A man in stuffy ruffles and tights once wrote, “All the world’s a stage.”

In regards to this past theater season, real-world topics crept their way onto the stage.

From the traveling show “American Voices” to La Compañia’s “The Line in the Sand: Stories from the U.S.-Mexico Border,” theater became a medium for illustrating the problems of diversity.

With University Theatre’s “Sordid Lives,” we caught a glimpse of a dysfunctional Texan family in which characters dealt with “coming out.”

Not every powerful play was reality-based.

The Black Theatrical Ensemble’s production of the musical, “Once On this Island,” delivered a tale of love between a couple of differing classes.

Set on a Caribbean island, the play dealt with prejudices while incorporating magical elements.

And what’s theater without fantastical frivolity?

Halloween was bright with Rose of Athens’ light but spooky romp “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” And Oconee County Civic Center’s quirky cult-following musical “Little Shop of Horrors” was another escape into an imaginative world.

One play stands as a quintessential example of how this season mixed resonating messages with comedic giggles.

With the drought constantly in the news, the plot of University Theatre’s “Urinetown” was reminiscent as it chronicled the struggle of a toilet-deprived town.

The musical was a social critique, iced over with sarcasm and musical numbers.

Here’s a look at some of next semester’s anticipated shows:

“Real Women Have Curves”: Jan. 24 – Feb 2.

This coming-of-age story about balancing one’s culture with one’s aspirations looks to be a self-empowering tour de force.

“Topdog/Underdog”: Feb. 8 – 9.

Written by Suzan-Lori Parks, the play relates two black brothers trying to rise out of poverty while in competition with each other.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Productions will be performed by University Theatre and Rose of Athens Theatre.