Cal State San Bernardino’s Department of Theatre Arts has announced an exciting 2025-26 season filled with bold performances, innovative storytelling, and a glimpse toward the future with the highly anticipated opening of the university’s new Performing Arts Center.

The season opens on the Barnes Stage with Eugène Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros,” directed by Terry Donovan Smith, Nov. 14-23. This absurdist drama examines themes of identity, resistance, and the dangers of mob mentality as townspeople slowly transform into rhinoceroses, leaving one man to stand against an overwhelming tide of conformity.

Closing out the fall semester, audiences can enjoy “History in Harmony,” Dec. 5-7. Conceived and directed by Professor Lisa Lyons, this musical revue takes theatergoers on a journey through the history of musical theatre, blending timeless songs into a lively narrative.

In January, the Players of the Pear Garden will present “The Other Theatre Project (OTP),” a showcase of short works written, directed, and performed by students in the department’s Black Box Theatre. Performance dates will be announced soon. In the meantime, the Players’ Podcast of the Pear Garden continues to spotlight alumni, faculty, staff, and students, offering behind-the-scenes perspectives on CSUSB Theatre Arts. The podcast can be found on the CSUSB Theatre Box Office YouTube channel and on major streaming platforms.

The season concludes with the Ellen Weisser Endowed Theatre Showcase production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” directed by Professor Kristi Papailler, April 24-May 3. Featuring a book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, the dark comedy musical follows Seymour, a timid flower shop assistant, who discovers a mysterious plant that promises fame and fortune — for a price. Audiences will be drawn into a world of Motown, rock and roll, doo-wop, and out-of-this-world mayhem. This production is tentatively slated to be the first staged in CSUSB’s all-new Performing Arts Center.

Tickets for the 2025-26 season go on sale Oct. 1, and prices remain among the most affordable in the Inland Empire: $6 for students and individuals under 17; $12 for faculty, staff, seniors, military, and first responders; and $15 for the general public. Tickets will be available through the CSUSB Theatre Arts Box Office and online at theatre.csusb.edu.

All performances will take place at the Cal State San Bernardino campus. Parking is $10 and can be purchased in advance through ParkMobile (Zone #7001). Production dates and times are subject to change in accordance with CDC health and safety guidelines. For the latest updates, follow the Department of Theatre Arts on Facebook or contact the Theatre Arts Box Office at (909) 537-5884 or theatrearts@csusb.edu.