This upcoming summer, TheatreFEST 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 summer’s TheatreFEST shows are to come!
Previous TheatreFest Productions
Towards Zero June 2026
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.
A Taste of Shakespeare, June 2026 Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre
Presented by Carolina Shakespeare, A Taste of Shakespeare is a 90 minute evening features self-contained, specially adapted, condensed versions of As You Like It Romeo and Juliet (the fun part, minus the downer ending) Much Ado About Nothing
Each short play runs about 20 minutes and, together with their intro materials, the evening will fill ninety minutes, non-stop. 7:30 p.m.
QuickSCRIPTS June 2026 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)
The Mystery of Irma Vep Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre June 2026
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.
TheatreFESTIVAL 2026
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
Sips & Scripts, June 2026 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.
