We imagine it. We create it.

Production is what we create and where we create it; a single reading of a new play, a 2-week run of a mainstage production, or our artistic home, since 1935 – the Theatre Building.

Virtual Lobby

Visit our Virtual Lobby to learn more about current and past productions' cast, creative team, crew, director's and dramaturg's notes, designer renderings, and more! 

Performing Arts Calendar

Visit the Performing Arts at Iowa calendar to view all upcoming performing arts events happening across our vibrant and creative campus.

Upcoming Department of Theatre Arts events

Jazz at the Stanley promotional image

Jazz at the Stanley

Thursday, February 5, 2026 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Stanley Museum of Art

Experience an evening of art and music at the Stanley Museum of Art with a jazz ensemble performance featuring the Ben Banta Trio & Mathuin Smith Trio. Explore the galleries before or after the performance as the museum will remain open late till 8 p.m. This program is in collaboration with SCOPE and is free for all.

How to Defend Yourself promotional image

How to Defend Yourself

Friday, February 6, 2026 8:00pm
Theatre Building
In the immediate aftermath of an assault, a group of college students gather for a DIY self-defense class. This setting quickly becomes a space for channeling their anger, anxiety, trauma, confusion, and desire. In navigating these feelings, the group of strangers unites as a community and works to move forward together. Using humor and candor, Liliana Padilla’s How to Defend Yourself asks us to look beyond the labels of 'perpetrator' and 'survivor,' and to examine the complexities that exist in each of us.
How to Defend Yourself promotional image

How to Defend Yourself

Saturday, February 7, 2026 8:00pm
Theatre Building
In the immediate aftermath of an assault, a group of college students gather for a DIY self-defense class. This setting quickly becomes a space for channeling their anger, anxiety, trauma, confusion, and desire. In navigating these feelings, the group of strangers unites as a community and works to move forward together. Using humor and candor, Liliana Padilla’s How to Defend Yourself asks us to look beyond the labels of 'perpetrator' and 'survivor,' and to examine the complexities that exist in each of us.
How to Defend Yourself promotional image

How to Defend Yourself

Sunday, February 8, 2026 2:00pm
Theatre Building
In the immediate aftermath of an assault, a group of college students gather for a DIY self-defense class. This setting quickly becomes a space for channeling their anger, anxiety, trauma, confusion, and desire. In navigating these feelings, the group of strangers unites as a community and works to move forward together. Using humor and candor, Liliana Padilla’s How to Defend Yourself asks us to look beyond the labels of 'perpetrator' and 'survivor,' and to examine the complexities that exist in each of us.
Playwrights Workshop Reading: Bopbo's Play promotional image

Playwrights Workshop Reading: Bopbo's Play

Monday, February 9, 2026 5:30pm
Theatre Building

By Adrian Enzastiga

A play of nonfiction woven together from the words and stories of Bopbo.

Please be advised this play contains domestic abuse, cruel outdated psychiatric practices, family death, and generational trauma.

Part of Theatre Arts' Reading Series

Tickets:
Tickets for readings are free of charge; seating is limited.

How to Defend Yourself promotional image

How to Defend Yourself

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 8:00pm
Theatre Building
In the immediate aftermath of an assault, a group of college students gather for a DIY self-defense class. This setting quickly becomes a space for channeling their anger, anxiety, trauma, confusion, and desire. In navigating these feelings, the group of strangers unites as a community and works to move forward together. Using humor and candor, Liliana Padilla’s How to Defend Yourself asks us to look beyond the labels of 'perpetrator' and 'survivor,' and to examine the complexities that exist in each of us.
How to Defend Yourself promotional image

How to Defend Yourself

Thursday, February 12, 2026 8:00pm
Theatre Building
In the immediate aftermath of an assault, a group of college students gather for a DIY self-defense class. This setting quickly becomes a space for channeling their anger, anxiety, trauma, confusion, and desire. In navigating these feelings, the group of strangers unites as a community and works to move forward together. Using humor and candor, Liliana Padilla’s How to Defend Yourself asks us to look beyond the labels of 'perpetrator' and 'survivor,' and to examine the complexities that exist in each of us.
How to Defend Yourself promotional image

How to Defend Yourself

Friday, February 13, 2026 8:00pm
Theatre Building
In the immediate aftermath of an assault, a group of college students gather for a DIY self-defense class. This setting quickly becomes a space for channeling their anger, anxiety, trauma, confusion, and desire. In navigating these feelings, the group of strangers unites as a community and works to move forward together. Using humor and candor, Liliana Padilla’s How to Defend Yourself asks us to look beyond the labels of 'perpetrator' and 'survivor,' and to examine the complexities that exist in each of us.
How to Defend Yourself promotional image

How to Defend Yourself

Saturday, February 14, 2026 8:00pm
Theatre Building
In the immediate aftermath of an assault, a group of college students gather for a DIY self-defense class. This setting quickly becomes a space for channeling their anger, anxiety, trauma, confusion, and desire. In navigating these feelings, the group of strangers unites as a community and works to move forward together. Using humor and candor, Liliana Padilla’s How to Defend Yourself asks us to look beyond the labels of 'perpetrator' and 'survivor,' and to examine the complexities that exist in each of us.
Ten-Minute Play Festival promotional image

Ten-Minute Play Festival

Thursday, February 19, 2026 8:00pm
Theatre Building

By Undergraduate Playwrights

The University of Iowa Department of Theatre Arts is proud to present the 29th annual Ten-Minute Play Festival. Join us for the premiere of our undergraduate playwrights' new works, directed by Tony Meneses!

The Ten-Minute Play Festival features ten-minute productions that are written, acted, designed, and run by undergraduate students. Support these students in a night that will have something for everyone.

Tickets
Tickets for the Ten-Minute Play Festival are available...