Category: Fine Arts

The School of Performing Arts in the College of Fine Arts presents “One-Night Only with Julius Thomas III,” a powerhouse musical theatre performance featuring the internationally acclaimed stage artist, Wichita State alum and star of multiple major Broadway productions.

The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5 in Wiedemann Hall on campus, followed by a special artist talk from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 6 in Wichita State Connect.

Tickets for “One-Night Only with Julius Thomas III” are $35 and the artist talk is free to the public.

The evening is made possible by the College of Fine Arts Connoisseur Series, with generous support from The Sam and Rie Bloomfield Foundation and The Hickman Musical Theatre Guest Artist Fund.

Wichita State Opera Theater will present Aaron Copland’s classic opera, “The Tender Land,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6 and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8 in Miller Concert Hall at Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

As part of the country’s 250th birthday celebration, the atmospheric opera, with very recognizable characters, tells the story of a young rural woman’s hopes as her high school graduation day approaches. Her community is turned on end when two “outsiders” come to town. The new influences enhance her outlook and causes her to seek new horizons on the American frontier.

WSU Opera Theater is led by Professor Alan Held, who will conduct the opera with the WSU Symphony Orchestra. Stage director for this production will be Dr. Hilary Taylor from the School of Music.

Tickets are available at the College of Fine Arts Box Office at wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice or by calling 316-978-3233. Discounts apply.

Wichita State will conclude the 2025-26 Rie Bloomfield Organ Series with a performance by Lynne Davis at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 in Wiedemann Hall. The evening’s music is dedicated to the memory of Pat Hysko, who, with her husband Don, was a devoted supporter of the School of Music. For many years, the Hyskos hosted chamber and piano concerts in the garden of their home and welcomed renowned French organists and organ builders from Notre Dame in Paris, offering receptions and dinners when they visited for the series.

Davis, the Robert L. Town Distinguished Professor of Organ and a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, will perform works by J.S. Bach, Pierre Du Mage, Nikolaus Bruhns, Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck and Jehan Alain. A post‑intermission “Conversation with the Artist” will follow.

Tickets are available at wichita.edu/boxoffice.

WSU School of Performing Art’s Jo Zakas Musical Theatre Incubator Program is thrilled to present workshop performances of “PSYCH!”, an original new musical by composer Amanda D’Archangelis and lyricist Sami Horneff. The readings of the new musical will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 through Feb. 14 at the Welsbacher Theatre. Following each performance will be a Q&A with the writing team and actors.

“PSYCH!” Is a hilarious, 90’s inspired musical retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche. When Aphrodite is banished to high school, her schemes to control love spiral into chaos, culminating in a Homecoming night where secrets spill, hearts open and kindness finally wins. Smart, joyful and full of pop-culture flair, “PSYCH!” is a celebration of love in all its messy magical forms. 

“The Jo Zakas Musical Theatre Incubator Program exists to give our students rare, hands-on access to how new musicals are created, from the first draft to the rehearsal room,” said Amy Baker Schwiethale, 
Zakas Musical Theatre program coordinator. “Developing PSYCH!, a smart, joyful reinvention of the Cupid and Psyche myth, with writers Amanda D’Archangelis and Sami Horneff exemplifies everything this program values: collaboration, curiosity, and bold contemporary storytelling. Our students aren’t just performing a musical – they are active collaborators in its evolution, learning directly from two artists who are shaping the future of musical theatre.”

Poetry Out Load is a national arts education program that encourages high school students to learn about poetry through recitation, memorization and competition. Everyone is welcome at this free event beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 in the Polk/Wilson Gallery at the Ulrich Museum of Art.

Come listen and support as students perform in this regional event for the opportunity to go to the state competition.

A recital of French mélodies featuring works by Poulenc, Roussel, Duparc, Chausson and Fauré will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1 in Wiedemann Hall.

Joining Dr. Cristina Castaldi are Gene Philley, piano; Dr. Timothy Jones and Dominique Corbeil, violin; Dr. Ruben Balboa, viola; Dr. Leonid Shukaev, cello; and Dr. Mark Foley, double bass.

Tickets are available through the Fine Arts box office (WSU students get in free with their Shocker ID).

Help the Ulrich Museum of Art launch its spring exhibitions — If Not For: Centering Community, Connection, and Identity; Anne Samat: Avatars; SYMBOLS OF GREATNESS: Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History; and In Place | Taiomah Rutledge: Origins/Evolutions with cultural performances, a cash bar, tasty treats and the company of art-minded friends. The event takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 at the Ulrich.

The theme of this party, which takes place on Kansas Day, is Ad Astra. Guests are encouraged to dress in blue and silver in tribute to the glorious stars that light up our vast night sky.

Ulrich Executive and Artistic Director Vivian Zavataro will present welcoming remarks at 6 p.m. Brothers Taiomah and Kineu Rutledge of Warclan Collective will demonstrate drumming with their family drum at 6:10 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. The drum acts as a tool for healing, bringing communities together, and upholding cultural traditions. Everyone is welcome at this free event.

Wichita State’s Rie Bloomfield Organ Series invites the community to celebrate the season at the annual Wednesdays in Wiedemann Holiday Concert at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 in Wiedemann Hall. The event features the majestic Marcussen organ and welcomes guest sopranos Hilary Taylor and Stephanie Shelden, who will perform the beautiful “Flower Duet” by Léo Delibes.

The program, led by Lynne Davis, includes festive organ works and a chance for the audience to join in singing beloved holiday carols. The concert concludes on the organ with Mulet’s brilliant “Carillon Sortie” following the traditional singing of “Jingle Bells”,  complete with the sparkling revolving star and sleigh bells in the organ case.

All are welcome to gather, sing and enjoy a moment of joy and connection. Admission is free.

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.

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.