
TOPDOG/
UNDERDOG
JUNE 19-29, 2025
written by Susan-Lori Parks
directed by Anthony Mark Stockard
Norfolk State University Theatre Company presents the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play Topdog/Underdog, at the 2025 Norfolk Theatre Festival.
This fable of brotherly love tells the story of Lincoln and Booth, two brothers whose names were given to them as a joke, foretelling a lifetime of sibling rivalry and resentment. Haunted by the past, the brothers are forced to confront the shattering reality of their future. Don’t miss what Variety calls “utterly mesmerizing” and The New York Times calls, “vibrant comic drama” in this revival production by the award winning, nationally recognized NSU Theatre Company.
NSU's Nationally Acclaimed, Award-Winning Theatre Company
Under the direction of award-winning actor, director and educator Professor Anthony Mark Stockard, NSU Theatre Company is the producing organization for theatrical productions at Norfolk State University. The company has garnered wide-spread audience acclaim, multiple national honors and awards for excellence.
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The mission of Norfolk State University Theatre Company is to serve as cultural ambassadors for Norfolk State University and diversify theatrical offerings within our region. This mission is accomplished by providing University students and the community with professional-grade theatrical experiences that are about or told through the lens of people from the African diaspora.
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In 2016, NSU Theatre Company became the first HBCU Theatre Program and one of few undergraduate programs in the nation to form a professional partnership agreement with a professional Equity company. This partnership with Virginia Stage Company provides annual professional collaborations and training opportunities for participants. Since then, similar partnerships have been established with Virginia Arts Festival and Zeider's American Dream Theatre.
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NATIONAL AWARD WINNER! DISTINGUISHED
PERFORMANCE BY AN
ACTOR IN A PLAY
Kennedy Center American
College Theatre Festival
NATIONAL AWARD WINNER! DISTINGUISHED
PERFORMANCE &
PRODUCTION ENSEMBLE
The HBCU Awards
NATIONAL AWARD WINNER!
BEST FINE ARTS PROGRAM
The National Black
Theatre Festival
MULTIPLE NATIONAL SELECTIONS!
OFFICIAL FESTIVAL
SELECTION
NATIONAL AWARD WINNER!
SUSTAINED EXCELENCE
FOR UNDERGRADUATE
ACTING TRAINING
University Resident
Theatre Association
Norfolk Theatre Festival
HISTORIC INAUGURAL PARTICIANT! OFFICIAL FESTIVAL
PRODUCTION

























































































































