The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is proud to announce the release of its 2026-27 Season Brochure, marking the organization’s landmark 40th season and unveiling a year filled with exciting performances, community initiatives, film programming, and special anniversary celebrations.
The season reflects the Kirby Center’s enduring commitment to entertainment, education, and service while honoring the vision that transformed a historic movie palace into one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s premier cultural destinations.
“Forty years ago, a group of dreamers believed that live performance could transform a community,” said Executive Director Joell Yarmel. “As we celebrate our 40th season, we’re excited to share a year that honors our history while continuing to create new opportunities for audiences of all ages.”
Where to Read the 2026-27 Season Brochure:
- To obtain a physical copy of the brochure, visit the F.M. Kirby Center box office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.)
- Browse the digital version of the brochure here: https://simplebooklet.com/fmkirbycenter20262027seasonbrochure
On-Sale Dates:
- Exclusive season pre-sale for Kirby Members begins Monday, June 15th, at 10:00 A.M.
- Tickets for the 2025-26 season will be available to the general public starting Friday, June 26th, at 10:00 A.M.
How to Purchase:
- Online: kirbycenter.org, and ticketmaster.com.
- In-person: Visit the F.M. Kirby Center Box Office during regular business hours.
- By phone: Call the box office at 570-826-1100.
New Community Initiative: Camp United at the F.M. Kirby Center
Among the season’s most significant announcements is the launch of Camp United at the F.M. Kirby Center, a new partnership with the United Way of Wyoming Valley.
The free eight-week summer enrichment program will focus on literacy, learning, and personal growth, providing local children with opportunities to stay engaged, curious, and connected throughout the summer months. The program reflects the Kirby Center’s continued investment in serving area families beyond the stage and will be followed by The Honesdale National Bank’s Big Screen Summer Series.
Celebrating 40 Years: The Diamond of Downtown Documentary
As part of the Kirby Center’s anniversary celebration, the organization will premiere The Diamond of Downtown, a special documentary chronicling the theater’s rich history and lasting impact on the region.
Curated by Marketing Director Neil Prisco, the film will debut on the Kirby Center’s 40th anniversary, September 19, 2026, and will be offered free of charge to the entire community.
The documentary explores the evolution of the theater from its origins through four decades as the F.M. Kirby Center, highlighting the artists, staff members, volunteers, supporters, and audiences who helped shape its success.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate this milestone than with the community that made it possible,” Yarmel said.
Signature Series Brings Culture, Music, and Exploration to the Stage
The 2026-27 Signature Series will feature immersive experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire.
Hip-hop pioneers Arrested Development will present a unique evening combining music and conversation, exploring the eclectic and vibrant African influences that helped define their groundbreaking sound.
Audiences will also have the opportunity to travel to one of the most remote places on Earth when National Geographic Live welcomes ecologist Dr. Heather Lynch, whose presentation will take guests alongside penguins at the bottom of the world and offer an up-close look at one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
Curtis Montz Film Series and Classic Films Honor the Building’s Movie Palace Legacy
The Kirby Center will continue celebrating its cinematic roots through an expanded lineup of film programming.
The popular Curtis Montz Film Series returns with six featured films throughout the season, including The Song Remains the Same, Sentimental Value, The Secret Agent, and more!
The Classic Film Series will bring beloved favorites back to the big screen, including Mary Poppins and The Godfather.
Families can also enjoy The Honesdale National Bank’s Big Screen Summer Series, which offers free admission to children ages 12 and under.
All films will be presented using the Kirby Center’s upgraded 20,000-plus lumen digital projection system, made possible through the generosity of The Luzerne Foundation.
Additional Season Highlights
The Kirby Center’s stage will welcome an exciting lineup of acclaimed performers throughout the season, including:
- Derek Hough
- Brit Floyd
- Ray LaMontagne
- Sesame Street Live! Elmo’s Got the Moves
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
The season also includes several community-centered initiatives, including:
- The return of the Laux Young People’s Theater Series, which will provide nearly 8,000 local students with free access to five professional stage performances.
- A Community Christmas Day celebration on December 20 in partnership with Building Blocks, featuring family activities, holiday music, and a Christmas movie selected by public vote.
- A free sensory-friendly performance of BUGS featuring Kaki King on February 7.
Building on a Record Year
The announcement follows one of the most successful years in the Kirby Center’s history.
During the previous season, the theater generated an estimated $14 million economic impact, hosted 10 sold-out performances, welcomed more than 7,000 students through educational programming, donated 1,000 tickets to local charities and youth organizations, and presented numerous free community events.
As the organization enters its fifth decade, the Kirby Center remains committed to expanding access to the arts and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
About the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts The F.M. Kirby Center is a historic Art Deco-Moderne-style performing arts center located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
