Author: Stacy Salters

Sheldon Mba, Assistant Professor of Performing Arts, Acting and Theatre Studies, in the School of Performing Arts, was featured in the Music Theatre Heritage performance of “Rent” Oct. 2-26.

General education with a creative twist: From Dance Appreciation to Scriptwriting, the School of Performing Arts has exciting courses for spring 2026:

• Wicked—Perspectives from Oz (FYPF 102B, 24324) – If you loved the movies, you’ll love this class. Explore themes of perspective, morality, power and identity through music, film and storytelling. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. T/R.
• Dance Appreciation (DANC140, 22596) – Explore the art, history and cultural impact of dance from the comfort of your home. Online.
• Dance History: 20th–21st Centuries (DANC325, 22603) – Discover how dance shaped culture in the 20th and 21st centuries. Online.
• Theatre Appreciation (THEA143, 22614) – Learn what makes theatre timeless. Online.
• Improvisation for the Actor (THEA241, 22578) – Build confidence, creativity and quick thinking. 3-4:50 p.m. T/R.
• Acting I (THEA243, 22580) – Learn performance basics and stage presence. 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. T/R.
• Scriptwriting II (THEA517, 22594) – Write stories that come alive. 9:30-10:45 a.m. T/R.

Student can register now.

Join the School of Performing Arts to celebrate the 2025-26 seniors culminating projects in acting, dance, design and technical theatre, theatre, and music theatre at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 in Wilner Auditorium. The event is free to attend, but donations will be accepted.

Jacob McGlaun, Assistant Professor of Performing Arts, Musical Theatre, in the School of Performing Arts, was featured in Music Theatre Wichita performance of “Holiday Extravaganza” Dec. 5-7.

Kate Compton, Assistant Professor of Performing Arts, Acting, in the School of Performing Arts, was featured in the Wichita Community Theatre performance of “Almost Maine” Dec. 4-14.

Wichita State School of Performing Arts presents “Company” with music and lyrics by Steven Sondheim and book by George Furth. Originally produced and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince. Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick.

Directed by Jacob McGlaun, assistant professor of performing arts in musical theatre, “Company” takes place on the night of Bobby’s 35th birthday, where a chorus of past lovers and well-meaning friends descend. The results of the night provide thought-provoking questions about love, connection and the quiet terror of being truly known.

The School of Performing Arts will perform “Company” from Nov. 12 through Nov. 16 in Welsbacher Theatre at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 29th and Oliver, entrance F:

• 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12-16
• 2 p.m. Nov. 15-16 (with American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters provided at the Nov. 15 performance)

Ticket prices are $12, $18 and $20 for general admission with limited seating. WSU students receive one ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID, thanks to the support of the WSU Student Government for College of Fine Arts performances.

Box Office contact: 316-978-3233,or online at wichita.universitytickets.com.

Directed by Jane Gabbert (’77), the School of Performing Arts presents a reading of a new play selected from undergraduate and graduate student submissions across the United States at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 through Sept. 27 at Welsbacher Theatre, Hughes Metropolitan Complex, entrance F.

“Now We Are A Hundred,” written by Alaina Tennant, is a haunting and evocative historical drama set in the aftermath of World War II. The play follows Christopher Robin Milne, injured during the war, as he returns home to confront his father, A.A. Milne, the beloved author of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. Haunted by his fictional counterpart, Christopher reckons with the emotional toll of a childhood publicly immortalized, while his father — detached and morally conflicted — grapples with the unintended consequences of literary fame. Through lyrical dialogue and emotional complexity, the play explores the fine line between affection and exploitation, legacy and loss.

Students can get one ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID, thanks to the support of the WSU Student Government for College of Fine Arts performances.. General admission for tickets is $15. Get your tickets from the Fine Arts Box Office by calling 316-978-3233, or online at wichita.universitytickets.com.

The School of Performing Arts is proud to announce Alaina Tennant as the winner of the 2025 Bela Kiralyfalvi National Student Playwriting Competition for her original full-length play, “Now We Are A Hundred.”

A native of Akron, Ohio, Tennant is currently pursuing a BFA in playwriting at Ohio University. Her emerging body of work has already gained national recognition, including honors from the Thespian Excellence Awards and features in prestigious collections like Smith & Kraus’ 2025 Best Men’s Stage Monologues.

Her winning play, “Now We Are A Hundred,” is a poetic and emotionally rich historical drama set in post-WWII England. The story imagines a fictional reckoning between Christopher Robin Milne and his father, A.A. Milne — the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh. Through haunting dialogue and complex character dynamics, the play explores the emotional weight of literary fame, memory, and the search for personal identity amidst inherited legacy.

As part of her award, Tennant will receive a produced reading of her play during WSU’s fall theatre season, Sept. 25-27. Returning to campus for this special event is WSU alumna and award-winning actress Jane Gabbert, who will both mentor the playwright and direct the reading.

The Bela Kiralyfalvi National Student Playwriting Competition honors the legacy of Bela Kiralyfalvi — beloved professor, director and founding figure of WSU’s theatre program — by uplifting the voices of undergraduate playwrights nationwide.

The School of Performing Arts invites you to join in celebrating this exciting new voice in American theatre and to mark your calendars for a moving evening of storytelling this fall.

Step away from your desk and into the world of outdoor art. All WSU staff are invited to join a guided tour of the university’s stunning outdoor sculpture collection, led by knowledgeable docents from the Ulrich Museum of Art, from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 3.

Whether you bring a friend or come solo, it’s a great chance to connect with colleagues, get some fresh air and discover the stories behind some of campus’s most iconic sculptures. Lace up your comfy shoes, soak up some culture and enjoy a refreshing mid-morning walk that’s good for both body and mind.

Participants will meet at the front entrance of the Ulrich Museum of Art (beneath “Personnages Oiseaux” by Joan Miró). The RSVP deadline is Friday, May 30. Reach out to Brenda Lichman at brenda.lichman@wichita.edu for questions.

This tour is part of a community engagement initiative supported by the WSU Staff Senate.

Help students make the most of their summer by sharing these engaging general education opportunities from the School of Performing Arts:

Theatre Appreciation: Theatre Unlocked – Dive into the world of live performance, from script to spotlight. Watch, discuss and see how theatre works its magic.
THEA143, online, CRN 30432
THEA143, in-person, June 2-28, CRN 30429

Dance Appreciation: Discover Dance – Explore the beauty, history and cultural impact of dance through films, stories and conversation.
DANC140, online, CRN 30431

Both courses fulfill general education requirements and offer students a flexible, enriching way to stay on track over the summer. Share with students who are looking for creative, accessible options over the summer. These are courses for all majors.