Dav Pilkey & Dog Man: A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS attempt – with performance by the cast of Dog Man: The Musical

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. Please click the button above and follow the instructions to be added to the waitlist.

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Dog Man creator Dav Pilkey, break a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS^TM title, and experience the celebrated Dog Man: The Musical!

Doors open at 4:30pm; Showtime 6:00pm!

Dress up as Dog Man* and have a chance to be part of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS^TM History

Attendees (kids and adults) will attempt to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS^TM title for the largest gathering of people dressed as a comic book/graphic novel character

Experience a live performance of the acclaimed Dog Man: The Musical, a photo-opportunity with Dog Man creator Dav Pilkey, and get your own free pre-signed copy of Dog Man: Big Jim Believes!

Plus cool giveaways and more!

*See Dog Man costume requirements below

THE EVENT EXPERIENCE (please read carefully before the event):

• This special event is FREE and open to the public. Advance registration required.
• Tickets are required for all attendees regardless of age, and all attendees must arrive dressed in Dog Man costume:
  • Dark Pants or jeans
  • T-shirt including the badge
  • Face: Dog ears headband or Dog Man hat with a dog nose bow (nose can be painted on) OR Dog Man mask
• All attendees will receive a pre-signed copy of Dog Man: Big Jim Believes.
• Following the program, there will be a special photo opportunity with Dav Pilkey.
• In addition to the above, there will be activity stations including “how to draw your own comic,” photo-opportunity with the Dog Man costume character, giveaways, and more. Additional books by Dav Pilkey and Dog Man merchandise will be available for sale at the event.

ABOUT THE TICKETS:

• Tickets are free and are required for all attendees regardless of age. There is a limit of 4 tickets per customer.
• Important note: If you are unable to attend, you may call the Morris Box Office at 574-235-9190 to cancel your ticket(s) up to 72 hours prior to the event at no charge, so that your ticket can be made available to fans on the waitlist. Please be aware that if you do not cancel and do not attend the event, you will be charged a fee of $10 per ticket, which will be donated to TheaterWorksUSA, to support their mission to create exceptional, transformative theatrical experiences that are accessible to young and family audiences in underserved communities throughout North America.
• Inspired by one of the themes in the Dog Man books about the importance of doing good, if you wish to give away any of your extra signed copies of Dog Man: Big Jim Believes, we are happy to donate it on your behalf to our literacy organization partners, local school libraries, and Title 1 schools.

HELPFUL TIPS/GUIDELINES:

• Photo-Opportunity: Attendees will receive colored wristbands upon arrival that will designate groups for the photo-op. Due to the number of people waiting in line for the photo opportunity with Dav Pilkey, it is very much appreciated these guidelines are followed.
• Concessions: Concessions are available in the Morris Center, and will be open from 4:30-6pm and after the conclusion of the musical performance.
• Parking: Convenient event parking is available at the Main & Colfax Parking Garage, located at 126 N Main St, South Bend, IN 46601. Additional, parking is also available on the streets within walking distance of the Morris and at the Leighton Parking Garage, located at 109 W Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601. https://morriscenter.org/plan-your-visit/directions-parking/
• Bag Check: Please be prepared to have your bags inspected upon entry. Visit morriscenter.org for the full list of prohibited items.
• Arrival Policy: Lobby doors and concession stands will open at 4:30pm. Seating area will open at 5:30pm.
• Accessibility Accommodations: The Morris is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair and transfer seating are located on the first floor. An elevator to the Mezzanine level is in the lobby near the box office. Complimentary assisted listening devices are available at the box office. For questions on accessible seating and assistive listening devices at The Morris Performing Arts Center, please contact info@morriscenter.org.
• Photography/Videography Release: Please be aware that Scholastic Inc. will be recording at this event. By attending the event, you agree that if you are filmed, photographed, or otherwise recorded, you consent to Scholastic using your image and voice for any and all purposes without compensation or further notice.
• Multimedia Statement: On occasion, VPA staff or hired vendors may take photos, video or other recordings of participants in our programs, or people at special events or on MPAC property. Please be aware that this multimedia is only for VPA use and may be used in print publications, on our website or on our social media accounts. Please contact us if you have any questions.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact The Morris Performing Arts Center at info@morriscenter.org.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at this supa epic event!

About Dog Man:

“The Dog Man series has evolved to become a love letter to my parents. I am grateful to them for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Their optimism, support, and encouragement have made a tremendous impact in my life.”—Dav Pilkey

Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man books explore multi-generational family and champion empathy and doing good. The series follows the hilarious and heartwarming adventures of the “Supa Buddies”: Dog Man, a lovable canine superhero, and his friends Li’l Petey, a curious kitten who embodies love, optimism, and hope, and 80-HD, a robot who expresses himself best through his art. The series explores universally positive messages including empathy, kindness, and striving to become a better version of one’s self, while it also tackles more complex themes including the loss of a loved one, shared custody, and forgiveness.

Dog Man has been adapted to a hit and critically-acclaimed musical from TWTheatricals which is currently touring around the U.S. DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures released the feature film adaptation of Dog Man which debuted at #1 at the box office.

About Dav Pilkey:

Dav Pilkey has created over 75 books for children and was awarded a Caldecott Honor for his picture book The Paperboy. When Dav Pilkey was in second grade, he was diagnosed with dyslexia and what is now widely known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because of his learning and behavioral issues in school, he was often sent out in the hallway. It was in his elementary school hallway where he created comic books about superheroes that eventually became Captain Underpants and Dog Man. Pilkey’s blockbuster phenomenon Dog Man released in 2016 has more than 70 million copies in print to date, translations in 48 languages, and is one of the bestselling graphic novel series of all time. The hit movie adaptation of Dog Man was recently released by DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures featuring the voices of Pete Davidson, Isla Fisher, Lil Rel Howery, and Ricky Gervais. Cat Kid Comic Club series, a spin-off of Dog Man which highlights how lessons in creativity often reflect lessons in real life, is also a #1 worldwide bestseller, translated in 28 languages to date, and has been adapted to a hit musical from TheaterworksUSA. Dav’s first graphic novel, The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby, was published 23 years ago and became an instant national bestseller. On April 7, 2026, Scholastic will publish Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga, written and adapted by Pilkey with full color illustrations by Japanese manga artist Motojiro. For more information about Dav Pilkey and his books, visit the Mediaroom HERE.

About Dog Man: The Musical:

A New York Times Critic’s Pick

“You have to love a family show that makes adults laugh, too.” – The New York Times

“A howling good time. This show is perfect for everyone.” —Newsday

A Hilarious, Heartfelt Family Adventure!

Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, TWTheatricals’ Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will Georgea nd Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of beloved characters from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. Featuring an exciting book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, music by Brad Alexander, and original direction and choreography by Jen Wineman. Recommended for ages 6+.

TWTheatricals is a new division of TheaterWorksUSA dedicated to creating fully produced, full-length works for multigenerational audiences, including the upcoming Dog Man: The Bark Knight production. TheaterWorksUSA has led the Theater for Young and Family Audiences movement in New York City and across North America for over half a century. TWUSA believes that access to art—and theater, in particular—is vital. Since 1967, the 501(c)3 not-for-profit has captured the imaginations of 100 million new and veteran theatergoers with an award-winning repertoire of over 140 original plays and musicals, including Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical, currently on tour.

Also from TheaterWorksUSA:

From the creators of Dog Man: The Musical, TheaterWorksUSA’s Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical is a madcap, musical adventure based on Dav Pilkey’s irreverently hilarious book series. Learn more about it at twusa.org/catkid.