Expect Extraordinary! Miami University Performing Arts Series Announces 26-27 Season
Expect Extraordinary! Miami University Performing Arts Series Announces 26-27 Season
OXFORD, Ohio — From Emmy Award-winning comedy and Broadway improvisation to world-class piano, Scottish music and a celebration of Dolly Parton, the Miami University Performing Arts Series brings its "Expect Extraordinary" season, an eclectic lineup of live entertainment, to Oxford during its 91st season.
The 2026–27 season offers something for audiences of all ages and interests, with performances ranging from nationally recognized artists to free community celebrations. The season also continues the Performing Arts Series’ commitment to connecting Miami University with the broader Oxford community through partnerships, co-promotions, and programs that invite everyone to experience the arts.
The season opens during Miami University Family Weekend with An Evening with Nick Offerman on Friday, Oct. 16, at 8:30 p.m. in Millett Hall. Best known for his Emmy Award-winning work as an actor and humorist, Offerman brings an evening of storytelling, singing, and plenty of laughs to campus.
The season continues Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. with pianist Sean Chen, a Cromer/Flory Artist-in-Residence, at the Oxford Community Arts Center. Sponsored by Jerome Conley, Chen has been praised by critics as “genuinely brilliant” and will bring his acclaimed musicianship to the Oxford stage.
On Friday, Feb. 12, Broadway’s Next presents the Phony Awards, an entirely improvised comedy experience at 7:30 p.m. in Hall Auditorium. No two performances are alike as performers create an unpredictable, hilarious awards show entirely in the moment.
St. Patrick’s Day arrives early in Oxford with Tartan Terrors on Friday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. in Hall Auditorium. Presented as a co-promotion with the Oxford Community Arts Center, the performance combines high-energy Scottish music, dance, and comedy for a celebration that promises to get audiences in the spirit of the holiday.
On Saturday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m., The Dolly Show comes to Hall Auditorium. The internationally recognized tribute artist Kelli O’Brien (@thedollyshowtribute) celebrates the music and persona of Dolly Parton in a performance designed to make audiences do a double take—and then sing along.
The season also features two free celebrations of creativity, culture, and community.
The College of Creative Arts will present Sparkfest on Friday, April 16, from noon to 5 p.m. on Miami University’s Arts Quad. The free event will showcase creativity across the arts in an open, energetic campus celebration. One quad. Endless creativity. Come see what sparks.
The season concludes with the Electric Root Festival on Saturday, May 1, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in Oxford’s Uptown Parks. Created by the Miami University Performing Arts Series, Electric Root celebrates arts, culture, and community through a festival rooted in Radical Hospitality. The free event brings people together through music, performance and community connection.
“Each season gives us an opportunity to invite people into experiences they might not otherwise have right here in Oxford,” said Gwenmarie Ewing, assistant director of the Miami University Performing Arts Series. “This season brings together nationally recognized performers, beloved entertainment and moments of community celebration. We want people to find something that makes them laugh, something that surprises them and something that brings them together.”
The 91st season is presented by the Miami University Performing Arts Series, with additional support from the Ohio Arts Council and regional community partners.
Tickets and additional information are available at MiamiOH.edu/PerformingArtsSeries.