Get in touch with your artistic side
Whether you want to take the stage or watch a play, visit a gallery or exhibit, or hear a reading by a visiting author, K-State’s the place for you.
“As a major cultural center for the university, Manhattan, and the region, K-State understands that experiencing the vibrancy of the arts is essential,” according to President Kirk Schulz. “Our multifaceted arts programs are a vital and core element of what it means to be a major university.”
Live performances
McCain Performance Series
Head to McCain Auditorium’s performance series for nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. Performances range from the Moscow National Ballet to the LA Theatre Works’ War of the Worlds and The Lost World to the casts of Annie and Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles.
Theatre
Performances by K-State theatre and dance students take place in Nichols Theatre, McCain Auditorium, and the Purple Masque Theatre. Watch K-State productions of classics like Guys and Dolls or Romeo and Juliet and modern shows like Humble Boys.
Dance
Dance concerts include a variety of styles—including ballet, modern, tap, and jazz—performed by talented students and choreographed by dance faculty, guest artists, and advanced students.
Music
Each year music faculty and students present more than 150 events featuring solo, ensemble, and large group presentations for wind, string, keyboard, and percussion instruments and vocal presentations that include solo recitals, opera workshop, and choir concerts. Most events are free and take place in All Faiths Chapel or McCain Auditorium.
English
Enjoy poetry and fiction readings by visiting writers and Department of English faculty and students.
Galleries and exhibitions
Beach Museum of Art
The museum offers an in-depth look at Kansas art and brings art and artists from around the world to the heart of Kansas.
Chang Gallery
This College of Architecture, Planning, and Design gallery in Seaton Hall is home to work from students, faculty, and practicing architects.
Chapman Gallery
Guest artist and student and faculty work is on display in this 1,400-square-foot, technology friendly Department of Art gallery in Willard Hall.
Kemper Art Gallery
Exhibits from Master of Fine Arts candidates, visiting artists, alumni, and students and faculty rotate in this K-State Student Union gallery.
Academic programs
Theatre
Academics and an exciting and vital production program, led by dedicated faculty and professionals, allow students to develop skills in theatre that will prepare them for numerous production, performance and scholarship opportunities.
Dance
The goal of the dance program is to provide professional studio training in partnership with a rich foundation in the liberal arts.
English
Our undergraduate curriculum in English offers concentrations in literature, creative writing, and literature with teaching licensure as well as minors in both literature and writing.
Music
Not only does the study of music lead to satisfying careers in music itself, but it can be combined with many other interests and professional studies for a variety of lifetime pursuits.
Art
Artists and designers enhance the quality of life by interpreting and reflecting upon the time in which we live through creative means.
Architecture, Planning and Design
Design professionals solve complex, challenging problems with the intention of making a difference in the physical environment. The educational experience in the College of Architecture, Planning and Design will provide you with the capacity to make that difference.