Acting

Students who pursue acting at Kansas State will receive solid training in performance based on the Stanislavski method. They will also have the opportunity to study a variety of other acting practices including, the Meisner technique, improvisational theatre, intensive scene study, and acting for camera.

Our active production program allows numerous opportunities for on-stage experience beginning in the freshman year.

Introductory

• Fundamentals of Acting-script analysis and scene work
• Improvisation-techniques
• Intermediate Acting - further analysis and scene work
• Stage Movement - techniques
• Dance Technique: Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Musical Theatre
• Shakespeare - acting verse
• Meisner Technique and Introduction to Camera work
• Advanced Movement - various topics explored
• Practice in Acting - one act plays in Lunchbag Theatre• Topics: Advanced Improv, Stage Combat, Acting for the Camera, Acting in Original Scripts, Scene Study

Performance Opportunities

• Performances are presented in three spaces - Nichols Theatre, McCain Auditorium and the Purple Masque Theatre (see facilities).
• 5 Main Stage Productions - modern & contemporary plays, classical drama, comedy, musical theatre, opera
• 3-4 Studio Productions of student-directed full-length plays
• 2 Dance concerts

Directing

Students interested in directing may take courses in Fundamentals of Directing, Advanced Directing (LunchBag Theatre) and Directing Seminar as well as take on various directing projects as they progress through their studies.

It is important for the directing student to be familiar with all areas of theatre and is therefore recommended that they diversify their studies by taking classes in acting, directing, design, stage management, technical theatre, theatre history and theatre literature. These studies may be supplemented by related courses offered in other departments such as Introduction to Shakespeare and Dramatic Literature in the English Department.

The advanced directing student will take part in LunchBag Theatre which produces a number of one-act plays in the spring semester. Selected students will be allowed to direct full length plays in the Purple Masque theatre.