Theatre students from UAB take the show on the road and travel to schools around central Alabama to perform. See their free showcases Saturday, Sept. 28, or schedule a visit.Theatre students from the University of Alabama at Birmingham take live performances on the road each school year, traveling around central Alabama to present plays.
Presented by the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Theatre, the Theatre UAB Tour Groups are another student performance opportunity, in addition to the department’s mainstage season of plays. Each year, 18-20 students are selected through auditions. They rehearse and present shows on Fridays, traveling to schools, libraries, retirement homes and community centers and have entertained thousands of people.
This season’s tour shows will include “The Prince and the Pauper,” “Laughably Shakespeare,” and Theatre UAB Cabaret in “Sidekicks” and “Broadway Today.” For information and bookings, visit Theatre UAB Tour Groups online.
The public is invited to see the Theatre UAB Tour Groups perform with two showcases Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. The performances are free and open to the public.
The first Touring Showcase, at 2 p.m., will feature “The Prince and the Pauper” and “Laughably Shakespeare.” “The Prince and the Pauper” is a comedy version of the Mark Twain classic, packed with physical comedy, clowning, antics and sight gags. Written by Lane Riosley and directed by Jack Cannon, this 45-minute show is written for grades K-5. In “Laughably Shakespeare,” the Bard tickles funny bones with a hilarious collection of scenes and monologues from Shakespeare’s comedies. Adapted and directed by Santiago Sosa, this 45-minute show is for students in middle and high schools.
The second Touring Showcase, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, will feature the UAB Touring Cabarets in “Sidekicks” and “Broadway Today.” “Sidekicks,” featuring Olaf, the Genie and Oompa Loompas, celebrates the friends of favorite heroes. Get ready to sing along with songs from “Beauty and the Beast,” “Mean Girls,” “Little Mermaid” and more. Directed by Valerie Accetta with Musical Director Carolyn Violi, this 45-minute show is for all ages. “Broadway Today” celebrates the best of contemporary musical theater. Directed and choreographed by Roy Lightner with Musical Director Carolyn Violi, this 45-minute show is for students in middle and high schools.
This season, Theatre UAB will present “God of Carnage,” “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812,” “The Revolutionists,” and “She Kills Monsters,” with Disney’s “Freaky Friday” in collaboration with Red Mountain Theatre Company. Read more about the 2024-2025 season and purchase tickets at AlysStephens.org.
Additional upcoming performances include The Freshman Showcase, an exciting night of songs, monologues, scenes and guest performances by transfer students, Saturday, Oct. 5.
On Friday, Dec. 6, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts students will present scenes, songs and monologues from classical and contemporary theater for the UAB Theatre Performance Showcase.