She Kills Monsters Brings a Dungeons & Dragons Adventure to Mary Moody Northen Theatre, September 17–27, 2026

Austin, TX – Mary Moody Northen Theatre (MMNT) at St. Edward’s University launches its 54th season with She Kills Monsters by acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen. A high-energy theatrical adventure blending comedy, fantasy, and heartfelt storytelling, the play follows a young woman who enters the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons in an unexpected quest to better understand the sister she has lost. Directed by Marcus McQuirter, She Kills Monsters runs September 17–27, 2026, at MMNT on the St. Edward’s University campus.

Set in the 1990s, She Kills Monsters follows Agnes Evans, whose discovery of her late teenage sister Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook sends her into a fantastical world populated by heroic adventurers, fearsome monsters, and larger-than-life villains. As Agnes joins Tilly’s campaign, the game becomes a doorway into a part of her sister’s life she never knew. Funny, action-packed, and deeply moving, Nguyen’s play explores grief, identity, belonging, friendship, and the courage it takes to truly know the people we love.

Director Marcus McQuirter currently teaches in the Drama Department at Austin Community College. He holds a BFA in Directing from Howard University, an MA in Theater from the University of North Texas, and a PhD in Performance as Public Practice from The University of Texas at Austin. Professionally active as a stage and audio drama director, his recent credits include Macbeth at MMNT, Annie Jump and the Library of Heaven at The VORTEX, Not This White Woman at Hyde Park Theatre, Hearts Like Fists at Austin Community College, Jarrett King’s A War of the Worlds at Penfold Theatre Company, Nightbird at Austin Playhouse, The Burden of Legacy Podcast, and Oversight with The Zahir.

The creative team includes Theada Haining (Scenic Design), Susan Branch Towne (Costume Design), Conor Tompkins (Lighting Design), Kiryat Jearmin Castillo, Johann Solo (Sound Design), Wendy Sanders (Hair/Make Up Design), Sheila Gordon (Vocal Coach), Andrew Heinrich (Fight Choreographer), and Brennah Crowley-Galvin (Production Stage Manager)

Joining the student company is professional guest artist Amber Quick, appearing as the Narrator/Vera. Quick returns to the Hilltop after previously appearing at MMNT as Reverend Mother Mary Regina in Nunsense. Her recent regional credits include Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Ivoryton Playhouse; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Hamlet at Illinois Shakespeare Festival; and The Girl Who Became Legend at The Kennedy Center.

Through MMNT’s professional theatre training model, St. Edward’s University students work alongside professional guest artists, directors, designers, and stage managers throughout the production process, gaining hands-on experience while bringing adventurous contemporary work to Austin audiences.

Tickets

Adult single tickets are $32, educator/senior tickets are $30, and student tickets are $18.50.

Tickets are available by calling the MMNT Box Office at 512-448-8484 or online at stedwards.edu/mary-moody-northen-theatre/buy-tickets

Show Dates and Times

September 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26 at 7:30 p.m.; September 20 and 27 at 2:00 p.m.

All performances will be held at the Mary Moody Northen Theatre on the St. Edward’s University campus, 3001 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX. Parking is free.

About Mary Moody Northen Theatre

Mary Moody Northen Theatre operates as a professional theatre and stands at the center of the St. Edward’s University Department of Performing Arts training program. MMNT productions allow students to discover their voices as performers, producers, and storytellers while working alongside professional actors, directors, and designers. MMNT is the only undergraduate program in the United States that offers a full season of performances in agreement with Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union of professional actors and stage managers. For 54 seasons, MMNT has presented outstanding productions that have enriched and engaged the Austin community and beyond.

About St. Edward’s University

St. Edward’s University is a private, liberal arts university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,600 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it offers more than 55 undergraduate and 8 graduate programs. With a global network of partner universities, St. Edward’s fosters a diverse, inclusive learning community recognized nationally for academic excellence. For more information, visit stedwards.edu.