The Little Theatre
Each year The Little Theatre produces at least four main stage productions, in addition to student-directed projects and collaborative work with the Music department. Touring professional productions, guest speakers and musical artists also appear in the intimate 209-seat facility.
Scholarship Opportunity
Calling all actors, designers, and techies! CMU is currently offering the "Center Stage" scholarship. The grand prize is a full-tuition scholarship and major scholarships will be given to the top two winners in the categories of Acting and Theatre Design and every participant will receive a scholarship.
Note: Full-tuition scholarship winners are required to live on campus.
Show Information
Tickets: For CMU main stage productions, $15 for general admission, $10 CMU Faculty and Staff, $5 non-CMU student and senior citizens; CMU students free with ID. Price varies for other productions; oftentimes no admission. Check with the box office at 660-248-6281 for details.
Curtain Time: Thursday-Saturday evening performances at 7:00 pm; Sunday matinee performances at 1:30 pm.
Reservations: Individual and group reservations can be made at any time by calling the Little Theatre box office at 660-248-6281. Reserved tickets are held at the box office, and can be picked up and paid for the night of the performance. The Little Theatre accepts cash and checks.
2025 - 2026 Season
*Please note the change in curtain time for evening shows this year. Thursday through Saturday evening shows will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Chicago
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb
In “Roaring Twenties” Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap...until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another “Merry Murderess,” Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the “American Dream”: fame, fortune, and acquittal.
The Velveteen Rabbit
Adapted by Elise Kauzlaric, based on the Margery Williams classic. Directed by Arielle Prince '25.
In the world of toys, life begins when humans leave the room. When one group of toys discovers a velveteen rabbit, they learn what it means to be truly loved by their owner. Adapted from the classic story by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit tells the story of the unconditional love between a boy and his toy bunny and how that love makes the rabbit real.
Performances: November 12-16, 2025. November 13-15 performances are school day matinees presented for elementary schools in the region.
The Magic Flute
Opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Directed by Dr. Jonathan Ray
It’s magic, mystery, and mayhem in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s classic opera The Magic Flute, a beloved and timeless gem that is often hailed as the perfect show for a first-time opera goer. Join Prince Tamino and the silly bird catcher Papageno as they set out to rescue the princess Pamina from the evil Queen of the Night. Sung in the original German with English supertitles and dialogue, this family-friendly classic is sure to make an opera lover out of everyone!
Performances: February 12 and 14, 2026
2nd Annual Student-Written
Ten-Minute Play Festival
CMU students will present concert readings of their original ten-minute plays created in Professor Lonna Wilke’s playwriting class. John Cariani, author of Almost, Maine and Love/Sick, both of which we have presented at The Little Theatre, will join us for one of the performances to provide commentary and feedback to our students.
Performances: February 26 and 28, 2026
BONUS EVENT
Wednesday, February 25, 7:00 p.m.
CONCERT READING OF JOHN CARIANI’S MOST RECENT PLAY, DARKER THE NIGHT, BRIGHTER THE STARS!!!
The Fire Raisers
The Firebugs by Max Frisch, translated by Michael Bullock. Directed by Senior Theatre Arts major, Gram Coalier
In a small town, Gottlieb Biedermann, a businessman, lives with his wife, Babette, and maid, Anna. The town has been plagued by numerous “arson” attacks from within homes. The family lives on edge. One night, while Biedermann relaxes, a strange door-to-door salesman works his way inside. His ploy? To burn down the Biedermann household.
Performances: April 23-26, 2026
Cultural Affairs
Each year CMU sponsors a Cultural Affairs Series. Theatrical and music productions, poets and lecturers are some of the events included in the series. Please check the CMU Event Calendar for upcoming performance dates.
Academic Programs
Learn more about CMU's Theatre programs.
