Author: Stacy Salters

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.

Looking to earn credits and actually enjoy the class? Check out these dynamic online summer courses 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

Enroll now and make your summer count.

Looking for fun, creative and inspiring courses that meet your gen ed requirements? Check out some of the options from the School of Performing Arts:

Dance Appreciation: Discover the beauty of movement. (DANC 140; 2-3:15 p.m. TR or Online)
Theatre Appreciation: Explore the magic of the stage. (THEA 143; 9:30-10:45 a.m. MW or Online)
Improv & Theatre Games: Build confidence and have fun. (THEA 241; 3:30-4:45 p.m. TR)
Acting I: Learn the art of performance. (THEA 243; 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. MW)
Theatre as a Mirror of Today’s America: Engage with modern issues through theatre. (THEA 385; Online)

Don’t miss the chance to spark creativity, meet new friends and earn credit. Register now.

The School of Performing Arts presents the Senior Capstone Celebration 2024, starting at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 in Wilner Auditorium with breaks throughout the day.

The Senior Capstone Celebration is a day full of celebrating the creativity, talent and hard work of the school’s seniors, it features capstone projects from students in:

• Dance performances and solos
• Dance presentations
• Design and technical theatre presentations
• Musical theatre performances
• Theatre general studies presentations
• Theatre performances

This is a free event, but donations will be accepted to support future work by students.

Don’t miss this showcase of passion and artistry as the seniors take the stage to share their final projects.

Join the School of Performing Arts for a unique opportunity to engage with international guest artist from Universidad Veracruzana, Karina Eguia. For an immersive experience, catch a live performance of “Borderline” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 in the Litwin Theatre of the Heskett Center Dance Studios, showcasing exceptional talent and cultural artistry.

“Borderline” is a solo theatre performance whose text arises from collective creation. It is based in Mexico, but the creative development occurred in artist residencies in Barcelona and Madrid. The title of the work defines the conflict of the central character, Georgina Blanco, who is a victim of the personality disorder known as Borderline. This disorder is characterized primarily by emotional dysregulation; individuals often have extremely polarized thoughts and chaotic interpersonal relationships.

Learn more about the history of the partnership with Universidad Veracruzana.

The School of Performing Arts welcomes Ben Juhnke as its visiting professor of performing arts in scenic/lighting design. With his exceptional talent and vision, it can’t wait to see the creativity and innovation he brings to stage.

As a seasoned professional in technical direction, lighting and scenic design, Ben brings a unique blend of creativity and expertise. With a career spanning work with iconic artists and productions around the world, including Broadway, Ben’s passion for fostering an open and innovative atmosphere is truly inspiring.

His dedication to making every production an enjoyable and boundary-pushing experience aligns perfectly with the values of the School of Performing Arts. It looks forward to the fresh perspectives and vibrant energy Ben will bring to the community.

The School of Performing Arts welcomes new assistant professor of performing arts – musical theatre, Jacob McGlaun.

With over a decade of experience in musical theater education and directing, Jacob is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of performers through an innovative, movement-based approach. Jacob earned a BFA in musical theater from the University of Michigan and an MFA in movement from London’s Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, with additional training in Meisner technique at NYC’s Neighborhood Playhouse.

A seasoned musical theater performer, Jacob’s credits span off-Broadway stages, iconic NYC Cabaret venues and regional theaters across the country. His international production work has graced stages in London and Italy, bringing a diverse array of firsthand experience to his practice.

While at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Jacob served as adjunct professor of acting and as movement director within the opera department. He also served as the chair of the Performing Arts Department at The Miami Valley School in Dayton, Ohio, where he founded a musical theater program, directed over a dozen shows and received several regional awards for his productions.

Ready to dive into a summer of excitement and enrichment? The School of Performing Arts is offering a lineup of online and in-person classes.

Whether you’re a budding performer, a curious mind or simply seeking to expand your horizons, the School of Performing Arts has something special in store with Stage Combat, Dance and Theatre Appreciation, or Theatre as a Mirror of Today’s America.

THEA 365: Stage Combat – May 20-June 1, Monday through Friday from 12:30 to 5 p.m.
DANC 140: Dance Appreciation – June 3-July 26 and June 3-June 29, online only
THEA 143: Theatre Appreciation – June 3-July 26 and July 1-26, online only
THEA 385: Theatre as a Mirror of Today’s America – June 3-July 26

With multiple options and flexible scheduling, these courses are perfect for anyone looking to enrich their summer or get a jumpstart toward graduating. Register now and embark on a journey of discovery and growth this summer.

To register for summer 2024 courses, use Banner in your myWSU.