McLennan Community College Students & Alumni to Stage World Premiere of “The Song of Iphigenia”

February 19, 2026

McLennan Community College (MCC) students will debut “The Song of Iphigenia,” an original play by English professor Nick Webb, April 23-26 at the Music and Theatre Arts building at 1400 College Drive.

World premieres of original theatrical works are rare at community colleges, and MCC students are not only performing the production—they helped develop it alongside Webb, gaining hands-on experience more commonly found in professional theatre settings.

Webb, who has been at MCC for over 20 years and a tenured professor for the past 12, views the production as both a passion project and a milestone in his career. During his time here, he has dedicated himself to helping students build confidence in their academic and creative voices.

Adapted from the Greek tragedy “The Oresteia,” the play reimagines one of the oldest surviving trilogies in Western theatre. Webb has spent decades studying and reflecting on the story.

“I’ve been writing this play for five years, but I’ve been living within this myth for 40 years,” Webb said. “It’s likely a career milestone for me. I think it’s the one great play I have in me—whether it’s great is for audiences to decide.”

The play was first workshopped in 2024 and has evolved through a collaborative development process between Webb and MCC students. The extended timeline allowed students to participate in script readings, revisions, and creative decision-making, enhancing both artistic rigor and professional confidence.

In a unique move, Webb waived copyright restrictions so the production can be filmed in its entirety. The footage will be used to produce professional demo reels for cast and crew pursuing careers in theatre and performance arts.

Webb said the timing of the production carries personal significance.

“I was able to write this play because my children left home and went off to college, and I finally had the time,” he said. “I wrote it to retell the story of one of the greatest characters in literature. The play examines and ultimately rejects simple black-and-white values and explores how change can occur—both at the character level and at a cultural level.”

Webb’s connection to theatre began in high school when a teacher encouraged him to attend a Greek tragedy performed at sunrise in an outdoor amphitheater.

“What struck me was the pageantry of the staging, the costuming and the masks,” he said. “Ever since, I’ve continued to find ways to interweave theatre into my life.”

“In my more than 20 years of teaching at MCC, my favorite aspect has been helping young writers develop their voices. If I have any sort of legacy, it’s this: my students go forth confidently prepared to express themselves both academically and creatively.”

Webb is also the author of the composition textbook “Writing Is Easier Than You Think,” used by the college’s English department. He views both his textbook and “The Song of Iphigenia” as extensions of the same educational philosophy.

“One project showcases the critical writing skills I want my students to learn, and the other is a creative work,” Webb said. “Both are ways I try to practice what I preach. Supporting artistic expression should be a vital part of our academic mission.”

The production will feature current MCC theatre students alongside alumni, fostering mentorship and peer-driven learning. Kelly Parker, head of MCC’s Theatre Department, emphasized the significance of the opportunity.

“When this play is published, the original MCC cast will be permanently documented as the first performers of the work,” Parker said. “That’s something students typically only experience in major theatre markets. It’s incredibly special that MCC students get to be part of something like this.”

Mandy Morrison, chair of MCC’s Visual and Performing Arts Division, highlighted the broader impact on student growth.

“This production reflects not only Nick’s talent but his deep investment in our students,” Morrison said. “Opportunities like this are rare, and our students are fortunate to be mentored by such passionate and collaborative faculty.”

Beyond the stage, MCC is engaging the wider community through outreach to local ISD theatre departments, Baylor University programs, alumni and emeritus faculty, as well as regional media and arts organizations.

Webb hopes the production will provide audiences with a dynamic and thought-provoking theatre experience.

“Theatre should surprise you. It should excite you. It should make you think,” Webb said. “I want audiences to leave talking about it and continuing the conversation long after the curtain closes.”

Performance information

“The Song of Iphigenia” runs at 7:30 p.m., April 23-25 and at 2 p.m., April 26 in the Music and Theatre Arts building on the MCC campus. Performances are open to the public. To reserve your seats, send an email to boxoffice@mclennan.edu or leave a voicemail at (254) 299-8200, with your name and the number of tickets you would like to purchase. Once you send your email or voice mail, your reservation is confirmed. You may pick up your tickets one hour prior to the start of the show in the lobby of the Music and Theatre Arts building. Tickets for McLennan Theatre productions cost between $10-$12, with discounts available for seniors, veterans, students, and alumni. McLennan students and employees receive two free tickets for each production.