The Department of Theatre and the University Playhouse at East Texas A&M University officially begin the 2026-27 performance season with “The Aliens,” a play by Annie Baker.

Premiered in 2010, the play follows two men, Jasper and KJ, who spend their days in the alley behind a Vermont coffee shop discussing music and philosophy. When Evan, a lonely high-school student, arrives on the scene, they decide to teach him everything they know. It’s described as “a play with music about friendship, art, love and death.” Baker won the Obie Award for Best New American Play with “The Aliens.”

The cast for ETAMU’s production includes:

• Michael Ray – Portraying Jasper. A junior majoring in Theatre in his first production.
• Joy Falkinburg – Portraying KJ. A senior majoring in Theatre who has been in several productions at East Texas A&M and Blinn College.
• Alijah Bass – Portraying Evan. A guest artist, Alijah has appeared in multiple past East Texas A&M Theatre productions.

Performances are scheduled from Tuesday, Oct. 13, to Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. Tickets are available for $10.

*Note, this production is intended for mature audiences.*