Performing Arts Center announces 2026-27 season

The Clark State Performing Arts Center has announced its 2026-27 season featuring Broadway productions, the return of the Club Kuss series and a production by the Clark State Theatre Arts Program.

The season opens at 8 p.m. on Sept. 26 with the Tony Award-winning musical “The Wiz,” the Broadway musical that reimagines “The Wizard of Oz” with a score rooted in soul, gospel, rock and funk. Tickets are $48- $73.

The Broadway lineup continues at 8 p.m. on Oct. 15 with the nine-time Tony Award-winning “The Book of Mormon,” a musical that follows two young missionaries who are sent to a remote village in Uganda where they encounter unexpected challenges while trying to share their faith.  Recommended for ages 21 and older, tickets are $53- $93.

The Clark State Theatre Arts Program and the Springfield Arts Council will then present “Peter and the Starcatcher,” a third Tony Award-winning play that reimagines the origins of Peter Pan through the story of a young orphan, Molly, and a cast of pirates, heroes and villains.  Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Oct. 30 and 31 and Nov. 6 and 7, with 2 p.m. matinees on Nov. 1 and 8. Tickets are $18 with student and senior tickets available for $15. Clark State students with a college ID can receive one free ticket. 

 Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox brings “The Future is Vintage Tour” to the stage at 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. The group puts a retro spin on music ranging from '70s rock and '80s Britpop to current chart-toppers, movie themes and video game soundtracks. Tickets are $31-$61. VIP tickets that include a seat in the first 15 rows, exclusive merchandise, a limited-edition tour poster and a commemorative laminate and lanyard are available for $136.

Club Kuss, a performance series that includes a small audience seated closed to the stage with complimentary desserts before the show, will kick-off at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 with a concert from singer-songwriter-pianist Tabitha Meeks. Often described as “Norah Jones meets Nancy Sinatra,” Meeks brings a retro-pop sound to the stage. Tickets are $23 for general audience and $13 for students with a valid ID.

At 8 p.m. on Dec. 5, “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens' classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner and three spirits who teach him about love and kindness. Co-presented with the Springfield Arts Council, tickets are $23-$45.

The second Club Kuss performance,  TAE & The Neighborly, occurs at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19. The band blends soul, R&B, pop and rock with music exploring resilience, hope and human connection. Tickets are $23, with $13 tickets for students with a valid college ID.  

The third Club Kuss performance will occur at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 19 with Sons of Mystro, violin-playing brothers who blend classical music with reggae, hip-hop, pop and R&B. Tickets are $23, with $13 tickets for students with a valid college ID.  

YAMATO, The Drummers of Japan will bring “Tamayura: Echoes of the Soul” to the Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on March 11. The internationally-acclaimed ensemble combines traditional Japanese taiko drumming with theatrical performance and features more than 40 drums including the massive Odaiko. Tickets are $30- $50.

“The Performing Arts Center has been part of Springfield's cultural landscape for more than 30 years, and every season gives us an opportunity to bring new artists, productions and experiences to our community,” said Dan Hunt, general manager for Clark State’s venue operations. “This season brings a mix of Broadway, music, international performances and theatre, and we’re proud to offer these experiences in a facility that also serves as a home for local artists, students and community organizations.”

Tickets for all performances are on sale now through the Clark State Performing Arts Center Ticket Office at 300 S. Fountain Ave in Springfield, via phone at 937-328-3874 or online at go.clarkstate.edu/artslive26-27.

The Clark State Performing Arts Center facilities include the 1,500-seat Kuss Auditorium and the 174-seat Turner Studio Theatre, as well as spaces for meetings, receptions and other events. The Performing Arts Center also supports local and regional artists and hosts touring performers and productions throughout the year.

Clark State’s performing arts academic programs provide students with opportunities to develop skills in performance, production and arts management while gaining hands-on experience through events at the Performing Arts Center.  The theatre associate degree prepares students to transfer to four-year theatre bachelor’s degree programs while the arts administration certificate provides coursework in theatre and business including management, accounting and marketing.

Together, the Performing Arts Center and Clark State's arts programs provide opportunities for students, performers and community members to participate in and experience the arts in downtown Springfield.