THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2026-27 SEASON
The 2026-2027 Season at The Human Race Theatre Company offers a thrilling and electric journey. Connected by themes of perception and reality, these five productions will encourage our audience to think about our discernment of truth. Who or what decides what the truth is? And how do we see clearly when our experiences or opinions cloud our judgement?
“In planning for this season, we knew that a big question would be on the table again,” notes artistic director Emily N. Wells. “While at the same time, we want to offer our fans an enticing, entertaining night out with shows that will linger with them after they leave.”
From bold contemporary works to a beloved classic, these five productions invite audiences on an imaginative and unforgettable journey: challenging perception, illuminating truth, and asking us to see the world more clearly.
The women of Salem, Massachusetts unite against their accuser in a bold new dark comedy, Salem: Blood to Drink by Maggie Lou Rader.
Reindeer Sessions by Eric Ulloa returns to where it began on the Loft Stage for December, where Blitzen meets his match in therapy.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare takes this romantic classic to the beach.
Shayan Lotfi’s What Became of Us tells the poetic and theatrical story of two siblings separated by culture and identity.
A topical, psychological thriller closes the season with Job by Max Wolf Friedlich
Subscriptions come in many sizes, are suited to any budget, and offer the best value with the most flexibility including our new Generation HRTC rate for ages 20-40! Can’t commit? Choose a 3-Show package or our membership program instead. By popular demand, a Parents Day Out Series is available at no additional charge. Military and student discounts available. Student group performances are scheduled for Midsummer. Renewals will begin at the start of May and new subscriptions are available at any time. All tickets are available through Dayton Live Box Office at 937-228-3630 or https://www.daytonlive.org/series/loft-season/.
The Human Race Theatre Company
2026-2027 Loft Season
SALEM: Blood To Drink
By Maggie Lou Rader*
October 14 –25, 2026
*Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award Winner.
In this modern dark comedy about the ever present “why” behind America’s most famous witch hunt, Elizabeth Proctor finds herself on the wrong side of witchcraft accusations alongside Sarah Good, Bridget Bishop, and Ann Foster in Salem, 1692. They confront their faith, fears, and just how much society has suddenly forced them to have in common. Nothing brings people together like a common enemy, but when their enemy is placed directly in the middle of their cell, the rules of society that say women are subservient are quickly abandoned.
Recommended if you liked: A Distinct Society, Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B; Lizzie
Reindeer Sessions
By Eric Ulloa
Director Igor Goldin
December 9 – 20, 2026
After a fight that left history’s most famous reindeer with a broken red nose, Blitzen is forced into a series of Anger Management therapy sessions by Kringle Enterprises. Tasked with finding the cause of this violent outburst, his therapist Dr. Arbor hopes to help him understand what led to this moment and if he can save his job on the reindeer squad. Instead, she hears what really happened on that foggy Christmas Eve. You won’t look at The North Pole the same way again in this hilarious and unexpected ride! Returning to reprise their world premiere roles: Teri Clark Linden and Rico Romalus Parker.
Recommended if you liked Reindeer Sessions, Who’s Holiday, A Frosty Night
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare
Director Emily N. Wells
February 3 – 14, 2027
Four impetuous young lovers flee into the magical moonlit night through the dunes and on the sand in true “beach blanket” fashion. Not to be outdone, the fairy Puck plays tricks to amuse the other denizens of the misty coastline yet makes sure that everything turns out right in the end. Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy sparkles with vivacious imagination in this fresh adaptation. Student group performances available.
Recommended if you liked This is Tom Jones!; Shakespeare’s Comedies
What Became of Us
By Shayan Lotfi
April 7 – 18, 2027 – Regional Premiere
Siblings Q and Z reflect on their childhood, their family’s immigration journey, and the complex realities of growing up between two cultures. Through fragmented memories, the play explores how identity, sacrifice, and personal choices shape their diverging paths and strain the siblings’ relationship over time. Ultimately, it is an in-depth examination of family, belonging, and the emotional cost of becoming who we are.
Recommended if you liked A Distinct Society
Job
By Max Wolf Friedlich
Director Emily N. Wells
June 2 – 13, 2027 – Regional Premiere
Unsettled by her job as a content screener for a big tech company, Jane seeks therapy to cope with the horrors she witnesses. The line between her work and her reality distorts in this taught and timely thriller. New York Times Critic Pick.
Recommended if you liked Barbecue; A Distinct Society
The Human Race Theatre Company thanks all the individuals and organizations that supported our 25-26 40th Anniversary Season and continue to help make these upcoming productions possible.
To sponsor a program or production, please contact Kappy Kilburn, Executive Director.
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