UCU Theatre presents “Group Therapy: The Musical,” March 25–28

David Saylor • March 25, 2026
The cast of Group Therapy: The Musical standing in a line on stage during rehearsal.

Shared vulnerability and musical storytelling take center stage in Union Commonwealth University (UCU) Theatre’s spring production of “Group Therapy: The Musical,” a semi-immersive work that brings audiences into a space of honesty, connection, and care.

"This show is incredibly exciting, and having the playwright here is a real gift. At its core, it’s about finding one’s community - which is exactly what theatre does. Especially in a small town like ours, representations of different identities and experiences really matter. That's what makes people feel seen,” says Assistant Professor of Theatre, Dr. Jayme Kilburn.

The production features the work of interdisciplinary artist Janelle Lawrence. Blending original music with storytelling, the musical explores themes of mental health, community, and the ways people support one another through difficult moments.


The cast and creative team who have brought this production to life include: Ti’Ana Adams, Teresa Brooks, Tara Abner Brown, Emily Cooper, Simon Gray, Bethany Hensley, John Howard, Jayme Kilburn, Mateo Daza Martinez, Isaac Pearson, Shanyah Peters, Conner Saylor, Amberlin Sizemore, and Kaydi Williamson.

Performances

  • Wednesday, March 25, 7 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m.
  • Friday, March 27, 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28, 7 p.m.

Tickets are offered on a sliding scale, with free tickets available at the door. Seating is first-come, first-served. Tickets may be reserved online at www.unionky.edu/springplay.


*Due to adult language, mature themes, and emotionally intense material related to mental health, the production may not be suitable for all audiences.


[IMAGE: Show poster for "Group Therapy: The Musical"]


Special Events

  • Thursday, March 26, 11 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. – Storyteller Sessions, a free playwriting workshop with Janelle Lawrence in Rector Little Theatre. The interactive session will introduce participants to storytelling techniques for playwrights, screenwriters, and musical theatre writers through prompts, guided exercises, and examples from contemporary and classical works. Participants may bring their own scripts or work with provided materials.

*RSVP at https://forms.gle/5dc82bBw55tR7LMW7.

  • Friday, March 27, following the performance – Reception and talkback with Lawrence, made possible by the generous support of Helen Mills and Gary Tannenbaum.

UCU Theatre looks forward to welcoming the campus and surrounding community to experience “Group Therapy: The Musical” and take part in an exciting week of artistic collaboration.


For more information about the show or the
theatre program, contact Dr. Jayme Kilburn at jkilburn@unionky.edu.


headshot of Childers wearing a floral shirt with a blurred background behind her
By Maisie Nelson • October 1, 2026
Union Commonwealth University alumna Terra Childers ’04 is taking on an expanded role focused exclusively on alumni relations, helping the university strengthen relationships with graduates and create new ways for alumni to remain connected to their alma mater.
two hands holding a golden ticket that says Tuition Free Pathway
By Maisie Nelson • September 18, 2026
Following the success of its Tuition-Free Pathway in Knox County, Union Commonwealth University is expanding the initiative to Bell County, creating a new tuition-free pathway to Union for eligible graduates of the three Bell County high schools.
group photo of 25 students who make up the newest cohort of Presidential Fellows
By Ford Edwards • September 17, 2026
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has welcomed the second cohort of its Presidential Fellows Program, the leadership initiative designed to prepare students for success through mentorship, career development, and hands-on professional experience.
By Maisie Nelson • September 15, 2026
Building on the success of the Tuition-Free Pathway launched in Knox County last year, Union Commonwealth University is extending the initiative to the Class of 2027.
drone shot of football field during a game with crowd
September 11, 2026
On Family Day, students from around our region have parents and grandparents in the bleachers. However, our international students’ parents aren’t always able to make that trip. That's especially true of our men's and women's soccer rosters, where most players are from across the globe, and the games fall at the end of
4 students sitting on top of the campus spirit rock making a
By Maisie Nelson • August 6, 2026
Union Commonwealth University is preparing to welcome what is anticipated to be the largest freshman class in the institution's history as students return to campus for the Fall 2026 semester.
Photo of former First Lady Juanita Fhillips and President, Rev. Dr. Jack Phillips
By Maisie Nelson • July 27, 2026
Union Commonwealth University mourns the passing of former president, Rev. Dr. Jack Carter Phillips, who died on June 30, 2026, at the age of 91 in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Middlesboro pool patrons enjoy donated equipment
By Ford Edwards • June 9, 2026
Union Commonwealth University donates over 6,000 in equipment to Middlesboro City Pool
Eli Sizemore and Cameron Winebarger standing with their poster on traveling to Montana.
By David Saylor • May 19, 2026
This April, Union Commonwealth University’s Circles of Purpose grant program came to a close, completing a two‑year journey of vocational exploration made possible through funding from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges.
photo of students in their cap and gown walking in the processional
By Maisie Nelson • May 13, 2026
Union Commonwealth University celebrated its 137th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9, as 287 graduates crossed the stage inside Robsion Arena to receive their degrees and begin the next chapter of their lives.