University of Kansas

The Department of Theatre & Dance is an inspirational learning incubator for the next generation of performers, scholars, administrators, designers, and technicians in theatre, performance, and dance.

Our undergraduate programs are grounded in the philosophy that good theatre artists are thinking theatre artists. KU Theatre is part of the School of the Arts within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Our students work intensively on acquiring theatre skills and knowledge in our classrooms, studios, and laboratories. They receive small-school individual attention while benefiting from big-school academic choices and vast array of programs. KU theatre students often undertake secondary study in areas such as business, journalism, art, and English. KU Theatre is internationally recognized for its graduate education. Our M.A. and Ph.D. programs are unique for combining intensive study of theatre and performance with the production training necessary for theatre careers in higher education. Our groundbreaking M.F.A. in Scenography is unique for having an integrated approach to scenic, lighting, and costume design that prepares artists for professional and academic careers.

KU Theatre offers students financial aid in the form of dozens of scholarships, awards, and teaching assistantships each year to graduate and undergraduate students. A strong community of support is found in the Friends of Theatre & Dance (FROTH),a community group dedicated to enhancing the mission of the University Theatre. Once students graduate our program they join a wide network of theatre Alumni.