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Welcome (OR Welcome Back) From Your Theatre Advisor!

By August 5, 2021News

Dear All,

Welcome – or welcome back – to Kansas State Theatre! We are so excited to get back to school!

My name is Dr. Shannon Blake Skelton. I teach Theatre History, Introduction to Theatre and various Film courses. I am also leading a CAT Community for first year students that explores Theatre and its interaction with Film. Along with Sharyn Worcester, I am an advisor in Music, Theatre, and Dance and I’m Lead Advisor for Theatre. I hope to answer any questions you may have, give advice, tell you where to go regarding services, etc.

K-State Theatre is the ONLY NAST accredited program in Kansas. What is NAST? Go HERE to learn more! We feature a Main Stage Season, a Second Stage Season and collaborate with Ebony Theatre. Ebony Theatre was established in 1977 with the mission of featuring the work of African-American playwrights and producing pieces that focus on the Black experience in America. 

We are very proud of our program as it is STUDENT- centered. We value YOU as an artist, student, teacher, technician, designer, performer, thinker and individual. We pride ourselves on helping students find opportunities both here on campus AND after graduation. We have students working professionally all over the US so we are happy to welcome you into our program! In addition, we are a welcoming, inclusive and supportive community, so please know that your faculty are here to help you. So, never hesitate to reach out. 

I hope your summer is winding down as pleasantly as possible. As you know, we are once again heading into the unknown, so NEVER hesitate to reach out to me! I will be able to begin answering emails the week of August 9th. Personally, I had a number of challenges myself as an undergrad, so PLEASE never feel that a question is too basic or that you are ‘bugging’ me. Just email me! 

There are a few things that will help you as we move closer to the start date of the semester.

  1. Complete the mask training: https://www.k-state.edu/safety/covid-19/training/
  2. The university has asked me to suggest preferred off campus behavior. I would say ‘Be Smart’, ‘Look Out For One Another’, ‘Wear Your Mask’ and ‘Socially Distance.’ The health you may endanger may not be your own.  
  3. I would say – above else – get vaccinated. This is important. 
  1. Music and Theatre scholarships may not have not shown up on your tuition bills. Please let me if this is the case.
  2. Auditions will be held at the beginning of the semester. Check THIS MTD blog for details.
  3. Productions for Main Stage and Second Stage are listed here: https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/events/main-stage/
  1. To stay up to date on K-State Theatre, subscribe to THIS blog at https://kstatemtd.com/ 
  2. KSTO (Kansas State Theatre Organization) is the student organization for Theatre students. If you are looking to meet folks and become active in the program, please reach out to Jill Sommerauer (jdsommer@ksu.edu).
  1. Follow KSTO at https://www.facebook.com/KSTOinfo/
  2. We are an accepting, welcoming and inclusive community. Your fellow students are your best resources, so don’t be shy in asking for advice, suggestions, or directions from them. Use social media to connect with them. Self-introductions are the way to go!
  3. To get all the news and updates once the semester begins, don’t forget to follow KSTATE Theatre on FACEBOOK (https://www.facebook.com/KStateTheatre/), INSTAGRAM (https://www.instagram.com/kstatetheatre/?hl=en) and TWITTER (https://twitter.com/kstatetheatre?lang=en)
  4. Also, the KSTATE MTD (Music, Theatre, and Dance) Facebook and Twitter feeds will keep you informed of other events in our school.
  1. REPEAT! Information about the Theatre program is distributed through our blog located at https://kstatemtd.com/ Please subscribe to this blog ASAP! This is your way to always know what is going on!
  2. If you are interested in becoming involved in Dance, Voice or Choir, see the links below! No experience necessary for some courses and activities!
  3. Finally, I will have open ZOOM office hours the week before classes begin. Please be on the lookout for an announcement.

Below are some important links for you to bookmark to help get you acquainted with K-State and the Theatre program.

Theatre Program Overview: https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/theatre/

Campus Jobs: https://www.k-state.edu/careercenter/students/jobs/campusjobs.html

Morris Family Multicultural Center: https://www.k-state.edu/diversity/multicultural-center/

K-State Counseling: https://www.k-state.edu/counseling/

Tutoring: https://www.k-state.edu/tutoring/

LGBTQ Resource Center: http://www.k-state.edu/lgbt/

CATS’ Cupboard (food pantry): https://www.k-state.edu/cats-cupboard/

Band, Choirs, Orchestras: https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/music/ensembles/

KSTATE Dance: Contact Prof. Kate Digby at kdigby@ksu.edu

Choir Auditions: https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/music/choirs/auditions/

KSTATE Libraries: https://www.lib.k-state.edu/

So, there you have it! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail at sbskelton@ksu.edu starting August 9th. Please allow 24 hours for a response.

Enjoy the last part of summer – and get ready for a splendid year!

Best, Shannon (HE/HIM/HIS)