Our 2026 Season Announcement
We’re thrilled to announce a lineup of ten shows and several new and expanding programs with our 2026 season announcement!
“In 2026, we hope to offer something for everyone, with a diverse lineup of titles and opportunities for our volunteers,” said Artistic Director Ethan Nienaber. “We believe theatre offers the ultimate chance for creativity and connection, and our 2026 season is built to reflect that.”
The 2026 Season ticket includes:
- The Lightning Thief (Feb. 20-22 & 26-March 1, Student Theatre Musical) — A pop-rock musical adventure following the teenage children of the Greek gods as they strive to prevent war among their parents. Adapted from the popular YA book series, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” The Greek gods are real, and they have kids– and those kids have issues” in this electric adaptation of Rick Riordan’s best-selling book series. Join teenage demigod Percy Jackson on an epic quest to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. The Lightning Thief is packed with rocking anthems, mythological monsters, and enough adventure for the whole family. Book by Joe Tracz, Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki, Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
- Come From Away (April 17-19 & 23-26) — Experience the heartwarming true story of a small town that opened its arms to the world, proving that even in the darkest times, kindness can bring us together. In the wake of 9/11, the residents of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed thousands of grounded airline passengers from around the globe following the attacks. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the unwavering care for those stranded serves as a reminder that empathy knows no bounds. This unprecedented true story comes to life in this Tony Award-winning musical and illuminates how much was found during a moment when so much felt lost. Book, Music & Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
- Footloose (July 16-19 & 23-26) — The ’80s cult classic is coming to the stage! Relive all of the music you know and love in this timeless story about love, acceptance, and forgiveness. Get ready to cut loose and kick off your Sunday shoes with this high-energy and exhilarating movie turned musical! After a tragic accident leaves a tight-knit community reeling, newcomer Ren McCormack attempts to reverse a long-standing ban on dancing. Through his passion for dancing and rock n’ roll, Ren helps the Moore family overcome their greatest obstacle by rediscovering the power of forgiveness. Don’t miss this Oscar and Tony-nominated score and heartwarming story for the ages! Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford, Music by Tom Snow, Lyrics by Dean Pitchford, Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman
- The Play That Goes Wrong (Sept. 17-20 & 24-27) — The world’s most disastrous play becomes the funniest night at the theatre. On the opening night of the Cornley Drama Society’s production of The Murder at Haversham Manor, their hopes for a smooth show are quickly dashed. As their show quite literally falls apart, the troupe is left with a whole different whodunit than they started with. Pratfall your way into this hilarious murder mystery where the biggest mystery of all is the unplanned chaos! By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer & Henry Shields
- Annie (Dec. 3-6 & 10-13) — The sun will come out with Broadway’s most beloved orphan in this timeless musical of hope and family. The seven-time Tony Award-winning musical that has captured the hearts of audiences returns to the QCT stage for the first time in nearly 30 years. When the ever-hopeful Annie is finally plucked from Miss Hannigan’s cruel orphanage by the wealthy Warbucks, together they attempt to grant Annie her wish of reuniting with her biological parents. With classic tunes like “Tomorrow” and “Hard Knock Life,” the whole family won’t want to miss out on Annie and Sandy’s fun-filled adventures through New York City. Book by Thomas Meehan, Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin, Based on Little Orphan Annie by permission of The Media Tribune Services, Inc
Audiences can catch every moment of the 2025 Season while receiving a 25% discount by purchasing Season Tickets. QCT offers two season ticket packages, ranging from $120-150 and includes all five productions. Current season ticket holders may renew their packages for 2026 starting Tuesday, September 30, with guaranteed seating renewals for fixed season ticket holders through October 10. New season ticket holders can purchase starting October 14.
