As CSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance begins another season, they introduce an array of performances for the 2023-24 academic year, including Avenue Q, Ancestra and The Aliens, in addition to the CSU Devised Theatre Workshop Production and the works of GroundWorks DanceTheatre.
Fall 2023
The season kicks off with performances on Oct. 13 and 14 by GroundWorks DanceTheater at the Allen Theater main stage. Founded in 1998 by Artistic Director David Shimotakhara, GroundWorks DanceTheatre is a contemporary dance company that performs both original choreography and works by celebrated choreographers. As a local Northeast Ohio dance company, GroundWorks DanceTheatre will make its way to the stage once again starring as CSU’s Professional Dance Company in Residence.
CSU’s Theatre Department opens their season with the Tony Award winning show, Avenue Q, opening Nov. 2 at the Allen Theater mainstage. This comedy musical features both puppets and human actors, and touches on topics of love, purpose and prejudice. Although containing adult content, Avenue Q delivers heartfelt messages.
The department’s second fall production, the CSU Devised Theatre Workshop Production, will comprise work done by the Fall 2023 Devised Theatre Workshop class. The shows will take place Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 in the 13th Street Building’s intimate Black Box Theatre and will feature an original piece done by the students that semester.
Spring 2024
The spring semester leads with an original production, Ancestra, by Holly Holsinger, Chair of the Theatre and Dance Department. Inspired by the 1853 National Women’s Rights Convention, Ancestra serves as a historical narration on the establishment of women’s rights while incorporating the biography of a young, modern day reporter who advocates for continued change. A sister production of Ancestra can be seen at Oberlin College in early February 2024.
The Aliens, by Pulitzer Prize winner, Annie Baker, dives deep into a lost generation that provokes a poetic reflection on friendship, love and art. It will run at The Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre from April 4 to 14.
Auditions and Ticket Info
The CSU Theatre & Dance Department has opened auditions for this fall’s production of Avenue Q. Anyone currently enrolled at Cleveland State University may audition. More information and audition time slots can be found here.
Tickets for the upcoming performance at the Allen Theatre Complex can be found here.
Hannah Gates 
Kasey Sheridan