Four shows inspired by classic novels and favorite books will take the stage at Brenau University and the University of North Georgia – Gainesville campus for the Gainesville Theatre Alliance’s 2026-27 season.
GTA is a nationally recognized intercollegiate program between Brenau and UNG that has produced high-quality theatrical productions for more than 40 years.
The season begins in October with James and the Giant Peach, directed by Cory Phelps, Brenau’s new director of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting program and an assistant professor of theatre. This Theatre for Young Audiences show takes the classic Roald Dahl novel and brings it to life Oct. 2-4 in Brenau’s Pearce Auditorium.
The Heart of Robin Hood explores the classic folk tale of Robin Hood and flips the script in this fast-paced show with stage combat.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, fall in love with the wit, romance and rivalry in the stage adaptation of the classic novel Pride and Prejudice. The Jane Austen novel (and BookTok favorite) comes to the stage at Brenau’s Hosch Theatre from Feb. 12-20.
The finale of the season is musical Alice by Heart, a modern, surreal retelling of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, set in a London tube station during World War II.
In addition to directing James and the Giant Peach, Phelps will teach several acting courses, including introduction to theatre, fundamentals of performance, audition techniques and theatre management.
“I’ve long thought Brenau and the Gainesville Theatre Alliance produce some of the top-tier and most talented artists in the state. In fact, my company, Destination Theatre, has hired several GTA graduates, and we’ve been very impressed by their professionalism,” Phelps said. “I’m excited to contribute to the already great work happening here, and I hope to grow this program to include new and innovative opportunities for these young artists.”
Phelps earned his MFA in Theatre Arts from the University of Idaho and his BFA in Theatre Performance from Western Carolina University. He is the artistic director and co-founder of Destination Theatre and has taught acting at grade school, high school and college levels. He has acted both on stage and on screen, and is represented by JTA Talent, Inc.
