Performing Arts

By Samuel Beckett and Alex Fawkes, respectively
Directed by Nasir Faulknor and Alex Fawkes, respectively, as part of our Student Directed Series

Music by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Directed by James Beaudry
Music Direction by Matt Marco 

In the spring of 2026, three college students in the United States are struggling. With mounting discourse and legislative action from politicians putting their identities, their communities, and their safety in jeopardy, they turn to a hobby to help themselves escape: “Dungeons & Dragons (D&D).” These three “witches” and their Dungeon Master (Hecate) use role-playing games as a way to process living in a world that is hostile to them, and to fantasize about what a better world might look like.

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Directed and Choreographed by James Beaudry
Music Direction by Matt Marco

Directed by Andre White as part of our Student Directed Series

The Theatre Senior Showcase provides graduating students in Acting, Music Theatre and Design/Tech an opportunity to showcase their work to the public, enhancing their portfolios before embarking on future professional endeavors in the arts. The program features songs, monologues, and scenes performed as solos and duets, as well as a meet and greet opportunity to connect graduating students with the community.

Music by Mark Hollman
Book by Greg Kotis
Lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis
Directed and Choreographed by Doug Weyand
Music Direction by Matt Marco 

Directed by Channon Judson with Rebekah Bono and Charity John 

Founded in 1974, Zodiaque Dance Company (ZDC) is UB’s eminent pre-professional dance company presenting more than five decades of innovative, creative performances. In keeping with ZDC’s mission, the spring program will be a diverse array of dance styles, including modern, contemporary, jazz, ballet, tap and hip hop. Works will be created by a varied and accomplished group of choreographers including distinguished alums Roberto Villanueva and Bekka Bennett; faculty Michael Deeb Weaver, Chanon Judson, Emeritus Tom Ralabate, and Kerry Ring; and local guests Ali Dietz and Ariana Dixie. The concert showcases collaborations with students in our Theatre Design/Technology program.

Directed by Grace Rezin and Adriana Vetcha as part of our Student Directed Series

Faculty Advisor: Chanon Judson
Choreographers: Rebekah Bono and Charity John

Directed by Lauren Guarna as part of our Student Directed Series

Directed by Jenna Zavrel

Co-Directed by Kerry Ring and Michael Deeb Weaver

Led by dance icons Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, Complexions Contemporary Ballet has awakened audiences to a new, exciting genre with their singular approach of reinventing dance and contemporary ballet. Armed with a rich Alvin Ailey lineage and a cadre of 16 stunning dancers, Complexions has been hailed as a “matchless American dance company” by the Philadelphia Inquirer and “game changing” by London’s The Guardian. 

Celebrating nearly 30 years of holiday tradition, the American Academy of Ballet’s Nutcracker is Western New York’s longest-running production of this beloved classic. Each December at UB Center for the Arts, audiences are transported by dazzling costumes, imaginative choreography, and magical surprises that make every performance unique. It’s a holiday celebration that continues to bring families together year after year.

The charm of this Nutcracker lies in its imaginative, child-friendly approach. From a sweeping dragon in China to Santa’s elves at the North Pole, Clara and her Prince journey through a world of wonder filled with color, creativity, and theatrical invention.

"The American Academy of Ballet takes the audience into Tchaikovsky's imagination. This Nutcracker offers the best of what ballet is meant to provide: holiday tradition, whimsical abandon... an exquisite and disciplined company. With brilliant (and ever changing) sets, dazzling costumes, and gifted dancers, this Nutcracker will leave you with a warm heart and a smile on your face." – The Buffalo News, 2015