I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change – October 1-23, 2021 

By Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts

Directed by Robin Gottlieb | Musical Direction by Randy Moore | Choreography by Anita Ashley

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change returns to the Thigpen Main Stage for the first time since 2002! Now with an updated script to reflect love in these modern times, this crowd-pleasing comedy takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship.”

Intimate Apparel – November 12-27, 2021 

By Lynn Nottage

Directed by Jocelyn Sanders

Intimate Apparel, set in 1905 in turn of the century New York, tells the story of Esther, a lonely, single African-American woman who makes her living sewing beautiful corsets and ladies’ undergarments. Winner of the 2004 New York Drama Critics Circle and the Outer Critics Circle Awards.

Trustus Holiday Series

How the Mothers Stole Christmas – December 9-11, 2021

Jingle Bell Jazz – December 15-16, 2021

Trustus Holiday Party – December 19, 2021

Tick, Tick… Boom! – February 4-26, 2022 

By Jonathan Larson

Directed by Dewey Scott-Wiley  | Musical Direction by Chris Cockrell | Choreography by Terrance Henderson

 Before Rent, there was Tick, Tick… Boom!. This autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning composer of Rent, is the story of a composer and the sacrifices that he made to achieve his big break in theatre. Containing fourteen songs, ten characters, three actors and a band, Tick, Tick… Boom! takes you on the playwright/composer’s journey that led to a Broadway blockbuster.

At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen – March 25-April 9, 2022 

By Terry Guest 

Directed by Terrance Henderson

Courtney Berringers would like to welcome you to her wake! But—make no mistake—this ain’t your grandma’s funeral. At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen is a one-act play about Blackness, southern queerness, and the fine art of drag. From African Gods and Goddesses to Trina and Whitney Houston, At the Wake thoughtfully uses storytelling, drama and drag to explore identity, illness, and the narratives we construct for ourselves. Come party at the wake. Bring your own heels!

Dance Nation – April 29-May 14, 2022

By Clare Barron

Directed by Abigail McNeely

 Somewhere in America, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers plots to take over the world. And if their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at Nationals in Tampa Bay. A play about ambition, growing up, and how to find our souls in the heat of it all. Finalist of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and winner of the 2017 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.

First Date – June 17-July 16, 2022

By Austin Winsberg, Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner

Directed by Dewey Scott-Wiley | Musical Direction by Randy Moore 

 When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. As the date unfolds in real time, the couple quickly finds that they are not alone on this unpredictable evening. Can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?

Trustus True Crime Rep – August 11-27, 2022

Composure, By Jason Stokes, Directed by Jason Stokes

House Calls, by Charlie Finesilver, Directed by Ginny Ives 

The Trustus Playwrights’ Festival is commissioning two plays about true Columbia events that were scribed by local playwrights, Jason Stokes and Charlie Finesilver. Composure, by Stokes, tells the story of the murder of State Newspaper Founder Narcisco Gonzales at the hands of Lt. Governor Tillman, and the trial that followed. House Calls, The Strange Tale of Dr. Gale by Finesilver, tells the story of Dr. Ian Gayle – a successful psychiatrist turned burglar who stole over $500,000 worth of guns, antiques, rate coins, jewelry, and other loot from the residents of Forest Acres in the 1970’s. Both shows will be performed in repertory, with performances alternating nightly.