2026-2027 Arts Calendar

2026-2027 Arts Calendar

Ohio Wesleyan Announces Upcoming Fine Arts, Music, Theatre, and Dance Events

DELAWARE, Ohio - Ohio Wesleyan University's Department of Performing Arts and Richard M. Ross Art Museum invite the community to attend music performances, plays, art exhibitions, and dance recitals throughout the 2026-2027 academic year.

Please note that all event information is subject to change at any time throughout the year. For the latest details and newest campus events, visit owu.edu/events.

Performing Arts Events

Ohio Wesleyan's Department of Performing Arts offers majors in Music, Music Education, and Theatre, and minors in Dance, Music (Academic), Music (Performance), and Theatre. The department works to place its liberal arts learning in the context of social, cultural, and educational values, and its productions and ensembles are open to all OWU students, regardless of their major.

Ohio Wesleyan's 2026-2027 Performing Arts season events are scheduled to include:

• 7 p.m. Sept. 5 - Ohio Wesleyan guest recital featuring Mariko Kaneda, piano, and Alex Goldberg, violin, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 3 p.m. Sept. 20 - Ohio Wesleyan faculty recital featuring Adrienne Lape, clarinet, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. Sept. 24 - Ohio Wesleyan student-faculty jazz group performance, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. The group, named Exposure, features Dylan Craft, Chris Lizak, and Ben Shaheen. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 3 p.m. Sept. 27 - Ohio Wesleyan faculty recital featuring Tony Weikel, trombone, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. Oct. 2 - Ohio Wesleyan Performing Arts Alumni Recital: A Celebration of Sanborn, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. Oct. 16-17 - Ohio Wesleyan Musical Theater Scenes, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 3 p.m. Oct. 18 - Ohio Wesleyan senior recital featuring Ryleigh Jones, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. Oct. 22 - Ohio Wesleyan Symphonic Wind Ensemble concert, in Gray Chapel inside University Hall, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 3 p.m. Oct. 25 - Ohio Wesleyan student recital featuring senior Liz Railsback and sophomore Dylan Craft, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29-31 and 2 p.m. Nov. 1 - Ohio Wesleyan fall theater production, "Oh, to be Pure Again" by Kira Rockwell, directed by OWU's Lusie Cuskey, on the Main Stage in Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware. Exploring the tension between female desire and purity culture, this gripping play offers a raw, intimate, and often darkly comedic look at the struggles of growing up in a highly dogmatic environment. Set at a 2010 Charismatic Christian summer camp in rural Texas, the story follows Becca, a counselor guiding teenage girls, who grapples with her own shifting faith and disillusionment. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens, and free for OWU students and employees by visiting owu.edu/PerformingArts beginning two weeks before the show debuts. For questions, call the box office at (740) 368-3855.
• 3 p.m. Nov. 8 - Ohio Wesleyan Choral Art Society and Chamber Choir concert, in Gray Chapel inside University Hall, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 - Ohio Wesleyan Honor Choir Festival concert, in Gray Chapel inside University Hall, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. Nov. 12 - Park Avenue Jazz Band concert, in Gray Chapel inside University Hall, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. Nov. 13 and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Nov. 14 - Orchesis Dance Company 26/27, on the Main Stage in Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens, and free for OWU students and employees by visiting owu.edu/PerformingArts beginning two weeks before the show debuts. For questions, call the box office at (740) 368-3855.
• 3 p.m. Nov. 15 - Ohio Wesleyan Percussion Ensemble concert, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 7 p.m. Nov. 15 - Ohio Wesleyan Composition Studio Recital, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. Nov. 17 - Ohio Wesleyan Chamber Orchestra concert, in Gray Chapel inside University Hall, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. Nov. 19 - Ohio Wesleyan faculty recital featuring Chris Lizak, percussion, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 - Ohio Wesleyan One-Act Play Festival, in the Studio Theatre in Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware. Tickets are free, but reservations are requested by visiting owu.edu/PerformingArts beginning two weeks before the show debuts. For questions, call the box office at (740) 368-3855.
• 8 p.m. Dec. 8 - Ohio Wesleyan fall departmental recital, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 7 p.m. Feb. 12, 2027 - Ohio Wesleyan Honor Band Festival: Host concert with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, in Gray Chapel inside University Hall, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 2 p.m. Feb. 13, 2027 - Ohio Wesleyan Honor Band Festival: Grand finale concert with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, in Gray Chapel inside University Hall, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25-28 and 2 p.m. Feb. 27, 2027 - Ohio Wesleyan winter production, "Hurricane Diane" by Madeleine George, directed by OWU's Bradford Sadler, in the Studio Theatre in Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware. The Greek god Dionysus returns to Earth disguised as butch gardener named Diane to seduce four suburban New Jersey housewives and save the planet from climate change. The play bends Greek mythology with modern-day issues, exploring themes of climate crisis, capitalism, and suburban life through sharp humor and keen observation, earning critical acclaim for its unique tone and ambition. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens, and free for OWU students and employees by visiting owu.edu/PerformingArts beginning two weeks before the show debuts. For questions, call the box office at (740) 368-3855.
• 3 p.m. March 21, 2027 - Ohio Wesleyan Choral Art Society and Chamber Choir concert, in Gray Chapel inside University Hall, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. March 23, 2027 - Ohio Wesleyan March departmental recital, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. March 25, 2027 - Ohio Wesleyan Chamber Orchestra Concert, in Gray Chapel inside University Hall, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 7:30 p.m. April 1-2 and April 9-10, and 2 p.m. April 4 and April 11, 2027 - Ohio Wesleyan spring musical performance, "Bring It On: The Musical," on the Main Stage in Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware. This Tony Award-winning show is by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jeff Whitty, Tom Kitt, and Amanda Green. OWU's BC Granger will direct. A high-energy adaptation of the 2000 cheerleading movie, "Bring It On" tells the story of Campbell, an elite cheerleader forced to transfer to a rival school, where she teams up with a hip-hop dance crew to take on Nationals. In this exciting dance-oriented script, the cutthroat world of competitive cheerleading meets the fierce rivalries of high school politics and romance. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens, and free for OWU students and employees by visiting owu.edu/PerformingArts beginning two weeks before the show debuts. For questions, call the box office at (740) 368-3855.
• 8 p.m. April 8, 2027 - Ohio Wesleyan Jazz Band Concert, in Gray Chapel inside University Hall, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. April 15, 2027 - Ohio Wesleyan Symphonic Wind Ensemble Concert, in Gray Chapel inside University Hall, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. April 20, 2027 - Ohio Wesleyan April departmental recital, in Jemison Auditorium inside Sanborn Hall, 23 Elizabeth St., Delaware. Admission is free. For more information, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
• 8 p.m. April 23 and 2 p.m. April 24, 2027 - Terpsicorps Dance Production 26/27, on the Main Stage in Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens, and free for OWU students and employees by visiting owu.edu/PerformingArts beginning two weeks before the show debuts. For questions, call the box office at (740) 368-3855.

