Alta High School's theatre season promises a diverse lineup, including Shakespeare, student-devised work, a musical and a comedy.

The season kicks off Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. with A Night of Shakespeare, featuring 30 students performing scenes and monologues. Adapted by alum Lyndsey Nelson and directed by Lindsey Cline, the show serves as a preview for the 49th annual Utah Shakespeare High School Festival. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at on the school’s website, ahs.canyonsdistrict.org/ or in the office. It will be performed school’s Performing Arts Center, 11055 S. 1000 East. 

Next, they will perform a free showcase at 6 p.m., Oct. 29-30 featuring student-created work.

“The seniors are creating a devised, original work around a topic they choose,” said director Linze Struiksma. “It will be some form of oppression they see in society today and their piece will show how to talk about that in a safe manner.”

The musical “Hadestown” follows, running Nov. 19-22 and Nov. 24 at 7 p.m., with understudies performing Nov. 20. Tickets are $9 in advance or $10 at the door and $16 for the opening night gala. The show is directed by Struiksma.

“The show talks about creating the world we live in,” she said. “We talk about standing up for things which we believe are right, and telling the story we think needs to be told, to give voice to the people who might not have a voice for themselves. We analyze these characters, their choices and what we would want to like to change about the world—and how you don't have to sit and wait for it to change. You get to help that happen.”

Struiksma believes these are reasons why it is important students study theatre.

“Kids need to do theater, so they find their own voice and then know how to use it. We need a world with more people to do that,” she said. “I tell students when you leave my class and you’re more confident in who you are and what you believe about the world and yourself, then I've done my job. Yes, I want you to be a better actor, but I want you to be more confident and love who you are.”

On Dec. 12, the murder mystery dinner written by senior improv captain Taylor Fairbourn will be held at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 in advance.

In the new year, audiences can enjoy the comedy “The Play That Goes Wrong,” directed by Cline, running Feb. 18-21, 2026. Tickets are $9 in advance, $10 at the door.

In spring, students will compete in regional and state theatre competitions, with a one-act and individual events.

“We are working to defend our seven-year region champ title,” Struiksma said.

Also in April, the thespians will join the choir and band to attend workshops at Disneyland.

The season concludes with student-directed one-acts will be at 6 p.m., May 7, 2026. There will be about six 10-minute shows and tickets will be $5.

“It's an awesome opportunity for them to be directors. It’s optional and they apply to direct, either alone or in pairs. I like them to have that experience, to know directing is a career option,” she said. 

Alta’s drama club meets monthly and performs a February service project. 

“It’s a time where everybody can bond together and spend some time outside of a rehearsal situation to socialize and make friends,” she said.

Additionally, advanced theatre students will see five professional productions, including shows at Pioneer Theatre Company and Hale Centre Theatre.

“Our kids are talented, but honestly, they’re awesome. They work hard and are kind,” Struiksma said. “It’s going to be a fun season.”

Alta High students rehearse their fall musical, “Hadestown,” in early September. (Photo courtesy of Alta High theatre department)