Additional Family/Student Theatre productions for 2025 include:
- QCT on the Road: Fast Food (Touring April-May) — Satisfy your comedy cravings with a series of bite-sized episodes set at the fictional MacBurger’s restaurant. And who knows—between crazy customer complaints, staff pranks and lost mascots, we may finally answer life’s greatest mystery: can’t we all just get along? And why is the ice cream machine always broken? This title features a series of comedic skits set at a fast food restaurant, and is a great introduction to live theatre for young children. By Tracy Wells
- The Dispute (June 11-14, Lab Theatre Play) — Experimental play about human relationships and nature vs. nurture. Centuries before reality TV, viral “social experiments” and problematic podcasts, this 18th-century French classic predicted them all with profound, razor-edged wit. At a palace hidden away from civilization, a mysterious Prince keeps a group of teenagers in isolation since birth. The goal? Recreate the Garden of Eden—and prove which gender is the least faithful. By Pierre Carlet de Marivaux, Translated by Gideon Lester
- Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt (Oct. 22-25, Mainstage Play) — The Judy Moody books come to life in this zany and joke-filled pirate treasure hunt for all ages. Judy Moody is in a mood. She never gets to go on exciting vacations. But when her family drags her (and her kid brother Stink) to “Artichoke” Island, Judy ends up on a rip-roaring pirate adventure! Help Judy and Stink solve the puzzles, crack the codes, and find the treasure before time runs out—or worse, before their rivals Tall Boy and Smart Girl get there first! Adapted for the stage by Allison Gregory
QCT is also pleased to announce more opportunities for plays in 2026. These productions will be performed in QCT’s Black Box Theatre with the intent to create an accessible and intimate way to dive deep into rich stories for audiences and volunteers alike. The shows will rely heavily on the artists involved in the show to collaborate on the various elements needed to effectively tell the story. Volunteers who are involved will have the opportunity to be highly engaged in all aspects of the process, including sets and costumes. With a more leisurely rehearsal schedule, it will also be a great opportunity for volunteers who may not be able to participate on the mainstage due to scheduling conflicts.
- Steel Magnolias (March 26-29) — Adapted from the award-winning 1989 film, STEEL MAGNOLIAS is rooted in female friendships and community support. Filled with love, loss, and Southern charm. Based on his experience with the death of his sister, author Robert Harling’s STEEL MAGNOLIAS is a witty, emotionally charged classic rooted in the bonds of six women. When Shelby returns to Truvy’s hair salon at pivotal moments in her life, the group supports each other with the fortitude of steel and the delicateness of magnolias. This timeless play has the perfect combination of humor and heart, where the bonds of friendship are stronger than life’s fiercest storms. By Robert Harling
- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Nov. 5-8) — When an unhappy married couple invite a younger couple over for drinks their psychological games divulge into emotional warfare. After returning home from a faculty party, George and Martha invite a couple whom they just met that evening, Honey and Nick, over for drinks. As the conversation flows, their deep relational wounds begin to show and the couples discover their emotional scars still haven’t healed. Dive deep into this gripping play that examines societal expectations of married life and the illusions that surround it. By Edward Albee
Because there will be limited seating for these performances, patrons can secure their seats with the new Black Box Series Season Ticket Package. This package includes one ticket to each production. Patrons will receive early access to reserve their seat and a discount over single ticket prices. These packages can be purchased as an add-on to our other season ticket packages or standalone. Limited quantity, available while supplies last.
QCT will be holding three special one-night-only events to give audiences and volunteers a chance to participate in three additional plays! The readings will serve as a stepping stone for budding actors and directors alike while also opening the conversation with audiences to engage with challenging contemporary/new works. All readings will be script-in-hand performances in the Black Box Theatre. These readings allow our community to engage head-on with exciting, challenging, and edgy yet vital work that you may not expect to see at QCT. All titles serve as modern responses to classic works and will be free to attend.
Middletown (Jan. 23) by Will Eno is a modern, avant-garde version of OUR TOWN.
John Proctor is the Villain (June 26) by Kimberly Belflower is a women-driven response to THE CRUCIBLE from the perspective of high school students.
A Doll’s House Part 2 (Oct. 9) by Lucas Hnath tells what happens to Nora 15 years after she famously leaves her family at the end of the classic Ibsen tale A DOLL’S HOUSE.
In addition to the show line-up, QCT PRESENTS will return in 2026. This program expands QCT’s current offerings by bringing in professionals from around the country to expose the community to fresh perspectives of the performing arts.
- Theatreworks USA presents Don’t Let Pigeon Drive the Bus! (March 21) – Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.
QCT is encouraging everyone to get involved in the theatre this year! Aspiring actors of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels are encouraged to audition. Along with volunteer actors on the stage, volunteers are needed backstage to help with set construction, costumes, and the tech crew.
For more information about the 2026 Season, auditions, or volunteering, call the QCT Box Office at (217) 222-3209 or visit 1qct.org. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Original logos for the 2026 Season by Pichi Fernandez.