"The Laramie Project" opens the 2002-2003 mainstage series in University Theatre Sept. 19 and sets the tone for the season. Matthew Shepard was beaten to death in 1998 because he was gay. Playwright Moises Kaufman focuses on the town of Laramie's reaction to Shepard's murder and the trial that followed.

As part of UniverCity 2002, Kaufman will be a featured keynote speaker Sept. 24. His speech will be free and will take place after the show's evening performance.

"Some of this season's shows may not be the most well-known, but they represent some of the best work being done today," said Don LaCasse, theatre and dance department chair. "These plays have a bit of an edge to them. These are pieces that have something to say about our human condition, ones that will challenge our audiences and broaden their horizons."

The series will also include two shows featuring Ball State's nationally recognized dance company. This season, like last season, will close with "Festival of Dance." This eclectic show will live up to its name, LaCasse said, by featuring styles ranging from ballet to ethnic dances.

Season subscriptions for these faculty and student productions are $40 for the general public, $36 for Ball State faculty and staff, $25 for senior citizens and $12 for students of all ages.

Here are this season's six mainstage shows:

* "The Laramie Project," Sept. 19-21 and Sept. 25-28 at 8 p.m., Sept. 22 at 2:30 p.m., Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. Playwright Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theatre Project traveled to Laramie, Wy., to portray the city's reaction to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard. Shepard, a student at the University of Wyoming, was beaten to death because he was gay. Directed by Bill Jenkins.

* "Side Show," Nov. 7-9, Nov. 14-16 at 8 p.m., Nov. 10 at 2:30 p.m. Based on the true story of Siamese twins, Violet and Daisy Hilton, "Side Show" tells their story of finding fame while being denied true love. Their tale is told almost entirely through music. Book and lyrics were written by Bill Russell, and the music was composed by Henry Krieger. Directed by Judy Yordon.

* "Dance! Dance! Dance!" Dec. 5-7 at 8 p.m., Dec. 8 at 2:30 p.m. Ball State Dance Theatre celebrates its 15th year with faculty and student choreography plus Broadway-style, classical and modern dances. Artistic director is Lou Ann Young.

* "Side Man," Feb. 12-15 at 8 p.m., Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. Warren Leight's story spans three decades examining the life of lead character jazz trumpeter Gene Glimmer. Focusing on Glimmer's choice to further his career at his family's expense, Leight highlights a dysfunctional family's trials as well as a passing era of music. Winner of the 1999 Tony Award for best play, "Side Man" is recommended for mature audiences. Directed by Don LaCasse.

* "Lysistrata," March 27-29 and April 3-5 at 8 p.m., April 6 at 2:30 p.m. The women of ancient Athens, tired of seeing their husbands embroiled in an endless war, decide to withhold the one thing they know will bring a ceasefire. This bawdy comedy pokes fun and offers incisive observations on war, peace and how men and women relate to one another. Written by Aristophanes. Guest directed by Karen Kessler, former artistic director of Chicago's Famous Door Theatre.

* "Festival of Dance 2003," April 16-19 at 8 p.m. For the Ball State dance company's season finale, the group performs a wide range of styles, including ballet, modern, jazz and ethnic dances. Artistic director is Lou Ann Young.

The University Theatre Box Office hours are from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone: (765) 285-8749.