Passion Play to Be Held at Andrews University

On April 4, 2026

The Passion Play last took place on the Andrews University campus in 2016. (Photo by Brian Tagalog)

After nearly a decade, Andrews University will once again host the Passion Play, an engaging walk-through experience that portrays the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The event, which is being organized by Pioneer Memorial Church, will take place on April 4, 2026, across indoor and outdoor campus locations.

Originally launched in 2003 under the leadership of Pastor Ronald Whitehead, the Passion Play quickly became a cherished campus tradition, engaging students, local churches and community volunteers. The production ran annually until 2016 and was known for its immersive approach, walking audiences through live scenes such as the marketplace, Triumphal Entry, Last Supper, Gethsemane, the trial before Pilate, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.

This year, the Passion Play returns under the direction of alumnus Leo Aguilera, who attended the 2016 production as a teenager. “Bringing the Passion Play back after nearly a decade has been deeply emotional for many of us,” says Esteban Grajales, marketing director for the 2026 production. “That full-circle moment carries deep meaning. Many local churches have expressed genuine excitement, partnering with us and mentoring our team. There is a strong sense that this is not just a production, but a community-wide effort.”

Attendees can look forward to enhanced production elements, including refreshed sets and costumes; refined staging, sound and lighting; and a new opening scene developed in collaboration with One Mustard Seed, a ministry specializing in immersive biblical storytelling. “The new opening scene places the Passion story within the broader biblical timeline in a powerful way,” Grajales says. “It adds depth and context that audiences have not experienced before.”

Volunteers remain central to the production’s success. More than 400 individuals are contributing in roles ranging from acting and special effects to media, hospitality and logistics. The nonprofit production is made possible through strong community support, with volunteers contributing their time, creativity and effort.

Student involvement also plays a major role. Graduate and undergraduate students are participating as actors, extras and behind-the-scenes contributors. “Watching students step into roles and take ownership has been inspiring,” Grajales says.

Accessibility is a priority, and the experience will accommodate most individuals using wheelchairs or other assistive devices, with a vehicle pick-up location near the Hospitality Tent close to the final scene.

Flash photography and recreational wheeled transportation are not permitted during the production. Parents are encouraged to prepare children for the Crucifixion scenes, and viewer discretion is advised for the bright lights and sudden sounds in the Resurrection scene.

“The Passion Play is more than a performance,” Grajales says. “This brings the story of Jesus to life in an immersive way, creating an enjoyable experience for individuals and families alike. We hope attendees leave spiritually inspired and renewed, feeling that they were part of something meaningful. Ultimately, we hope they leave glad they came.”

Rotations of the Passion Play will begin every 30 minutes from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Each rotation will last approximately two hours, and guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled start time. Attendance is free; however, reservations are required to help manage group sizes. Please reserve spots for immediate family members only.