Each academic year, our Performing Arts department produces a collection of theater productions open to our campus community and the general public. In addition, Artists’ Ensemble, Rockford’s only professional theater company, is in residence on our campus and performs in our theatres in the Clark Arts Center.
Rockford University Performing Arts Season: 2026-2027
September 4-5 | The Epic Eighties: From Billboard to Broadway!
Maddox Theatre
Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Click here to purchase tickets.
October 1-3 | Orchesis: Reclaiming Hope Through Dance
Maddox Theatre
Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 2, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 4, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
November 19-22 | Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
Maddox Theatre
Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 20, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Click here to purchase tickets.
In his first successful play, Stoppard tells the tale of two hapless university students who are on their way to Elsinore at the invitation of the King and Queen of Denmark. Neither Guildenstern nor Rosencrantz know why they have been summoned but who are they to question a King. Also, they look forward to seeing their classmate, Hamlet. As they approach the castle, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern meet a group of disreputable players touring the countryside looking for work. Yes, this is the story of Hamlet told through the eyes of two minor and inept characters. They are so busy trying to rationalize life they fail to comprehend the events unfolding around them. The result is a comedy of misunderstanding and total confusion until the very end.
December 4 | Winter Choral Concert
7:30 p.m. Maddox Theatre
February 18-21 & 25-27 | Silent Sky
Cheek Theatre
Thursday, February 18, 2027 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 19, 2027 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 20, 2027 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 21, 2027 at 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 25, 2027 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 26, 2027 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 27, 2027 at 7:30 p.m.
Click here to purchase tickets.
This is the true story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This gentle but brave women was driven by her passion to understand the heavens. She was equally driven to explore a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific inquiry and social unrest. With music and math bursting forth onstage, Henrietta and her female peers change the way we understand both Heaven and Earth while empowering us with their courage to follow their convictions.
April 22-25 | She Loves Me
Maddox Theatre
Thursday, April 22, 2027 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 23, 2027 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 24 at 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m.
April 30 | Spring Choral Concert
7:30 p.m. in Maddox Theatre
Ticket pricing and notes: Single ticket admission for adults is $12. Seniors age 55 and up and non-RU students are $9, unless otherwise noted. Groups of 10-49 are $5 each, and groups of 50+ are $2 each. RU STUDENTS/FACULY/STAFF are FREE with ID, or by emailing the box office, but free tickets are limited (boxoffice@rockford.edu). There will be a 5% fee for all credit card purchases. All seating in Maddox will be assigned, Cheek is general admission.
Box Office
Clark Arts Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4100boxoffice@rockford.edu
TICKETS: rupa.ludus.comFall/Spring Hours:
Mon-Fri - 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Summer Hours:
Tue-Fri - 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Rockford University Performing Arts is generously supported by:
