Based on the 2003 prize-winning novel by Mark Haddon, adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time tells the story of Christopher Boone, a teenager and gifted mathematician who struggles with social interaction. When he finds his neighbor’s dog has been killed, Christopher decides to investigate the murder, leading him on a journey that tests all his fears and reveals long-held family secrets. A touching, poignant and very funny play about truth, love and the beauty of the universe.

Content advisory: This production includes flashing lights, loud sound effects, and intense sensory moments. The play also contains some strong language, including instances where the Lord’s name is taken in vain, themes of family conflict, and brief depictions of hitting and abusive behavior.

Whitworth Theatre offers students the chance to know themselves better by reaching beyond personal experience to portray characters from all walks of life. Students are encouraged to develop creative skills and find their own artistic voice – from stagecraft to character, from classroom to packed house.

Whitworth's talented theatre faculty stimulate creativity and discipline through a wide range of performance and production courses including beginning and advanced acting, design and production, movement and dance, and theatre history and theory.

The department features annual main-stage productions; the Festival of Short Plays; staged readings, touring theatre performances; musicals in collaboration with the music department; dance showcases; senior capstone projects; and other performance opportunities.

Mission Statement

Believing the creative impulse comes from God, the theatre department at Whitworth University seeks to educate and develop emerging storytellers and theatre makers to be confident, persistent, skilled and empathetic artists who appreciate diversity, tell the truth, and connect authentically with themselves and others by always recognizing what is sacred and beautiful in all human beings.