“New” is the buzzword at the Dallas Theater Center. The Tony Award-winning theater company has a new artistic director in Jaime Castañeda, a new season full of new plays, and touts the next season as the beginning of a new era for one of Dallas’ oldest arts organizations. Although his tenure does not officially begin until July 1, Castañeda planned the 2026-2027 season. His inaugural season includes three world premieres and a regional premiere; all shows North Texans have never seen before. “New work is the engine of the American Theater, and Dallas Theater Center will be a laboratory for artists who have something urgent and honest to express today,” Castañeda said. “Everything starts with the play and the story. I gravitate toward writers who are honest, writing about today and engaging with the present, even if they speak to a different time and era. These plays are about the now, and they are events for the stage that are in direct conversation with the audience. As I embark on my inaugural season at DTC, I am especially looking forward to expanding our DTC family with new artists while featuring local talent and our very own Brierley Resident Acting Company. At every show this season, our audiences will experience original, theatrical events that will inspire conversation.” Jaime Castañeda officially begins his tenure as Dallas Theater Center’s Enloe/Rose Artistic Director on July 1. A fifth production will be announced on June 1 and is scheduled to run Feb. 5 – 21, 2027, at the Kalita Humphreys Theater. Even as the theater moves into a new era artistically, a holiday tradition will continue with A Christmas Carol. This year’s production is adapted by Kevin Moriarty, the theater’s Executive Director. “This season marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Dallas Theater Center,” Moriarty said. “Jaime Castañeda brings extraordinary artistic vision, deep curiosity about the world, and a passionate commitment to our North Texas community. His work invites audiences into vibrant conversations while celebrating the joy and power of live theater. We are thrilled to welcome Jaime to Dallas and to begin this next era of artistry together with our audiences, artists, and partners across the city.” Subscriptions for the 2026-27 season are available now and can be purchased online or by calling the DTC Box Office at 214-522-8499. THE 2026/2027 SEASON Reykjavik86 World Premiere by Gabe McKinley Directed by Enloe/Rose Artistic Director Jaime Castañeda Sept. 11 – 27, 2026, at the Dee Charles Wyly Theatre Reykjavik86 is a gripping Cold War thriller that brings the 1986 nuclear summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev to life on stage. With the fate of humanity in the balance, two vastly different leaders search for common ground while wrestling with ideology, history and the human cost of power. Reykjavik86 delves into diplomacy in a divisive world, revealing the enduring impact of choices made and not made. The Monsters Regional Premiere by Ngozi Anyanwu Oct. 9 – Nov. 1, 2026, at the Wyly Studio Theatre Lil is a scrappy young fighter ready to enter the ring. After 16 years, she reconnects with her brother Big, an accomplished fighter in the local MMA scene. To earn her brother’s respect, Lil must master her stance, her strikes, and her stubborn streak. But can these two siblings mend their thorny past and find common ground in the ring they both love? Fresh from a critically acclaimed Off-Broadway run, The Monsters is a play with heart, humor and the fierce love only a sibling can give. Kill Local World Premiere Book by Mat Smart Music and Lyrics by Liza Anne Music Produced by Kyle Ryan with Liza Anne Based on the play Kill Local by Mat Smart Directed by Enloe/Rose Artistic Director Jaime Castañeda, March 26 – April 11, 2027, at the Dee Charles Wyly Theatre Sheila and her sister, Abigail, work together for their mother’s small family business. Sheila used to love the job. Lately, she’s not so sure. But when you’re an assassin, being uninspired means getting sloppy, and getting sloppy means getting killed. With music by indie rock singer-songwriter Liza Anne, this world premiere musical blends dark comedy with killer songs about blood ties, revenge, and how hard it is to get unstuck. Several of the shows of the 2026-2027 will run at Wyly Theatre in the Dallas Arts District. The Making of a Saint World Premiere Written, Directed and Starring KJ Sanchez May 14 – June 6, 2027 at the Wyly Studio Theatre KJ is searching for something to believe in. Her brother is very spiritual. In fact, he is the official Petitioner of the Cause for the canonization of a Catholic saint— Sister Blandina Segale, who lived in the time we call the “Wild West.” Searching for a model for how to live a good life, investigative documentary writer/performer KJ Sanchez sets out to understand Sister Blandina’s extraordinary story. In this solo investigative performance based on interviews and research in Rome, KJ invites the audience into her search–exploring what it means to help others, and how a brother and sister might bridge the distance between faith and doubt. ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION: A Christmas Carol Adapted by Kevin Moriarty Directed by Alex Organ Based on the novel by Charles Dickens Nov. 27 – Dec. 27, 2026, at the Dee Charles Wyly Theatre Embark on a magical Christmas Eve adventure with Ebenezer Scrooge as three otherworldly spirits whisk him away on a breathtaking journey of hope and redemption. From the nostalgic warmth of Christmases past to the stark truths of the present and the ominous shadows of the future, Scrooge’s journey is a spectacle of wonder. Prepare for dazzling visuals, enchanting melodies, and a heartwarming tale that celebrates the transformative power of the holiday spirit. Learn more: Dallas Theater Center ...read more read less