UR Free Theatre & Dance

UR Free Theatre & Dance

The University of Richmond Department of Theatre & Dance believes in the power of theatre and dance to build community through art, and that access to the arts should not be limited in any way. The UR Free Theatre & Dance initiative was created to remove economic barriers and make theatre and dance accessible to everyone.

 

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Two women in conversation together on a sofa

The Thanksgiving Play

Staged Reading & Post-show Discussion

By Larissa FastHorse | Directed by Erica Hughes

FRI., SEPT. 18 • 7:30 p.m. | SAT., SEPT. 19 • 2 p.m. | Cousins Studio Theatre

What could possibly go wrong when a group of well-meaning theatre artists sets out to create the perfectly respectful Thanksgiving pageant? Everything. In this sharp satire, four earnest educators attempt to devise a culturally sensitive school production without including any Native voices. The result is a hilarious collision of good intentions, blind spots, and escalating chaos. Come ready to laugh. Leave ready to think.

Celebration of Dance: Block Crew

Celebration of Dance

Artistic Director by Alicia Diaz

Sat., Oct. 17 • 7:30 p.m. | Alice Jepson Theatre

Join us for the 16th Annual Celebration of Dance @ UR! The Department of Theatre & Dance welcomes an exciting lineup of independent choreographers, student dance clubs, UR dance companies, and guest artists showcasing a wide range of dance styles. Celebrate the power of dance as a form of artistic expression and community building. Get ready to groove to Bollywood, Latin rhythms, hip hop, African drums, and more.

a young actress performs a dramatic monologue

The Tempest

By William Shakespeare | Directed by Ashley White

Thurs., Nov. 12–Sat., Nov. 14 • 7:30 p.m. | Sun., Nov. 15 • 2 p.m. | Alice Jepson Theatre

A shipwreck. A deserted island. A magician with unfinished business. When Prospero conjures a violent storm to bring his enemies ashore, what follows is a spellbinding tale of betrayal, romance, revenge, and redemption. Filled with mischievous spirits, political intrigue, and Shakespeare’s lyrical language, The Tempest blurs the line between illusion and reality. Join us. Let the island transform you.

a young dancer soars through the air

in FOCUS

UNIVERSITY DANCERS 42nd ANNUAL CONCERT

Directed by Anne Van Gelder

Fri., Feb. 26–Sat., Feb 27 • 7:30 p.m. | Sun., Feb. 28 • 2 p.m. | Alice Jepson Theatre

University Dancers celebrates 42 years of engaging dance with our annual concert featuring innovative guest artists alongside works by department faculty Angelica Burgos, Alicia Díaz, Eric Rivera, and Anne Van Gelder. The program also highlights outstanding student choreography, with costumes by Johann Stegmeir and lighting by Maja E. White.

musical theater actor sings solo on stage

Newsies

Music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein | Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions | Directed by Ashley White

Thurs., April 15–Sat., April 17 • 7:30 p.m. | Sun., April 18 • 2 p.m. | Alice Jepson Theatre

They delivered the papers. Now they’re delivering a revolution. Inspired by the true story of the 1899 Newsboys’ Strike, Newsies is a high-energy musical about resilience, solidarity, and the power of young people to change the world. When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the expense of the city’s poorest newsies, charismatic Jack Kelly rallies his fellow "paper kids" to fight back. Packed with electrifying dance, soaring anthems, heart, and humor, Newsies is a thrilling theatrical event for all generations. Grab a paper. Raise your voice. And seize the day.