For 25 years, Leach Theatre has hosted Broadway shows, orchestra concerts, comedy acts, universitywide addresses and film festivals — even events like freshman chemistry safety classes. The theater has touched many lives throughout its history but its No. 1 priority has always been to serve the students of Missouri S&T.

“The theater brings in talented performers who we believe will enrich the students’ experience while here,” says Emily Brickler, director of Leach Theatre. “We bring the arts to the local community and provide an opportunity for people to see performances that they would not have easy access to otherwise.”

Named after Thomas, MinE’20, and Frances Leach, the 650-seat theater is located in Castleman Hall and hosts dozens of professional events throughout the year. The annual list of shows is varied to try to appeal to as many people as possible, with performances ranging from Mamma Mia! and STOMP to Arlo Guthrie and the Celtic Tenors.

“To provide students access to the quality shows Leach hosts, we give away 50 free student tickets to each performance in our performing arts series,” says Brickler. “We are the only stop in the state for some artists, so it is important to give students a first chance to see them.”

Students perform on stage throughout the year, with orchestra, band, choir, theater and dance performances taking place each semester. The stage is also the setting for the annual St. Pat’s Coronation the Friday night before the parade.

This fall, Leach Theatre will kick off its 25th anniversary season with an opening gala event featuring a performance by the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday, Sept. 7. It is a callback to its inaugural opening gala in 1991, when the Bolshoi Ballet performed to a sold-out audience.

For more information about the theater’s upcoming season, visit leachtheatre.mst.edu.