This fall, Dean College will bring an exciting mix of theatre, musical comedy and dance to the stage, offering local audiences six opportunities to experience the talents of Dean's student performers and emerging artists.

The 2026 fall season begins October 14 with Thornton Wilder's "The Skin of Our Teeth." The epic and timely comedy follows one American family through ice ages, floods, wars and the everyday struggles and triumphs of being alive. Written in 1942, the play explores humanity's ability to persevere, take responsibility for one another and work toward the collective good. Performances run October 14-18.

Dance takes center stage October 30-31 with the "Fall Dance Concert" at Dean's Guidrey Center. Featuring choreography by sophomore, junior and senior Dance majors, the concert celebrates the distinct creative voices of Dean's student artists and showcases a range of choreographic styles and perspectives.

The season continues November 11-15 with the Tony Award-winning musical "Urinetown." Set in a city experiencing a devastating water shortage, the irreverent satire follows a community forced to pay for access to public restrooms controlled by a powerful corporation. When one citizen decides he has had enough, a revolution begins. With its wickedly modern humor and surprisingly heartfelt story, "Urinetown" takes aim at capitalism, bureaucracy, environmental collapse and musical theatre itself. The production is recommended for audiences ages 12 and older.

In December, Dean's newest performing artists step into the spotlight. The "New Dancer Showcase," presented December 4-5, features works created by upper-level Dance majors and performed by first-year students. The "New Thespian Showcase," December 5-6, brings first-year Theatre majors to the stage for a program of monologues, scenes, songs and other theatre works.

Dean's fall season concludes December 11-12 with "Faculty Dance Works," an energetic concert featuring original works conceived by faculty from the College's Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance.

"This season gives our students opportunities to explore ambitious works, develop their individual artistic voices and share their talents with the wider community," said Stephen Ursprung, Dean of the Schools of Performing Arts.

Regularly priced tickets range from $12 to $22 per performance. Individual tickets will be available beginning September 7, and discounted ticket packages are available now.

Performances take place on the Dean College campus in Franklin. For performance times, tickets and venue information, visit www.dean.edu/performance.