News

Mon, 04/07/2025

KU Theatre’s ‘Pippin’ to showcase theatre magic, big dance numbers

University Theatre will conclude its season with a fantastic, classic musical from the creator of "Godspell" and "Wicked." “Pippin” by Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson plays April 11-19 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre at Murphy Hall.
Wed, 03/05/2025

KU theatre design students receive awards at Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Regional Competition

KU student and faculty work received several commendations and awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region V Festival in Des Moines, Iowa.
Thu, 02/20/2025

'John Proctor Is the Villain' questions authority, convention in KU Theatre production

"John Proctor Is the Villain," directed by Jane Barnette and opening March 7 at the University of Kansas, is a darkly comic play about a contemporary high school English class.
Tue, 11/12/2024

University Dance Company Fall Concert will feature world-renowned hip-hop choreographer Amirah Sackett

Performing one weekend only: The University Dance Company Fall Concert will feature a large cast of KU students from all disciplines who will perform an array of diverse dance styles. Guest choreographer Amirah Sackett's work "Olive Branch" will serve as the concert’s finale.
Tue, 10/22/2024

KU Theatre to stage 'Hookman,' a darkly comedic salute to teenage slasher films

KU Theatre will present "Hookman" by Lauren Yee, which reminds everyone that college can be scary. Performances are Nov. 1-7 in the William Inge Memorial Theatre in Murphy Hall.
Thu, 09/12/2024

Based on a true story, 'Indecent' highlights lost moment in queer Jewish history

By turns comic and tragic, musical and literary, this play with music by Pulitzer Prize winner Paula Vogel recounts the true story of the first kiss between two women in Broadway theatre history. Playing one weekend only, Sept. 27-29 at Murphy Hall.
Fri, 09/06/2024

KU Theatre & Dance announces 2024 award and scholarship recipients

The Department of Theatre & Dance recently distributed more than $200,000 in awards and scholarships to 70 students. They include Kansans and students from across the U.S. and around the world.
Tue, 08/27/2024

KU Theatre & