Author: Stacy Salters

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.

Kennedy Rogers is the new Staff Senate President, succeeding Jason Bosch, who recently resigned to pursue an exciting new opportunity.

Kennedy brings a wealth of experience and dedication to this important role. Having been an active and engaged member of our community, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering collaboration, advocating for the well-being of the staff and contributing to the overall enhancement of the organization.

As the Staff Senate expresses its sincere gratitude to Jason Bosch for his invaluable contributions during his tenure, it eagerly looks forward to the positive impact Kennedy will undoubtedly make as she assumes the responsibilities of Staff Senate President. Her leadership skills, passion for the community and vision for a unified and supportive work environment align seamlessly with the values of Wichita State.

Help welcome Kennedy to this esteemed position and extend heartfelt appreciation to Jason for his dedication and service to the organization. The Staff Senate is confident that under Kennedy’s leadership, it will continue to thrive and be an effective voice for the interests of WSU’s staff.

The School of Performing Arts proudly presents “A Chorus Line” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2-4 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 5 in Wilner Auditorium.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults; $18 for senior citizens, military, and faculty and staff; and $12 for children and students. Wichita State students can receive one ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID thanks to the support of the Student Government for College of Fine Arts performances. Call the Box Office at 316-978-3233 or order tickets from the online storefront.

Directed and choreographed (adapted from Michael Bennet’s original Broadway choreography) by Amy Baker Schwiethale, “A Chorus Line” examines one day in the lives of seventeen dancers, all vying for a spot in the “chorus line” of a Broadway musical. After the first round of cuts, Zach, the director and choreographer, asks each dancer to speak about themselves. Discomfort opens into revelation, confession leads to redemption and within the bright, outwardly homogenous chorus, the audience begins to see each dancer’s individuality.

The School of Performing Arts is thrilled to announce that 2021 Alum Ariel Glorsky-Seyl will be joining the performance as a special guest artist to portray the role of Diana Morales in “A Chorus Line.” During her time at WSU, she played several roles including Susan in “[title of show]” and Amy in “The Theory of Relativity.”

The School of Performing Arts proudly presents “Move on Litwin: Dance Up Close,” a diverse evening of dance works, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26-28 in the Litwin Theatre of the Heskett Dance Studio.

Tickets are $15, but Wichita State students can receive one ticket to the performance at no additional charge with their Shocker ID thanks to the support of the WSU Student Government for College of Fine Arts performances.

Call the College of Fine Arts Box Office at 316-978-3233 for tickets, or purchase them online.