Black and white photo of the bare back of a woman with her long hair in a braid hanging down her back with strange, eerie markings at the bottom. Text: Portland State University Theater Arts Presents A Rock Musical, Spring Awakening. Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater. Music by Duncan Sheik. Based on the play by Frank Wedekind. Feb. 26 - Mar. 7, 2026.

Book & Lyrics by Steven Sater, Music by Duncan Sheik

Based on a play by Frank Wedekind.

Directed by Theresa Robbins Dudeck

 

Accompanied by a live band.

 

Dates: February 27 - March 7, 2026

Preview performance on February 26

 

Location: Lincoln Performance Hall (LH175)
1620 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97201

 

About This Production

Spring Awakening is a riveting rock musical that captures the desires, pain, excitement, and confusion of adolescence. Set in a rigid and repressive society, it follows a group of teenagers as they navigate the treacherous terrain of growing up—confronting sex, pregnancy, love, loss, and the suffocating pressures of school and family.

As they struggle to make sense of their inner lives and relationships, these young characters reach for connection, discover the power of their voices, and push back against the conservative forces that seek to silence them.

Driven by Tony Award-winning alternative rock score by Duncan Sheik, the music of Spring Awakening pulses with the urgency, defiance, and yearning of adolescence. Spring Awakening offers a powerful and poignant theatrical experience that resonates deeply with audiences of every generation.

Spring Awakening is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Performance Dates

Thursday, February 26, 7:30 PM (Preview performance, $15 ticket discounts available
Friday, February 27, 7:30 PM (Opening night! Join us for a post-show reception with the company.)
Saturday, February 28, 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 1, 2:00 PM

Wednesday, March 4, 7:30 PM (Community night: Arts workers, PSU community and alumni receive $10 tickets)
Thursday, March 5, 7:30 PM
Friday, March 6, 7:30 PM
Saturday, March 7, 2:00 PM

Duration: This performance runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 10 minute intermission.

Content Warning

This production of Spring Awakening contains mature themes and material that may be triggering or distressing to some audience members. The story explores adolescent sexuality, repression, and self-discovery, and includes depictions and/or discussion of:

  • Sexual content and intimacy
  • Physical violence and abuse
  • Sexual assault
  • Suicide and self-harm
  • Strong language

These themes are integral to the narrative and are handled with care by the creative team. Viewer discretion is advised.

If you have questions or concerns about content prior to attending, please contact Solomon Weisbard: sweisbard@pdx.edu

Tickets

Season Subscription – get a bargain while supporting the performing arts at PSU! Reserve your tickets for the entire PSU Theater Arts 2025-2026 Season: just $55 (general admission) or $35 (faculty/staff) for all three productions (“Everybody,” “Spring Awakening,” and “As You Like It”).

If you're interested in ushering for a Theater Arts production and seeing the show for free, please fill out this form.

This is a reserved seating event.

  • Student Tickets: $5 for students at any school or college. If you’re a student outside of PSU, call the box office to make your purchase.
  • Access Tickets: $5 - Anyone who gets food relief through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and has the Oregon Trail Card or Washington State Quest Card can purchase up to two $5 tickets. These tickets must be purchased via phone (503-725-3305), at the box office, or at will-call (if available). Proof of eligibility will be verified when you pick up your tickets
  • Community Night: The second Wednesday of each production is our Community Night! Arts workers, Arts Educators, PSU community, and alumni have access to $10 tickets
  • PSU Faculty/Staff Tickets: $15
  • General Admission: $25
  • Pay-it-forward $40 - This ticket includes a non-tax-deductible contribution that helps subsidize lower-cost tickets for those who may not be able to pay full price.
  • Visionary Supporter $60 - This ticket includes a non-tax-deductible contribution that supports a thriving Theater Arts program, resulting in more educational opportunities for the next generation of theater makers.
  • PSU Student Rush: free ticket with ID at the door (starting 1 hr before performance time).
     
  • If you are interested in ushering for a Theater Arts production and seeing the show for free, please fill out this form.

Parking Information: pdx.edu/transportation/hourly-visitor-parking

Questions: somt@pdx.edu; (503) 725-3011

 

Production graphics by Bologna Sandwich (bologna-sandwich.com).



Sport coach scene from Oh, the Humanity

Theater Arts at PSU

The PSU Theater Program is committed to providing pre-professional training that balances theory and practice within a liberal-arts education. Through classroom study, studio/laboratory practice, field studies or mainstage productions, students are encouraged to pursue educational excellence and collaboration