John Goodman Amphitheatre Archives - Reynolds College Blog

Tent Theatre brings back “Beehive: The 60’s Musical”

July 1, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

“Beehive: The 60’s Musical” returns to Missouri State University’s Tent Theatre July 8-11 and 13-18.

Professor Sarah Wiggin of the Department of Theatre and Dance is the show’s director.

Performances are at the John Goodman Amphitheatre (JGA). All show times are 8 p.m.

Ticket information

Two young women singing and dressed in 1960s fashion — Carrington Black (left) as “Jasmine” and Gianna Mangum as “Gina” get the giggles while rehearsing for “Beehive.” Photo credit: Jackson Chavis.

Individual, group, and season tickets are now on sale. Patrons can purchase by mail, calling the box office at 417-836-7678 or 1-888-476-7849, or buying online.

On show days, Tent Theatre patrons can pick up their tickets at the will-call kiosk. It is located next to the Amphitheatre and opens at 6:30 p.m.

Visit TentTheatre.MissouriState.edu for further event information.

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Back by popular demand

Wiggin is bringing back the popular musical, which she first directed in 2021.

“We are bringing Beehive back for a couple of reasons,” she noted. “It satisfies our needs for limited scenery during the time without our scene shop.”

Several aspects of the production “will be similar or even the same,” Wiggin added. “But the design has changed some due to being in a different space with a different cast.”

Two young women dressed in 1960s fashion — Scout Henderson (left) as “Pattie” and Teagan Allison as “Allison” can’t get enough of the gorgeous 1960s fashion in “Beehive.” Photo credit: Jackson Chavis.

One important difference is that in 2021 the show was produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited seating. “We were indoors and spaced out, which means only a small portion of our audience could see it,” Wiggin said.

Even within those restrictions, the show was a hit, she recalled. “This show is a very exciting evening of celebrating powerful, iconic female artists of the decade and, though it is theatre, it feels like a concert.”

“The audiences in 2021 raved about the production and were even moved to standing during some songs,” she added.

“I’m hopeful more people will be able to see this fabulous show,” Wiggin said. “It is such a good time, and we really need opportunities to have a good time as a community!”

Visit Tent Theatre @ Mo State

Reynolds College blog posts are human researched, written and reviewed unless otherwise indicated.

Tent Theatre 2026 season opens June 18 with “Around the World in 80 Days”

June 8, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Tent Theatre opens the 2026 season with the zany classic, “Around the World in 80 Days.”

Assistant Professor Karen Sabo of the Department of Theatre and Dance makes her Tent Theatre directorial debut with Mark Brown’s adaptation of the beloved Jules Verne novel.

Performances are June 18-20 and 22-26 at the John Goodman Amphitheatre (JGA).

All show times are 8 p.m.

Ticket information

Individual, group, and season tickets are now on sale. Patrons can purchase by mail, calling the box office at 417-836-7678 or 1-888-476-7849, or buying online.

On show days, Tent Theatre patrons can pick up their tickets at the will-call kiosk. It is located next to the Amphitheatre and opens at 6:30 p.m.

Visit TentTheatre.MissouriState.edu for further event information.

Get tickets

Theatre and Dance closes season with Spring Dance Concert

April 15, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

The Department of Theatre and Dance announces its last program for the 2025-26 season. “Pillars,” the Spring Dance Concert, will be performed April 23-26 at the John Goodman Amphitheatre (JGA).

Show times are 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $13 for students/seniors. Special advance rates are available for students with a Missouri State ID.

Assistant Professor of Dance Jessica Madden coordinated this year’s production.

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Concert features variety of dance styles

Madden is excited that the “Pillars” concert marks the first time a fully produced dance concert will be performed on the JGA stage.

“This is the first dance concert I am coordinating at Missouri State since joining the faculty this fall,” Madden said.

Thirty-seven students are scheduled to appear in the program. Works by three graduating seniors, Caroline Wolfe, Peyton Nicholson, and Nicole Mayer, will be featured. Guest artist Halle Lawson, a recent graduate of the dance program, has also choreographed a special dance piece.

In addition, Madden collaborated with five of the students to present her new work, “Intrepid.”

Audiences can expect to see variety of dance styles performed, including “contemporary, tap, house, jazz, hip hop, majorette and step,” Madden said.

“It has been a very rewarding experience working with these incredibly talented students,” she said.

Interpreting the public affairs mission

In addition to the season’s “Awakenings” theme, the dance concert’s “Pillars” theme gives students a chance to explore Missouri State’s public affairs mission.

“Each of the choreographers have their own take on how they are engaging with these pillars in their work,” Madden said. “There is a significant emphasis on community in many of the pieces, and a call to ‘awaken’ these principles in how we engage with the world today.”

Study Dance @ Mo State

Reynolds College blog posts are human researched, written and reviewed unless otherwise indicated.

Four acts lined up for annual “Brown Bag” concert series at JGA

March 17, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

For its third season, Missouri State University’s “Brown Bag Concert Series” continues to enliven April lunchtime with its lineup of talented performers.

Held once again at the John Goodman Amphitheatre (JGA), the event is free and open to the public. The amphitheater is located immediately north of Craig Hall in the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park.

All performances start at noon. Public parking will be available starting at 11 a.m. across Grand Street in Parking Lots 22 and 24.

“Bring your lunch, relax and enjoy some great music,” said Mark Templeton, executive director of marketing and external relations for JGA.

Tent Theatre’s Mark Templeton to retire, reception set for March 27

March 11, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Every year for nearly 30 years, Missouri State University’s Tent Theatre has been under the dedicated guidance of Managing Director Mark Templeton.

As of April 1, 2026, Templeton will step aside from his role with this cherished Ozarks tradition.

Templeton began working at Missouri State as a graduate assistant for the marketing director at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. In addition, he worked in a similar capacity over the summers with Tent Theatre, adding merchandising and vending operations to his workload.

In 1999, the Department of Theatre and Dance hired Templeton as a part-time employee. He worked in the box office and oversaw event coordination. Later that same year, he moved to a full time position as the department’s marketing director. Then in 2001, the department changed his job title to managing director to better reflect his expertise and include even more responsibilities.

Retirement reception March 27

A retirement reception celebrating Templeton’s career will be held 4:30-7:30 p.m. March 27 at the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center. Please join the Reynolds College community in wishing him well, share many happy memories, and enjoy a few light hors d’oeuvres.

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