PAC-ked schedule as Georgia Southern University Performing Arts Center unveils 2025-26 season performances
The Georgia Southern University Performing Arts Center (PAC) 2025-26 Main Stage Series kicks off in October, and features a season full of performances from national ensembles to student productions to holiday favorites and family-friendly performances beginning this fall.
“To the community, I would like to welcome everyone through our doors once again for another season that is PAC-ked with programming,” Daniel Brown, director of the Performing Arts Center. “I am confident that this year will be one of the most exciting to date.”
The season opens Oct. 29 with the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus. Founded in 1946 and 1957, respectively, the Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus are the oldest and largest of the U.S. Army Field Band’s performing components. The ensembles will present a program ranging from masterworks and operatic arias to Sousa marches, jazz classics and Broadway favorites. The concert is free, but tickets must be reserved online.
A few weeks later, the Georgia Southern Theatre program and the Performing Arts Center will present Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” Nov. 13-15. The comedy explores themes of love, identity and transformation. General admission tickets are $20; Georgia Southern student, faculty and staff tickets are $10.
On Nov. 20, the holiday season kicks off with “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” The musical follows seven-year-old Lois Jean, who believes a baby hippo named Bella can bring her family together for Christmas. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.
The PAC’s season continues in 2026 with playing host to a night unlike any other with “Candlelight Celtic.” Surrounded by the warm glow of more than 1,000 candles, the audience will be immersed in a one-of-a-kind enchanting atmosphere filled with the soul-stirring melodies of Ireland. This event was created by the 2009 World Champion of Irish Dance, Scott Doherty, and worldwide touring Irish musician Chris Smith. The show takes place on March 2, and tickets range from $10 to $25.
From April 9 to 11, a Pulitzer-winning drama comes to the PAC. “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage tells the story of a group of friends who have spent their lives sharing drinks, secrets and laughter while working together on the factory floor. But when layoffs and picket lines begin to chip away at their trust, the friends find themselves pitted against each other in a heart-wrenching fight to stay afloat. General admission tickets are $20; Georgia Southern student, faculty and staff tickets are $10. “Sweat” is recommended for patrons ages 13 and up due to strong language and some violence.
School Matinee Series
The PAC’s School Matinee Series is expanding this year to include 12 educational touring shows in collaboration with theater companies and Georgia Southern Theatre students. Tickets are $5, and bookings are available through pac@georgiasouthern.edu.
The series begins Oct. 8 with Washington Irving’s classic “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” recommended for grades 4 and up. A fun-for-the-family study guide is available for audiences.
On Oct. 10, “New Kid” tells the story of an immigrant family navigating a new culture. On Oct. 21, Bright Star’s comic duo Lenny and Mabel bring “Peter Pan” to life in a play within a play. The show is recommended for Pre-K through grade 3.
Additional matinee shows include:
- Halloween Carnival — Oct. 21
- As You Like It — Nov. 13
- I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas — Nov. 20
- George Washington Carver & Friends — Jan. 12
- The Life of Dr. King — Jan. 13
- Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show — Jan. 20
- Empowered, Brilliant & Brave: Great Women of Black History — Jan. 21
- Jack’s Adventure in American History — March 25
- Game Show USA — March 26
- Winnie the Pooh — April 21
Additional events
The PAC will also host free events, including concerts by the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music and student film festivals and premieres from the Department of Communication Arts.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Sept. 15, including students, faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased online, at the PAC’s Ticket Office Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. or over the phone at (912) 478-7999. Additional questions can be answered by emailing pac@georgiasouthern.edu.
The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus will open the PAC 2025-2026 season on Oct. 29.
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