Ksu School Of Music, Theatre, And Dance

For residents across Kansas, and especially those in the Manhattan area, the Kansas State University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, housed within the magnificent McCain Auditorium, stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural enrichment. This isn't just an academic department; it's a vibrant center where creativity flourishes, talent is honed, and world-class performances come to life right here in our community. Whether you're a prospective student with a passion for the stage, a dedicated patron of the arts, or a family looking for engaging entertainment, the K-State School of Music, Theatre, and Dance offers an unparalleled experience in the heart of our state.

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at K-State is renowned for its commitment to developing the next generation of artists and scholars. Its programs seamlessly blend rigorous academic learning with invaluable hands-on creative opportunities, providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for successful careers in the dynamic performing arts industry. This dedication to practical experience ensures that students are not only mastering their craft but also gaining real-world insights into the demanding and rewarding world of professional performance and production.

Beyond its academic mission, the K-State School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, particularly through McCain Auditorium, serves as a vital cultural nexus for all of Northeastern Kansas. It regularly hosts a diverse calendar of events, from professional touring productions featuring renowned artists to captivating student performances that showcase emerging talent. This continuous stream of high-quality artistic endeavors enriches the lives of countless individuals in our community, making exceptional music, compelling theatre, and dynamic dance performances accessible to everyone. For Kansans seeking inspiration, entertainment, and a deeper connection to the arts, this institution is an indispensable resource.

The K-State School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is prominently located within McCain Auditorium at 1501 Goldstein Cir, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. This central address on the campus of Kansas State University places it within easy reach for residents of Manhattan and surrounding communities across Kansas. Goldstein Circle is a well-known area on campus, making the auditorium straightforward to locate whether you're a student, faculty member, or a visitor attending a public event.

McCain Auditorium itself is designed to be accessible, serving a broad audience including students, faculty, staff, and the general public. As a major cultural center, efforts are typically made to ensure ease of access. While specific parking instructions for events might vary, campus facilities usually provide designated parking areas, often within reasonable walking distance. The university's central location in Manhattan further enhances accessibility, making it a convenient destination for those traveling from other parts of Kansas. This prime location underscores the school's role as a cultural hub, welcoming all who wish to experience the performing arts in our state.

The K-State School of Music, Theatre, and Dance offers a comprehensive range of services, primarily focused on education, performance, and community engagement in the performing arts. These services cater to both aspiring artists and the wider Kansas community.

• Undergraduate Degree Programs:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Dance Performance

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance Studies

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Musical Theatre

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Theatre Design, Technology and Production

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Studies

  • Various Bachelor of Music (B.M.) concentrations (e.g., Instrumental Performance, Jazz Performance, Piano Performance, Voice Performance, Composition, Music Theory)

• Graduate Degree Programs:

  • Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Acting

  • Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Theatre Design and Technology

  • Other Master of Music (M.M.) and Ph.D. programs in music.

• Minor Programs: Minors available in Dance, Theatre Design, Technology and Production, Theatre Performance, and Theatre Studies.

• Live Performances & Concerts: Regular schedule of public performances by students, faculty, and visiting professional artists. These include:

  • Theatre productions (plays and musicals) in McCain Auditorium and other campus venues.

  • Dance concerts and showcases.

  • Music concerts featuring various ensembles (orchestras, bands, choirs, jazz ensembles) and soloists.

  • Faculty and guest artist recitals and performances.

• Auditions & Portfolio Reviews: Structured processes for prospective students to audition for specific B.F.A. and M.F.A. programs, and for current students to participate in productions.

• Experiential Learning Opportunities: Extensive practical experience in theatre production and performance, often through practicum courses and internships, providing hands-on training for students.

• Community Engagement & Outreach: The school contributes significantly to the cultural life of the region by providing public access to a diverse range of high-quality artistic events and potentially offering workshops or masterclasses to the wider community.

• Facility Rentals: McCain Auditorium's various spaces, including the theatre, expansive lobby, and multipurpose rooms, are available for rental for conferences, community events, and other functions, providing a versatile venue for the region.

The K-State School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, particularly through its home in McCain Auditorium, offers numerous features and highlights that make it a cornerstone of arts and education in Kansas.

