First nighters

First Nighters

First Night to Forever

The First Nighters Steering Committee and the Department of Theatre invite you to join First Nighters for the 2025-26 theatre season. By doing so, you join a select group of theatre patrons who attend the theatre regularly, enjoy the camaraderie that comes from participating in opening night festivities that includes a social gathering with hors d’oeuvres with fellow First Nighters, and who seek to make a USD education more affordable for a number of deserving students each year. The latter is accomplished through your contributions to the First Nighter Endowed Scholarship, an act of generosity that aids the Theatre Department in fulfilling its vision, “to excel as the premiere professional theatre training program built upon a liberal arts foundation.”

We're thrilled to once again share a diverse and dynamic season of theatre at USD! This year's lineup includes GILGAMESH! The Assyrian Epic... sorta, a witty and imaginative retelling of the world's oldest story; Bright Star, a heartwarming bluegrass musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell set in the hills of Appalachia; and Godspell, Stephen Schwartz's joyful celebration of life, compassion and community. Rounding out the mainstage season is Kate Hamill's clever and fast-paced adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, breathing 21st-century humor into Jane Austen's beloved classic.

In addition to these mainstage productions, the Arena Theatre will present Baby, I'll Turn the Sky Green for You, a powerful exploration of family, forgiveness and survival in a changing world, as well as the Annual Ron L. Moyer One-Act Plays, showcasing exceptional student talent in directing, playwriting and design.

First Nighters Dates:

GILGAMESH!, The Assyrian Epis... sorta: Oct. 2, 2025
Bright Star: Nov. 21, 2025
Godspell: Feb. 19, 2026
Pride and Prejudice: April 17, 2026

Membership Information

Membership at the Silver level ($200) or above entitles you to 2 tickets to each Knutson Theatre production, 2 invitations to each cocktail buffet and acknowledgment in the Knutson Theatre production programs. Bronze ($100-$199) memberships receive 1 ticket and 1 invitation. $45 from Bronze, or $90 starting from Silver membership is the value of preferred seating tickets which supports theatre operations. The balance of your contribution provides First Nighters Endowed Scholarships for theatre students.

Please consider the amount of support you would like to provide for scholarships when choosing your level of membership. The form below provides options to purchase a membership at the lowest value. There is an Additional Donation field if you would like to contribute an additional amount. We also hope you will consider being a host for one of the delightful opening night socials. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Batboy the musical