13-05-2025
Missouri State's Tent Theatre getting creative for 2025 season due to construction
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Even with construction ongoing for the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex, that's not stopping Missouri State University's theatre program.
The 63rd annual Tent Theatre season will look quite different this year, as the closure of Craig Hall for the summer also closed the Tent Theatre scene shop, costume shop and box office, according to MSU.
'The construction project has created challenges for us, especially with the public pathways to our facility. We'll create signage to assist patrons with getting to the amphitheatre from the parking lot,' said Mark Templeton, executive director of marketing and external relations for the John Goodman Amphitheatre. 'Plus, we had to re-envision the types of shows we're doing for this year.'
Although they are unable to put on full theatre productions for this year, MSU says the theatre department is getting creative with the performances they are planning for the 2025 season.
The department is hosting three different shows this summer in the John Goodman Amphitheatre, including:
Serenade: Summer Nights of Swing & Song (June 12-14, 18-21) – An evening live music performance featuring Missouri State's 17-piece Jazz Ensemble and MSU vocalists.
Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play (June 27-28, 30-July 2) – A reenactment of three films by Alfred Hitchcock — 'The Lodger,' 'Sabotage' and 'The 39 Steps' — presented as if it were the 1940s with live sound effects and atmospheric music. Five actors will play many characters
A Grand Night For Singing (July 10-12, 16-19) – A celebration of the golden age of musical theatre showcasing American songbook classics from Rodgers and Hammerstein.
All three shows start at 8 p.m. Any changes will be posted on Tent Theatre's social media. Concessions will also be served from Hill Hall to the north for the time being.
'Please pardon the progress,' Templeton said. 'One day, we'll be completely finished with the transformation of our quad on campus. And I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to see the changes over the past 26 years. It's just amazing what's happened.'
Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at 417-836-7678, in person at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall box office between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. or by mail by completing a season ticket form and mailing it with payment to Missouri State TIX, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897.
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