2025-2026 Theatre Events
Fall 2025:
ANTIGONICK
by Sophokles
translated by Anne Carson
Directed by Mitchell Thomas
October 24 + 25 at 7:30 pm, Porter Theater
October 30 + 31 at 7:30 pm, Porter Theater
November 1 at 2pm and 7:30 pm, Porter Theater
Antigonick, MacArthur Genius and world-renowned poet Anne Carson’s free translation of Sophocles’ ancient and disturbing tragedy, is given entirely fresh language and new life in this poetic and thrilling production.
Antigone has lost two brothers, but law demands that she can only bury one. Forced to bend to the will of a dictator, she takes a stand for her beliefs, pitting morality against patriotism. Exploring love, grief, loyalty, and civil disobedience, Antigonick is a play chronicling the all too relevant battle of a righteous individual against the machine.
Spring 2026:
PIRATES OF PENZANCE
by Gilbert and Sullivan
Westmont Music Department Opera
Directed by Ruth Lin
January 23 + 25 at 7pm, 2026 at Porter Theater
Have you ever tried to leave a close-knit community, like a pirate band? They don't take kindly to you sailing away with all of their secret weaknesses, treasure maps, and their rations. (But if you do go, do them a favor and please take the cook!) Come see the ensuing chaos as poor Frederick attempts to escape his previous life as a pirate-in-training in favor of a quiet life of an English gentleman. What Frederick doesn't realize is that the normal life of an English gentleman can be just as uproarious and adventuresome as the rebellious life of pirates. Alongside our Westmont Opera Orchestra, over a dozen cast members will sing, dance, and swashbuckle their way through this hilarious story of adventure, danger, and romance.
LITTLE WOMEN
by Kate Hamil
Adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Directed by Madeline Fanton
February 27 + 28, 2026 at 7:30pm at Porter Theater
March 6 at 7:30pm at Porter Theater
March 7 at 2pm and 7:30pm at Porter Theater
March 8 at 2pm at Porter Theater
Adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, Kate Hamill’s Little Women brings the spirited world of the March sisters to life on stage with wit and warmth. As Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy journey from childhood to adulthood, they each confront the challenges of identity, ambition, love, and loss. With humor and heart (and a cameo by a talking parrot), Little Women is a fresh take on the story we all know and love.
FRINGE 2026
"Whispers Among the Wildflowers"
Schedule (tbd)
Fringe Festival 2026 -
a creation by and for the community
Curated by Mitchell Thomas, Professor of Theatre Arts
Produced by Jonathan Hicks ‘04, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts and Chair of the Theatre Arts
April 16-19, 2026 at Porter Theatre + The Community Arts Workshop
Join us for our annual smash-up of experimental theatre, dance, film, and performance art in and around the Westmont campus and downtown Santa Barbara! The Fringe offers a unique opportunity for audiences and artists alike to challenge themselves to experience life and live art in fresh, new ways. There’s nothing like it. Really.