Wright State Theatre to open 2026–27 season with Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’

Wright State University Theatre’s production of “The Crucible” runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 4 in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center. (Photos by Erin Pence)

In Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, an accusation is all it takes for neighbors to turn on one another and for a village that prides itself on its faith to begin tearing itself apart.

Wright State University Theatre will open its 2026–27 season with Arthur Miller’s classic “The Crucible” Sept. 25 to Oct. 4 in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center.

Miller’s drama follows farmer John Proctor as a panic of witchcraft spreads through Salem, and he is forced to choose between protecting his name and saving his life. The play unfolds as the community decides who is guilty before anyone has spoken in their own defense.

On the stage, “The Crucible” features Wright State students Emma Vernon as Betty Parris, Henry Coyner as the Rev. Samuel Parris, Elizabeth Froedge as Abigail Williams, Madysen Ashley as Susanna Wolcott and Martha Corey, Olivia Milligan as Ann Putnam, Ethan Cain as Thomas Putnam, Meg Adams as Mercy Lewis, Eve Diamond as Mary Warren, Noah Funderburk as John Proctor, Alex Thate as Rebecca Nurse and Ethan Worthington as Giles Corey.

The cast also includes Carson Keith as the Rev. John Hale, Madeline Zabela as Elizabeth Proctor, Anthony Luisi as Francis Nurse, Jaeden Ramsey as Ezekiel Cheever, Carson Campbell as John Willard, Jacob Sawtelle as Judge Hathorne, Jordan Allen as Deputy Gov. Danforth, Abby Holmes as Sarah Good and Elliot Chilcote as Hopkins. Guest artist Rhonda Ogletree plays Tituba.

The production team includes assistant director Madysen Ashley, intimacy director Andrea Chenoweth Wells, stage manager Arthur Billups, set designer Maggie Slauenwhite, costume designer Jessica Arthur, lighting designer Levi T. Fravel and sound designer James Dunlap.

Performances:

• Sept. 25, 26 and Oct. 2 and 3 at 8 p.m.
• Sept. 27, Oct. 3 and 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets:

• $25 for adults
• $23 for people 60 and older
• $15 for students, faculty, staff and alumni

Purchase online at wrightliberalarts.universitytickets.com or at the Creative Arts Center box office weekdays from noon to 4 p.m.

Wright State students bring “The Crucible” to life:

Remaining 2026–27 theatre season schedule:

• “Decision Height,” Oct. 9–18, Herbst Theatre
• “Pippin,” Nov. 12–23, Festival Playhouse
• “The Humans,” Feb. 12–21, Festival Playhouse
• “Ride the Cyclone,” Feb. 19–28, Herbst Theatre
• “Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812,” March 25–April 11, Festival Playhouse