Dear Students,
We hope your summer is winding down peacefully as you prepare for the semester. We are excited to welcome both our returning and new students to our community for Fall 2025!
First and foremost, we are excited that you have chosen to join our unique program. We are focused on creating an inviting and collaborative environment that is focused on you – the student. We are invested in your development as a learner, creator, scholar, artist, and practitioner. We are the only National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) accredited program in Kansas, and our faculty are Theatre professionals who are also professional teachers.
Along with new students, we have some new faculty! Patrick Reading has joined us as Technical Director. With decades of experience, Patrick will be mentoring Stage Managers, coordinating crews, and serving a variety of needs on the technical theatre front. Guest Instructor Dwight Tolar is teaching courses in acting and performance. As a professional actor with extensive stage and screen experience, Dwight will be leading courses designed for our Theatre majors whose focus is performance. In Drama Therapy, we are welcoming Michelle Davenport, MA, RDT/BCT, CTRS as the new director of the program!
This semester Dr. Joelle Ré Arp-Dunham will be serving as Associate Director of Theatre as well as directing Spring Awakening. Prof. David Mackay is on sabbatical, conducting creative research. Toby Bitner (they/them) is the Academic Advisor for Theatre and will help you with enrollment and all academic issues. Dr. Shannon Blake Skelton is now Faculty Mentor, meaning he will help you with questions regarding internships, summer work, etc.
We have an exciting semester ahead, so for a few items to get you started on solid footing, please see the information below. This will help make the beginning of the semester progress smoothly for you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Joelle Ré Arp-Dunham
Dr. Shannon Blake Skelton
Important Information:
- We distribute information about Theatre via our K-State MTD blog. You must subscribe to the blog here: https://kstatemtd.com/theatre/ This is our virtual callboard where you will learn about productions, auditions, etc. Make sure you subscribe with your K-State email address.
- Also, all communication with students from faculty and K-State is via your K-State email address. Email is the main communication mode in professional Theatre and it is also the main communication mode at K-State. All faculty/staff expect you to check your email at least twice a day.
- Please review the information at the end of this letter. It contains production dates, contact information, and ways for you to become involved in our program to enhance and enrich your classroom learning.
- We have a number of events to welcome you next week:
Monday, August 25: Classes begin
Theatre Program Meet and Greet (all Theatre students and faculty): 12:30-1:20pm, Chapman Theatre in Nichols Hall
All Theatre Student Meeting with Joelle and Shannon
7:00-8:00pm, Chapman Theatre in Nichols Hall
KSTO Ice Cream Social (Come enjoy a cold treat with the program’s own student group, KSTO – Kansas State Theatre Organization)
8:00-9:00pm, Nichols Hall Lawn
Tuesday, August 26
Spring Awakening Auditions: 7:00pm, Chapman Theatre, Nichols Hall
For more information and to sign up go here: https://kstatemtd.com/spring-awakening-auditios/
Wednesday, August 27
Spring Awakening Callbacks
7:00pm, Chapman Theatre, Nichols Hall
Saturday, August 30
Winter Dance and Nut/Cracked Auditions
8:30am, Nichols Hall Studio 008 (doors open at 8am; open to all students)
Additional:
Music Ensemble/Choral Auditions:
Opera:
Contact Dr. Reginald Pittman at pittman@ksu.edu
Interested in contributing to or participating in the Theatre and Dance community?
Contact the following people:
Dance – Prof. Kate Digby at kdigby@ksu.edu
Crew – Patrick Reading at preading@ksu.edu
Costume Shop – Prof. Melissa Neville at costume@ksu.edu
Scene Shop – Prof. George Matthews at georgewm@ksu.edu
Fall 2025 Productions
Tigers Be Still
By Kim Rosenstock
Directed by Mackenzie Brown
Sept. 25th-28th
*This production has been cast.
Spring Awakening
Music by Duncan Sheik and Book & Lyrics by Steven Sater
Directed by Dr. Joelle Arp-Dunham
Oct. 23rd-26th, Oct. 30th-Nov. 2nd
Winter Dance
Nov. 13th -15th
Nut/Cracked with David Parker and The Bang Group
Dec. 5th-6th