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Nathan Jackson Legacy NYC Trip – Apply Now!

By August 25, 2024News

In Honor of Nathan Jackson, Playwright and K-State Alum

  • Dates: October 16-20, 2024
  • Location: New York City

Purpose:
The Nathan Jackson Legacy NYC Trip is organized to honor Nathan Jackson, an esteemed K-State Theatre alum and playwright, by offering K-State Theatre majors (sophomores to seniors) a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural scene of New York City. This experience will expose students to socially conscious theatre while providing an enriching educational experience in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Trip Highlights:

  • Attendance at Critically Acclaimed Plays:
    • Oh Mary – A play about Mary Ellen Pleasant, a 19th-century African-American entrepreneur and abolitionist.
    • Suffs – A musical highlighting the American suffragist movement.
    • En Garde Arts’ The Wind and the Rain: A Story About Sunny’s Bar – A site-specific performance exploring community resilience.
    • Hamilton – The groundbreaking musical about Alexander Hamilton, renowned for its innovative casting and cultural impact.
  • Free Time: Explore NYC’s historic and cultural landmarks related to social movements and theatre history.
  • Engagement Opportunities: Participate in discussions and reflections on how these experiences can shape your future work in theatre.

About Nathan Jackson:
Nathan Louis Jackson is a celebrated alumnus of Kansas State University and a prominent voice in contemporary American theatre. Originating from Kansas City, Kansas, Jackson’s work powerfully explores African American life, social justice, and the complexities of identity and community. His acclaimed plays, such as Broke-ology and When I Come to Die, have earned him widespread recognition for their emotional depth and authenticity. In addition to his theatre work, Jackson has contributed significantly to television, writing for shows like Luke Cage and 13 Reasons Why. His commitment to nurturing new talent and advocating for diversity in the arts makes him an influential and compassionate storyteller.

Call for Participation:
We invite K-State Theatre majors (sophomores to seniors) to apply for this transformative experience. The Nathan Jackson Legacy NYC Trip offers a unique chance to see groundbreaking theatre productions, engage with industry professionals, and explore the rich cultural landscape of New York City.

Application Process:
Interested students should submit an application that includes:

  • Brief Statement (500 -750 words): Explain your interest in the trip and how it aligns with your academic and professional goals. Additionally, please include any research you have conducted on Nathan Jackson and En Garde Arts, highlighting how their work might influence or inspire you.

Application Deadline: Thursday, August 29th, by 5:00 PM.

Trip Details:

  • Accompanying Faculty: David Mackay, Associate Director of Theatre, will accompany you on this journey.
  • Exclusion Note: Students involved in the production of A Year with Frog and Toad are ineligible for this trip but will have another opportunity to visit NYC in Spring 2025.
  • What’s Included: Airfare, hotel accommodations, tickets to four plays, and ground transportation to and from the airport.
  • Additional Costs: While some meals are covered, students will be responsible for additional meal costs and any extracurricular activities during free time.
  • Funding: This trip is made possible through a generous donation by Broadway director Thomas Kail and Dr. Art DeGroat, Executive Director of Military and Veteran Affairs, with additional support from Kansas State University.

About Thomas Kail:
Thomas Kail is a Tony Award-winning director best known for his work on the groundbreaking musical Hamilton. His innovative direction and commitment to diverse storytelling have made him one of the most influential figures in modern theatre. Kail’s dedication to the arts and support of emerging talent have had a profound impact on the industry. His generous donation has made this trip possible, providing students with an invaluable opportunity to experience the cultural richness of NYC.

For More Information and to Apply:
Please contact David Mackay at dbmackay@ksu.edu with any questions or to receive the application form.