Summer Circle Theatre Returns to Michigan State University for 64th Season
The Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) has launched its 64th season of professional, outdoor productions on the campus of Michigan State University. Located in the courtyard between the MSU Auditorium and the Kresge Art Building, the program provides free public access to live performances. The current season runs through June 2026, featuring a rotating schedule of productions designed for community audiences.
What is the Summer Circle Theatre?
Summer Circle Theatre is a professional summer stock organization that operates on the Michigan State University campus. According to the official Michigan State University Department of Theatre, the program functions as both a community resource and a professional training ground. The organization employs a staff that includes student actors, designers, shop workers, and stage managers to produce outdoor works. Performances take place in the Summer Circle Courtyard, situated at 542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing, Michigan.
What is the Schedule for the 2026 Season?
The 2026 season includes multiple productions held in the outdoor courtyard. The theater recently presented The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, an adaptation of the Kate DiCamillo novel by Dwayne Hartford. Directed by Dionne O’Dell, the production featured music direction by Matt Durland and choreography by Miranda Bourne. The show was recommended for ages 8 and up, running 95 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Following this, the season continues with performances of Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” scheduled for June 18, 19, and 20 at 7:00 p.m.
How to Attend Performances
Admission to all Summer Circle Theatre events is free to the general public. The venue typically draws audiences of more than 300 people per performance. Because the stage is located outdoors in the courtyard between the MSU Auditorium and Kresge Art Building, attendees are encouraged to plan for an open-air environment. No tickets or reservations are required for entry, and the theater provides these performances as a long-standing mid-Michigan tradition.
Quick Facts About Summer Circle Theatre
- Season: 64th annual season in 2026.
- Location: Summer Circle Courtyard, 542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing, MI.
- Cost: Free admission for all community members.
- Staffing: Professional production featuring student actors, designers, and stage managers.
- Capacity: Regularly hosts 300+ audience members per night.
As the season progresses, the theater continues to serve as a hub for local arts engagement. The combination of professional production standards and free community access remains the core mission of the organization as it enters its seventh decade of operation.