Tent Theatre (Missouri State University)
| Location | Springfield, Missouri, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Owner | Missouri State University |
| Operator | Department of Theatre and Dance, Missouri State University |
| Capacity | 350 (removable seating) |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1963 |
| Reopened | 2022 (new amphitheatre) |
| Website | |
| https://tenttheatre.missouristate.edu | |
Tent Theatre is a professional summer stock theatre program operated by the Department of Theatre and Dance at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. It was established in 1963 and originally staged productions under a large canvas tent. Since 2022, performances have taken place in the John Goodman Amphitheatre, a permanent open-air venue on the university campus.[1]
History
Tent Theatre began in the summer of 1963 as a seasonal theatre company run by Missouri State University (then Southwest Missouri State). Early productions were performed under a traditional circus-style tent.[1]
In 2021, the university broke ground on a permanent outdoor theatre space, named the John Goodman Amphitheatre after the actor and university alumnus who contributed to the funding.[2] The venue officially opened in fall 2022, replacing the tent format after nearly 60 years.[1]
Venue
The John Goodman Amphitheatre is located in the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park, adjacent to Craig Hall on the Missouri State campus. It features a permanent stage, high-quality lighting and sound systems, and seating for 350 people. The seating is removable, allowing flexibility for different productions.[1]
Productions
Tent Theatre typically presents three shows during its summer season, which runs from mid-June to late July.
Notable past seasons
- 2023: The first season in the new amphitheatre featured *Anything Goes*, *Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery*, and *The Prom*.[3]
- 2024: Themed “Serving Up Smiles”, the season included *Beautiful: The Carole King Musical*, *Crimes of the Heart*, and *Mystic Pizza*.[4]
2025 season: "Some Enchanted Evenings"
- Serenade: Summer Nights of Swing & Song (June 12–14, 18–21): A live concert featuring a 17-piece jazz ensemble performing music from artists such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Directed by Sarah J. Wiggin.[5]
- Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play (June 27 – July 2): A stage adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock thrillers performed in the style of a 1940s radio drama.[5]
- A Grand Night for Singing (July 10–19): A revue of songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein, including music from *Oklahoma!*, *South Pacific*, and *The Sound of Music*.[5]
Organization
Tent Theatre is operated by Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance and serves as a professional development experience for students and guest artists.
Key Personnel
- Sarah J. Wiggin: Artistic Director (2020s–present), director of the 2025 season opener, and Professor in the Theatre and Dance department. Member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.[5]
- Christopher DePriest: Production Manager and Scenic Designer; also serves as Executive Director of the John Goodman Amphitheatre.[6]
Community and Support
Tent Theatre is supported by university departments, local sponsors, and private donors. Proceeds from premium seating contribute to student scholarships. The theatre also partners with media sponsors such as KY3 and KSMU Radio.[5]
Accessibility
The John Goodman Amphitheatre is ADA-compliant and includes accessible seating, parking, and restrooms. Updates and alternate access routes are provided when campus construction affects traffic flow.[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Staff (2023). "The Reinvention of Missouri State's Tent Theatre". 417 Magazine. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ^ "John Goodman gives $1 million to Missouri State arts park". Missouri State News. April 8, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ^ a b "Tent Theatre's 61st season will be staged in the John Goodman Amphitheatre. Here's the lineup". Springfield Daily Citizen. May 2023. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ^ "Tent Theatre returns for 62nd season". Missouri State News. May 28, 2024. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Tent Theatre 2025 season kicks off with swing, suspense and show tunes". Missouri State News. May 13, 2025. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ^ "Meet the Tent Theatre Team". Tent Theatre. Retrieved July 22, 2025.