Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Today, May 20th at 9:00am on KUCI - Michelle Brouwer Director of Programming, Irvine Barclay Theatre talks about the stellar line-up of shows returning by popular demand!

LISTEN to today's show


Michelle Brouwer Director of Programming, Irvine Barclay Theatre talks about the exciting new season of performances at the Barclay.


Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season with Grammy Winners, Notable Dance Companies, Speakers & Renowned Artists



Michelle Brouwer Director of Programming, Irvine Barclay Theatre is back to talk about the 2026-27 season at Irvine Barclay Theatre. She will highlight the shows that are returning by popular demand:

  • Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra: Battle of the Bands, Holiday show with Eric Marienthal & Lucy Woodward, May performance "Music of Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Williams" with Carmen Bradford & Jamie Davis - Shelly Berg, Music Director

  • Ignite Dance (INTUITV Artship, Re:borN Dance Interactive, Outrun The Bear, Caminos Flamencos, Pointeworks)

  • New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players - Pirates of Penzance in 1 act, plus concert-style G & S requests

  • Banff Film Festival

  • Jasmine Choi

  • Jesse Cook

  • City of Irvine-sponsored family series

  • TheaterWorks USA: Cat Kid Comic Club the Musical (October 24, 2026)

  • Lightwire Theater: The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen (February 6, 2027)

  • Treasure Island Reimagined: Jane Hawkins and the Pirate's Gold (April 18, 2027)

Additional shows:
  • Snarky Puppy - jazz fusion
  • Shanghai Ballet - The Butterfly Lovers
  • GALLIM
  • The Hot Sardines
  • Nadine Sierra


Here is the full season preview video:

https://youtu.be/u3MMK4qblkU?si=nLgbVxO1MN7E5j85


About Michelle Brouwer
As the Director of Programming at Irvine Barclay Theatre, Michelle Brouwer has elevated and expanded the breadth of programming at the boutique performing arts venue, which is known for providing intimate experiences with top tier artists. Since joining Irvine Barclay Theatre nearly eight years ago, Michelle has successfully managed numerous projects in various roles, all of which have led to increased revenue through sponsorships, ticket sales, rentals and more.

In her current position, Michelle i
dentifies suitable shows for the IBT Presents season, develops and manages supporting budgets, carries projects through contract negotiation to settlement, and interfaces with artistic and production advances to the final presentation. She also oversees a team that runs the Barclay’s facility rentals program, which annually contracts 60 external rental clients and 20 university departments.

Overseeing the master calendar of the 750-seat theater venue and its auxiliary spaces, the scope of her work includes the production of special events, conventionally staged performances, and unique celebrations. In addition to overseeing the programming at Irvine Barclay Theatre, Michelle has served as a Volunteer Chair for National Philanthropy Day Orange County since 2023. She is also an avid reader, yoga enthusiast and dedicated mom to two sons.