Fine Arts Exhibitions

Ohio Wesleyan's Richard M. Ross Art Museum, 60 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, strives to exhibit diverse, emerging, and established artists while supporting the creativity and vitality of the arts in Ohio and beyond. Every year, the museum's curatorial focus centers on specific issues to foster discussion, learning, and shared discovery. During the 2026-2027 academic year, the Ross will feature exhibitions examining the complex issues surrounding "Communication, Surveillance & Democracy."

The Ross Art Museum's 2026-2027 exhibitions are scheduled to include:

Aug. 11-Sept. 27

• Nicholas Hill: Pandemic Portraits - Hill's portrait ink drawings, created on pages of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, focus attention on the impact of government intervention and public health policy on the individual. His exhibit examines the recent pandemic era through a deeply personal reflection on loss. Hill is a professor emeritus at Otterbein University.
• Ohio Art League Curated Show - This curated exhibit features artist members of the nonprofit Ohio Art League showcasing works that explore the museum's 2026-2027 theme of "Communication, Surveillance & Democracy."

Oct. 13-Dec. 18

• Ardine Nelson: City Center - Nelson's photographic series explores Columbus's short-lived City Center Mall, which operated from 1989 to 2009 before being demolished. Intended to revitalize the downtown urban core, the mall faced challenges almost from the outset. Nelson's images explore the limits of capitalism and consumer culture.
• Ohio Wesleyan Fine Arts Faculty Exhibition - OWU's professors showcase their latest creations in ceramics, painting, photography, and mixed media.

Oct. 13, 2026-April 4, 2027

• A More Perfect Union - Featuring works from the Ross Art Museum's permanent teaching collection, "A More Perfect Union" examines efforts to live up to aspirations and ideals of the United States of America.

Jan. 13-April 4, 2027

• Ricky Weaver: Photographs - Weaver's images explore the complexities of the Black experience in America, including issues of surveillance and social justice. The exhibit continues the museum's 2026-2027 theme of "Communication, Surveillance & Democracy."

April 17-May 8, 2027

• Ohio Wesleyan Fine Arts Graduate Exhibition: Members of the Class of 2027 exhibit juried works that showcase the breadth and depth of their OWU Fine Arts education. The exhibit will open with a free public reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 17. Ohio Wesleyan's Department of Fine Arts offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees with majors in Fine Arts, Studio Art, Art Education, and Art History.

April 17-June 27, 2027

• Jim Krehbiel: OWU Professor Emeritus - Building "Communication, Surveillance & Democracy" theme, Krehbiel investigates First Nations cultures of the American Southwest. Drawing upon the disciplines of archaeology and astronomy, his work invites viewers to consider how collective histories are shared, preserved, and remembered. Krehbiel retired in May 2020 after 34 years at Ohio Wesleyan, including 21 years as department chair.

May 14-June 26, 2027

• Museum Collection/Alumni Show - The Ross will share works from its collection of nearly 3,000 works and feature alumni artists as part of Ohio Wesleyan's annual Reunion Weekend.

During the academic year, OWU's Richard M. Ross Art Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed during academic breaks and holidays. The Ross is handicap-accessible, and admission is always free. Call (740) 368-3606 or visit owu.edu/Ross or https://www.facebook.com/RossArtMuseum for more information.

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature experience, the OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to understand issues from multiple academic perspectives, volunteer in service to others, build a diverse and global perspective, and translate classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships, research, and other hands-on learning. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives" and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review "Best Colleges" lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.