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TheatreFEST 2026

Raleigh's Hub for Summer Theatre

This summer, May 28-June 21, TheatreFEST 2026 is Raleigh’s hub for summer theatre. Connecting theatre-makers, companies, educators, and patrons alike — all in the celebration and advancement of live theatre.

With a varied script of theatrically-centered experiences on tap, TheatreFEST has something for everyone!

Tickets for this year’s TheatreFEST shows will be available beginning 10 a.m, Thursday, April 9.

TheatreFest 26 Bundle

Purchase “The Mystery of Irma Vep, A Penny Dreadful” and “Towards Zero” and save up to 33% through April 24. Use code “TPack40.”

May 28-June 14
Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre

Written by CHARLES LUDLAM
Directed by Danica Jenelle Jackson

Two actors play a myriad of characters in this high-camp, quick-change marathon. The Mystery of Irma Vep satirizes all that is ridiculous in Gothic horror, Victorian melodrama and conventional theatre.

Performed by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Poster for the production of The Mystery of Irma Vep depicting a werewolf's hand over a glass window.

June 11-21
Titmus Theatre

Written by AGATHA CHRISTIE and GERALD VERNER
Directed by MIA SELF

When a house party gathers at Gull’s Point, the seaside home of Lady Tressilian, summer guests are entangled in the conflict between Nevile Strange, his wife Kay, and his ex-wife Audrey. In this nail-biting thriller, Christie probes the psychology of possession and jealousy in the shadow of a savage and brutal murder. The investigation unravels the complexities of the past and culminates in a delectably unpredictable ending.

Performed by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Colorful image of looking up at an older building with the play's title "Towards Zero" in white sharp text.

June 20
Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre

QuickSCRIPTS is a night of 10-minute plays written, directed, and presented by theatre makers in record time. University Theatre invites you to be a part of the process as playwright, director, performer and audience.

8 p.m.
Admission only $5.00 (includes tax and fees)

Clock face with roman numerals

June 5
Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre

The Sips & Scripts platform supports and promotes original works written by North Carolina playwrights. Open to the general public, hear your new play read, lend your voice to read as a character, or simply come hear the new stories playwrights are creating and provide your feedback.

6 p.m.
Participation is free on a first-come basis. No ticket is required.

A feather quill writing in an open notebook. Next to the book there is a half full wine glass

June 13
Thompson Hall

Putting the ‘festival’ in TheatreFEST! Join us for this free, community-wide open house full of theatre-making events.

1-4 p.m.
Free Admission
Registration Required

Theatrical poster for TheaterFest
Logo of the Raleigh Arts Council, displaying a graphic of a tree and the words "Raleigh Arts" in black text.

TheatreFEST is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission.

TheatreFEST está financiado en parte por la Ciudad de Raleigh
basado las recomendaciones de la Comisión de Artes de Raleigh.