The theme for the 2002-2003 University Theatre season could be “Make ‘Em Laugh.” The play selection committee has picked a season of comedies.

“Next year, we will do three comedies and a comic opera,” said Delores Ringer, director of University Theatre and associate professor of theater at Kansas University. “They are very different, and we thought it would be good for our students to do work with different comedic styles. Some of the humor is broad; some of it is subtle.”

Ringer said she prefers comedy over drama.

“It’s more fun and effective,” she said. “You can say things (about human relationships and human emotions) more effectively if it’s humorous rather than sad.”

Here is the University Theatre season:

 “Iphigenia in Aulis” by Euripides, directed by graduate student Sara Armstrong, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24-28 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 29, Inge Theatre.

 “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” by William Shakespeare, directed by KU theater professor John Gronbeck-Tedesco, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4-5 and 10-12 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Crafton-Preyer Theatre.

 “Always in the End the Truth” by Hugh Cruttwell, directed by Paul Meier, KU associate professor of theater, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24-27, Oct. 29-31 and Nov. 1-2, Inge Theatre.

Ringer said Cruttwell, a longtime acting teacher in London, is a friend of Meier. The production will be the U.S. premiere of the work.

 “Where to Turelu?” by Henri Degoutin, Jeanine Vedienne and Yves Hugues, directed by Jeanne Klein, KU associate professor of theater, school performances at 1 p.m. Nov. 4-8 and public performance at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 10, Crafton-Preyer Theatre.

 “You Never Can Tell” by George Bernard Shaw, directed by John Staniunas, KU associate professor of theater, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22-23 and Dec. 5-7 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 24, Crafton-Preyer Theatre.

 “Jungalbook” by Edward Mast, an adaptation of the novel by Rudyard Kipling, directed by Dennis Christilles, KU associate professor of theater, school performances at 1 p.m. Feb. 3-5 and 10-11 and public performance at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 9, Crafton-Preyer Theatre.

 “The Dying Gaul” by Craig Lucas, directed by graduate student Jennifer Fletcher, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12-15 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Inge Theatre.

 “The Royal Family” by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, directed by KU theater professor Jack Wright, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28-March 1 and March 6-8 and 2:30 p.m. March 2, Crafton-Preyer Theatre.

 “The Magic Flute” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, directed by KU theater professor Del Unruh, 7:30 p.m. April 26 and May 1-3 and 2:30 p.m. April 27 and May 4, Crafton-Preyer Theatre.

Ringer said “The Magic Flute” will be a joint production with the music department and will feature virtual reality scenery developed by KU theater professor Mark Reaney.

Also, a yet-to-be-determined play will be staged in early April in the Inge Theatre, and Alums Come Home IV activities are scheduled April 23-26.