Dear TFDP Community,
“Isn’t there anyone to tell me who I am?” laments Jane Doe in Ride the Cyclone. Welcome to the 2026-2027 season in which contemporary and canonical playwrights as well as emerging filmmakers explore identity and humanity. Our mainstage will present a Los Angeles-set, Latine/x retelling of Medea focused on undocumented immigrants and the sacrifices they make; a Shakespearean comedy with gender-bending fun in the face of stuffy edicts; and a popular musical that became a TikTok sensation and that reminds us of life’s preciousness and precarity. In this period of heightened attacks on immigrants and LGBTQ+ people, telling stories with compassion and humor remains essential. As always, throughout the year, we will also shine a spotlight on original works by our creative and skillful students at the Smartphone Film Festival, TFDP Film Showcase, New Works Festival, and Playworks.
Presenting the Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production’s 2026-27 Season:
MAINSTAGE
TWELFTH NIGHT
by William Shakespeare
November 2026
Shipwrecked on a strange shore and separated from her twin, Viola disguises herself and plunges into a whirlwind of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and sharp-witted comedy in William Shakespeare’s classic play.
MOJADA
by Luis Alfaro
February 2027
Blending Euripides’ classic Medea with Mexican folklore, Luis Alfaro examines the tragedy behind America’s immigration system and the destiny of one family caught in its grip.
RIDE THE CYCLONE
by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell
May 2027
In this darkly funny and unexpectedly heartfelt musical, six teenagers from a Canadian choir meet a tragic end on a roller coaster and awaken in limbo, where they are given one extraordinary chance to tell their stories and fight for a return to life.
FILM FESTIVALS
SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL
Original short films shot entirely on a smartphone by students in UCR’s Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production
February 2027
TFDP FILM SHOWCASE
Original Short Films by UCR Filmmakers
May 2027
STAGED READINGS
NEW WORKS FESTIVAL
Original New Projects by UCR MFA Playwrights
May 2027
PLAYWORKS
10-Minute Original Plays by UCR BA and MFA Students
June 2027
Kudos to the inspiring and indefatigable staff who make all these productions possible—Johnny Macias, Sara Schatmeier, Landis York, Gee-gee Brass, Cody Norris, Kerry Jones, and Max Calzada. In the past couple of years, our department has cultivated more sensitive protocols, championed student designers, and diversified programming. Now Professor Donatella Galella steps back into the wings. Let us give a warm welcome to incoming Artistic Director Professor Annika Speer, an award-winning writer, teacher, and public speaking expert. In addition, after two decades of leading Playworks, Professor Erith Jaffe-Berg passes the baton to Professor Daphnie Sicre.
Please join us for a season of life-affirming theatrical and filmic works, as we gather to see and celebrate one another as artists, educators, and community members.
Donatella Galella, Outgoing Artistic Director
Annika Speer, Incoming Artistic Director
Ben Tusher, Production Director for the Performing Arts