West Virginia Public Theatre is thrilled to announce its 2026 summer season with standout shows Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood and Proof. Both plays will run this June in the Gladys G. Davis Theatre in the Canady Creative Arts Center on West Virginia University’s Evansdale Campus in Morgantown.

Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood is kicking off this year’s summer season with a lively retelling of the classic tale of heroism, rebellion, and justice. Packed with thrills, romance, laughter, and immortal characters like Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian, Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood tells the enduring story of a hero of the people who takes on the ruthless greed of the powers that be.

This story of courage is based on the classic hero’s tale and is filled with high stakes, love and a deep belief in fairness for the common man. You won’t want to miss a moment of this swashbuckling fun for all ages!

“As a father of four I understand what a profound experience it can be to bring the whole family to an inspirational live theatre experience,” Jerry McGonigle, artistic director or WVPT said. “What better story to do that than the exciting and ageless adventure of Robin Hood? Bring grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, aunts, uncle, friends, neighbors and all the kids for a family outing they will never forget.”

The show runs for 10 performances. Venue: Gladys G. Davis Theatre, WVU Canady Creative Arts Center

Performance Dates & Times:

∫ Wednesday June 3 – 7:30 PM

∫ Thursday June 4 – 7:30 PM

∫ Friday June 5 – 7:30 PM

∫ Saturday June 6 – 2:00 PM

∫ Saturday June 6 – 7:30 PM

∫ Sunday June 7 – 2:00 PM

∫ Tuesday June 9 – 7:30 PM

∫ Wednesday June 10 – 2:00 PM

∫ Wednesday June 10 – 7:30 PM

∫ Thursday June 11 – 7:30 PM

Later in June, WVPT will then present David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play Proof. In this exhilarating and deeply moving drama, Auburn crafts a subtle and gripping exploration of loss, guilt, discovery, love and the elusive nature of truth.

Catherine has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, Robert. When he dies she has more than grief to deal with: There’s her estranged sister, Claire, and Hal, a former student of her father who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that Robert left behind. And a further problem: how much of her father’s madness — or genius — will Catherine inherit?

“Proof offers a more contemporary look at the essentials of navigating life’s uncertainties,” Jerry McGonigle said of the second summer show. “Trust, human connection, and belief in one’s self drive the action of this inspiring life affirming adventure.”

The show runs for 6 performances.

Venue: Gladys G. Davis Theatre, WVU Canady Creative Arts Center

Performance Dates & Times:

∫ Wednesday, June 24 – 7:30 PM

∫ Thursday, June 25 – 7:30 PM

∫ Friday, June 26 – 7:30 PM

∫ Saturday, June 27 – 2:00 PM

∫ Saturday, June 27 – 7:30 PM

∫ Sunday, June 28 – 2:00 PM

WVPT is a fully professional theater made up of both local talent and guest artists from all across the country. Every crew member behind the scenes and actor on stage is compensated with competitive industry rates for their entire contract with the organization. This model is a notable rarity in the Mountain State, and WVPT is proud to champion paying artists for their work.

“It’s been a true delight working with WVPT. They have created a welcoming, collaborative environment that has enriched the design experience. It truly feels like being welcomed into a family,” Tetta Askeland, scenic designer of both summer shows said. “The conversations are rich and fruitful, leading to creativity and wonder. It’s always rejuvenating as an artist to step into a space where the story, the collaboration, and the art is at the heart of the process– which WVPT creates as a cultural norm within their community.”

With every ticket sold or donation made to WVPT, patrons are supporting our mission to enrich and support working artists while enhancing the cultural environment of the region with quality professional programming and educational outreach experiences for all.

Tickets for both shows can be purchased online at wvucca.universitytickets.com or by calling 304-293-TKTS. General public tickets are $30, senior citizens are $20, children are $15 and groups (10 or more) are $15. The theatre offers both ADA accessibility and American Sign Language performances. West Virginia Public Theatre will work with individuals with accessibility questions.

And don’t forget about our holiday show! Narnia: The Musical will be performed December 13-20. Tickets will be on sale soon.

West Virginia Public Theatre has provided exceptional theatrical experiences to the community since 1986. It is committed to offering theatre that inspires, entertains and educates. These performances are presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. Support also comes from an Organizational Arts Grant made possible through a collaborative effort between Your Community Foundation and the Arts Council of Greater Morgantown with funding from the City of Morgantown, the Monongalia County Commission and the Douglas H.

Tanner Memorial Fund for the Arts. This production of Waitress is licensed through Music Theatre International.

About West Virginia Public Theatre

West Virginia Public Theatre (WVPT) seeks to enhance the cultural environment of the state and region by providing quality professional programming and educational outreach experiences for all. Working diligently to sustain its reputation as a premier professional theatre company in West Virginia, WVPT productions are mounted locally from start to finish. The state of West Virginia recognizes WVPT as the largest performing arts provider for children. For 20 years, the holiday show has reached over 3,000 children annually from 16 counties in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

For many of these children, WVPT provides their first, and in some cases, only, exposure to live professional theatre. WVPT continues to receive exciting responses from teachers and principals about the joy the holiday shows give their students. The school systems attend at a discounted rate and each year are provided study guides and other material for the teachers and students to promote literacy through the use of drama and theatre.