• World-Class Faculty and Alumni: The school boasts "world-renowned faculty and alumni" across its music, theatre, and dance programs. These expert instructors bring performance and industry experience to the classroom, providing students with unparalleled guidance and connections.

• McCain Auditorium as a Premier Venue: McCain Auditorium itself is a significant highlight. Seating 1,751 patrons (with 927 on the Orchestra Level), it is "Kansas State University's campus cultural center for the live performing arts." Its proscenium stage, orchestra pit/lift, and newly renovated lighting system ensure professional-grade production capabilities for both university and touring performances.

• Diverse Academic Programs: The School offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate degrees in music, theatre, and dance. This includes unique B.F.A. programs in Musical Theatre and Theatre Design, Technology and Production, alongside B.A. and M.F.A. options, catering to diverse artistic aspirations.

• Extensive Performance Opportunities: Students have abundant "hands-on creative opportunities" to perform on stage, whether in mainstage theatre productions (2-3 annually in McCain), various dance concerts, or countless music ensembles and recitals. This practical experience is crucial for developing skilled performers.

• Vibrant Cultural Calendar: Beyond academic productions, McCain Auditorium "has a rich history of bringing world-class engaging experiences to northeastern Kansas." It regularly hosts professional touring acts, concerts, and various community events, making high-quality cultural experiences accessible to the general public in Kansas. Many of these events are "family-friendly."

• Holistic Development: The school encourages students to "not only pursue their creative passions toward an exciting career, but also to expand and develop their talents to share with others." This emphasis on personal growth and sharing art with the community is a key feature.

• Comprehensive Technical and Design Training: For students interested in the "behind the scenes" aspects, the theatre programs offer extensive training in scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design, with advanced practical experience in production under faculty supervision.

• Community Engagement and Accessibility: Performances are designed to be "accessible to anyone to enjoy," underscoring the school's role in enriching the cultural life of the broader Kansas community, not just the university.

For those in Kansas interested in the academic programs, performances, or facilities of the K-State School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, here is their contact information:

Address: McCain Auditorium, 1501 Goldstein Cir, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA

School of Music, Theatre, and Dance Main Office Phone: (785) 532-5740

McCain Auditorium Box Office Phone: (785) 532-6428

Email: mccain@ksu.edu (for McCain Auditorium inquiries)

For detailed information on academic programs, audition requirements, performance schedules, and ticketing, it is highly recommended to visit the official Kansas State University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance website at www.k-state.edu/mtd/ and the McCain Auditorium website at www.k-state.edu/mccain/. These resources provide the most up-to-date information on events, faculty, and student opportunities.

For Kansas locals, the K-State School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, situated within McCain Auditorium, is an exceptionally suitable and valuable institution that significantly enriches our community's cultural landscape. Its suitability stems from its multifaceted contributions as both an academic powerhouse and a vibrant public arts venue. Firstly, for families with aspiring artists, the school offers top-tier academic programs in music, theatre, and dance, taught by "world-renowned faculty and alumni." This means that young Kansans don't have to leave the state to receive a high-quality arts education, gaining invaluable "hands-on creative opportunities" and practical experience that prepares them for professional careers. This accessibility to excellence is a huge advantage for local talent development.

Secondly, McCain Auditorium itself is a tremendous asset to the entire region. As a premier performance venue, it consistently "brings world-class engaging experiences to northeastern Kansas." Locals can enjoy a diverse array of professional touring productions, from Broadway shows to acclaimed musical acts, alongside impressive student and faculty performances. This offers a wide range of cultural enrichment right here in Manhattan, eliminating the need for long drives to larger cities to experience high-caliber performing arts. The fact that many events are "family-friendly" also makes it an ideal destination for an outing that can inspire and entertain all generations.

Finally, the school fosters a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere where "performances are accessible to anyone to enjoy." Whether you're a student, a patron, or just curious, the institution serves as a central hub for artistic expression and community engagement. By providing a platform for creativity, a space for shared cultural experiences, and a resource for lifelong learning in the arts, the K-State School of Music, Theatre, and Dance is not just an educational facility; it's an indispensable part of Kansas's cultural fabric, offering inspiring and enriching experiences that truly resonate with local values and interests.

Ksu School Of Music, Theatre, And Dance

McCain Auditorium, 1501 Goldstein Cir, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA