work of our student artists—the heart of ESU Theatre. You can contact the ESU Theatre office at 341-5256 and with your help, we hope to provide live theatre every summer for many years to come.
Please make a lasting contribution to the future of ESU Summer Theatre by making a tax-deductible contribution to the ESU Summer Theatre Angels endowed fund in the ESU Foundation.
- Angels: Gifts of $100-$249
- Patrons: Gifts of $250-499
- Producers: Gifts of $500-$999
- Sponsors: Gifts of $1,000 or more
Gifts of any size are always welcome. Please make your checks payable to "ESU Foundation" and mail them to:
ESU Summer Theatre Angels
Emporia State University, Box 4061
1 Kellogg Circle
Emporia, KS 66801