Classics and Showstoppers Take the Stage at Tulane this Summer: School of Liberal Arts at Tulane University

Tulane University’s School of Liberal Arts will once again bring professional-caliber performances to campus this summer, with the return of the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane and Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane as part of its annual Professional Summer Series.

Now entering its 33rd season, the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane will present two of William Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedies — King Lear and Macbeth — along with the fan favorite Lagniappe Series, designed to complement the mainstage productions.

“Our 33rd season pairs Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies with a lineup of playful, one-night-only lagniappe events,” said Artistic Director Graham Burk. “Together, they create a season that’s daring, unpredictable, and deeply alive, inviting audiences to experience these plays in bold and unexpected ways.”

King Lear, directed by Jana Mestecky, will run from May 22 through June 2, followed by Macbeth, directed by Burk, from June 26 through July 12. Special one-night performances include appearances by The Fools Ensemble on May 27 and The School for Wives on July 8.

Meanwhile, Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane will celebrate its 59th season with three major musical productions staged in Dixon Hall. The 2026 lineup includes Chicago, La Cage aux Folles, and Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music.

“From the smoke and mirrors of sensational true crime in Chicago to the sequins and authenticity of La Cage aux Folles, and the farcical circus metaphor at the heart of A Little Night Music, Summer Lyric’s 2026 season promises spectacle and emotional depth,” said artistic director Leonard Raybon.

Chicago, directed by Jaune Buisson, will open the season June 18–21. La Cage aux Folles, directed by Diane Lala, follows from July 9–12, with A Little Night Music, directed by Ricky Graham, closing the season July 30 through August 2.

Tickets and More Information

Tickets for individual performances and discounted season packages for both companies are on sale now.
https://liberalarts.tulane.edu/performing-arts/schedule

Whether you’re a longtime theatre lover or a first‑time attendee, Tulane’s Professional Summer Series offers something unforgettable — right on campus.