UCU Theatre Presents “The Apiary” October 21

UCU Theatre Presents “The Apiary” October 21–24

David Saylor • October 19, 2026

Scientific curiosity and dark comedy take center stage in Union Commonwealth University (UCU) Theatre’s production of Kate Douglas’ “The Apiary,” a play that explores scientific progress, human connection, and what people are willing to sacrifice to protect something they love.

Set in a near-future world facing the disappearance of bees, “The Apiary” follows workers in an underground laboratory as they search for a way to save a collapsing bee population. As their experiments take increasingly unconventional turns, the play blends movement, dark comedy and unexpected surprises into a thought-provoking theatrical experience.

“The show is unlike anything we have done at UCU Theatre so far. The students have been central to the production process, helping make the set, props and costumes, stage managing, directing, and lighting design. This is very much a student-led endeavor. The play itself touches on important topics like environmentalism and how we interact with nature. It’s also a little creepy, which is perfect for an October show!” says Assistant Professor of Theatre Dr. Jayme Kilburn.

Promotional poster for UCU Theatre's production of The Apiary by Kate Douglas featuring bees, flowers and performance dates.

Performances

All performances take place at Rector Little Theatre on the Union Commonwealth University campus in Barbourville, Kentucky.

Wednesday, October 21st, at 7 p.m. (Preview performance followed by a talkback with playwright Kate Douglas.)
Thursday, October 22nd, at 7 p.m.
Friday, October 23rd, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 24th, at 7 p.m.

Tickets are available on a sliding scale, so you can choose the price that fits your budget. Reserve your tickets here: https://unioncollege.regfox.com/the-apiary.

[IMAGE: Show poster for "The Apiary"]

*Please note: The production includes strong language and may not be suitable for all audiences.

*Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins are welcome, subject to ticket availability at showtime.

Meet the Playwright

UCU Theatre is excited to welcome Kate Douglas to Union during the production run. Douglas will offer playwriting masterclasses on Wednesday, October 21st at 10a.m. and 11a.m. The sessions are open to community members, faculty, staff, and students.

[PHOTO: Playwright Kate Douglas]

Douglas is a Brooklyn-based writer, performer and composer whose work includes “The Apiary,” which received an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination, and “hag,” created with Grace McLean and recognized with a Vivace Award. She is a recipient of the Jonathan Larson Award for music and lyrics, and her performance credits include Punchdrunk’s “Sleep No More” and Liz Phair’s “Exile in Guyville” anniversary tour. A Master Naturalist, Douglas has also studied herbalism and sustainable garden design, reflecting her interest in the natural world. Learn more at kate-douglas.com.

Cast

Amberlin Sizemore: Zora
Mateo Daza Martinez: Pilar
Emily Cooper: Gwen
Brittany Starr: CeCe / Bee
Leo Wagner: Kara / Bee
Riley Thomas: Alan / Bee
Abagail Pridemore: Bryn
Simon Gray: Bee
Eve Saint Mychal: Queen Bee

Production Team

Jayme Kilburn: Director
Kaydi Williamson: Co-Director
Eve Saint Mychal: Musician
Shanyah Peters: Choreographer
Simon Gray: Stage Manager
Conner Saylor: Set & Prop Design
Leo Wagner: Costume Design
Dakota Bennett: Lighting Design

Douglas’ visit is made possible through the generosity of Helen Mills and Gary Tannenbaum, with accommodations provided by Jennifer Travers Skidmore. The production is sponsored by Barry Douglas, Steiner Ball and Clavia Ruth Wooton-Kee. UCU Theatre is grateful for their support!

If you would like to support the show, donations help sustain our theatre program and keep the arts accessible to our community: https://unioncollege.givingfuel.com/theatre-donations.

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

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