2013-14 is a big year for Washington University’s Performing Arts Department. Whether attending one or all of the myriad productions performed by the PAD, audience members can expect a perfect blend of pure enjoyment and intellectual stimulation—not that the two are or have ever been mutually exclusive. Below is a list of the shows to expect, along with descriptions.

*Note to those considering auditioning or working tech for the shows: Auditions are typically held in early September, and crew positions can be filled from now until the shows begin. There is always a need for crewmembers, and specific classes can prepare prospective actors and crewmembers for positions in these shows.

The A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Festival Sept. 27-28

Edison Theatre

Headed by Playwright-in-Residence Carter Lewis (the author of the 2012 production “Camden & Lilly”), this weekend-long extravaganza showcases the winners of the A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Competition, who spend two weeks extensively rewriting with the help of a department director and an outside dramaturge. This year’s winners are as follows:

“Laud’s Trade”

By Alice Hintermann

Directed by William Whitaker (most recently director of 2012’s “The Night Season”)

“The End”

By Naomi Rawitz

Directed by Jeffery Matthews (most recently director of 2013’s A.E. Hotchner Competition Winner “‘If I Were You’ and Other Elvis Presley Songs”)

“The Impossible Adventures of Supernova Jones”

By Aaron Senser

Directed by Annamaria Pileggi (most recently director of 2012’s “Cabaret”)

Spring Awakening Oct. 25-Nov. 3

Edison Theatre

The smash Broadway and nationwide-touring musical comes to the Edison this fall, portraying a coming-of-age story of German teenagers in the late 19th century to a backdrop of decidedly modern rock music.

Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater (a Wash. U. alumnus)

Music by Duncan Sheik

Directed by Andrea Urice (most recently director of 2012’s “Camden and Lily”)

My Children! My Africa! Nov. 21-24

A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre

This three-person play tells the story of Mr. M, a teacher in a small town in South Africa in 1984 who wants to form a debate team for his student, Thami, and Isabel, a student at a local white school at a time when the country was on the brink of revolution.

By Athol Fugard, featuring Ron Himes

Directed by William Whitaker

Washington University Dance Theatre Dec. 6-8

Edison Theatre

If you have never been to a WUDT show, you are missing out. WUDT consistently features incredible dances of all genres, from ballet to modern, and it is sure to give you an appreciation for the dancers and choreographers on this campus.

Artistic Direction by Cecil Slaughter (PAD professor and Artistic Director of “The Slaughter Project”)

You Can’t Take It with You Feb. 21-March 2

Edison Theatre

This comedy gives audience members a glimpse into the lives of the Sycamores, a zany family that shows its true colors when the oldest daughter, Alice, falls in love with Tony Kirby, a man from a much more upright family.

By Moss Hart and George Kaufman

Directed by Jeffery Matthews

Twelfth Night March 27-31

A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre

Director Henry Schvey is putting a new twist on the Shakespeare classic—gender-blind casting. Who knows what will ensue? Whatever happens, you probably don’t want to miss the results.

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Henry Schvey (upcoming director of the 2013 production of “In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play”))

Young Choreographer’s Showcase April 4-6

Annelise Mertz Dance Studio

Wash. U. is chock-full of dance talent, and this very special event showcases not only their dancing abilities but also the capability of our school’s choreographers, too.

Artistic Direction by David Marchant

Betrayal April 17-20

A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre

Cross over the pond and drown in the messy love triangle between Robert, Emma and Jerry. This production, told in reverse chronological order, is sure to keep audience members on their toes and draw them irrevocably into the lies and deceit that permeate the character’s love story.

By Harold Pinter

Directed by Annamaria Pileggi

For more in depth previews and features on all the productions as they come closer, check back with Cadenza next year.