Kansas Wesleyan University

What you'll study

The programme blends practical studio courses with classroom study to prepare students for multiple pathways in the performing arts. Core areas typically include acting technique, voice and movement, scene study, script analysis and directing. Production and technical training covers stagecraft, scenic design, lighting design, costume construction, sound and stage management. Academic components include theatre history, dramatic literature, playwriting and theatre criticism.

• Performance: acting, scene study, improvisation, voice and movement, audition technique.
• Production & Technical: stagecraft, scenic design, lighting and sound technology, costumes, stage management.
• Theory & History: theatre history, dramatic literature, dramaturgy, play analysis.
• Professional Development: directing practicum, rehearsal process, portfolio and audition preparation, internship placements.

Students typically participate in department productions throughout their degree, gaining experience in both onstage and backstage roles. Small class sizes allow for individual feedback and mentorship from faculty, and opportunities exist to collaborate with other departments on interdisciplinary projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Admissions decisions are based on academic records, personal statement and letters of recommendation. Because theatre training is practical, applicants intending to pursue performance or specialised production pathways are usually asked to attend an audition or submit a recorded performance sample; those focusing on technical or design work may be asked to provide a portfolio of related creative work.

• High-school transcript or equivalent.
• Personal statement outlining theatre experience and goals.
• Letters of recommendation (academic and/or from theatre professionals).
• Audition or recorded sample for performance applicants; portfolio for design/technical applicants.
• Interview may be requested as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with a mix of practical experience, creative skills and critical understanding that supports careers across the performing arts and related fields. Typical career paths include actor, director, stage manager, production designer, lighting or sound technician, costume designer, dramaturg and playwright. Many graduates also move into arts administration, education, community theatre, event production, or further study such as conservatory training or graduate programmes in theatre and performance studies.

Because the programme emphasises real production experience and professional development, students are prepared for entry-level roles in regional theatre, touring companies, educational theatre, and cultural organisations, and are equipped to build freelance careers in performance and production.

Why study at Kansas Wesleyan University

Kansas Wesleyan offers theatre training within a small, campus-focused liberal arts environment where students receive personalised instruction and frequent performance opportunities. The department runs a regular season of productions, enabling students to gain practical credits in a variety of roles, and faculty are practitioners who mentor students through rehearsal and production processes.

The university’s size supports close faculty-student collaboration, cross-disciplinary projects and leadership opportunities both on and off stage. Students benefit from connections with local and regional arts organisations for internships and community-engaged projects, and the curriculum is designed to develop adaptable graduates who can pursue professional work or further study in the performing arts.