Welcome Back From Your Theatre Advisor

Dear All,

Welcome back to Kansas State Theatre! It’s been a while and I am sure you are excited to get back to classes and productions!

My name is Dr. Shannon Blake Skelton and I teach Theatre History, Introduction to Theatre and various Film courses. Along with Sharyn Worcester, I am an advisor for MTD (Music, Theatre, and Dance) and I’m Lead Advisor for Theatre. I am here to answer any questions you may have, give advice, tell you where to go regarding services, etc. I’m also the one who will help you determine a schedule going forward for each semester and make sure you are on track for graduation.

There are a few things that will help you as we move closer to the start date of the semester. You NEED to read this announcement, bookmark it and consult the information throughout the semester.

Yep, we are still in a pandemic. Masks are mandated. Seriously consider getting your booster – it’s making a big difference. Please see the bottom of this announcement for details regarding COVID protocols. The university wants 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.
Get your vaccine/booster here: https://www.k-state.edu/covid-19/vaccine/how-to-find/
Please see the bottom of this announcement for details regarding COVID procedures, processes and protocols.
The best advice for navigating these times is (1) follow protocols, (2) keep your teachers informed AND (3) do not come to class if you feel ill. Contact your instructor if you are missing class. Don’t know if your class is face-to-face or via zoom? Simply email your instructor.
KC/ACTF (Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Fest) begins Sunday! This is a series of virtual Theatre workshops that last a few weeks. For $20 you get to work with an exceptional group of professionals from around the nation. More details here: https://www.kcactf5.org/
Our Spring 2022 Season is HERE: https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/events/
To stay up to date on K-State Theatre, subscribe to MTD blog at https://kstatemtd.com/
Questions about crew? Please contact Prof. Ben Stark at benstark@ksu.edu
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 the leaders, which include Jill Sommerauer jdsommer@ksu.edu and Janelle Augustine jaugustine18@ksu.edu .
Follow KSTO at https://www.facebook.com/KSTOinfo/
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!
To get all the news and updates, 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)
Also, the KSTATE MTD (Music, Theatre, and Dance) Facebook and Twitter feeds will keep you informed of other events in our school.
REPEAT! Information about the Theatre program is distributed through our blog located at https://kstatemtd.com/ Please subscribe to this blog! This is your way to always know what is going on!
Finally, I will have open ZOOM office hours this semester. Reach out if you need to meet.

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/

Feel Sick? Go to LaFene ASAP https://www.k-state.edu/lafene/

Missing Classes Because You are Sick? Contact Student Life at https://www.k-state.edu/studentlife/about/

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

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

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

LGTBQ 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/

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

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

Enjoy the last part of break – and get ready for a splendid 2022!

Best, Shannon

COVID INFO

Come back, ‘Cats.Updates continue to be posted on the COVID-19 website, which includes guidance and frequently asked questions about the return to university campuses. The following pages have been recently updated:

The COVID-19 surge leads to temporary measures.K-State is taking additional temporary steps to protect the health and safety of all K-Staters and maintain operational continuity. By working together we can do what’s needed to stay on track this semester.

The return for the spring semester calls for optimism and caution. K-State remains strongly committed to in-person learning for the spring semester and will continue to follow the guiding principles that helped us successfully navigate the fall semester.

Find spring 2022 preparation guidance for instructors.In a PDF memorandum, Provost Charles Taber offers strategies and preparation guidance as we move through the beginning of the semester.

Facilities storeroom offers free COVID-19 PPE supplies for K-State units. The Division of Facilities is Kansas State University’s central source for COVID-19-related personal protective equipment supplies, including masks and disinfecting supplies.

K-Staters can get COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots at multiple locations.There are multiple ways for K-State students, faculty and staff to find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster.

The university continues to track and evaluate COVID-19 data in our community.Every week, K-State is updating the online dashboard that tracks COVID-19 data in university-connected communities.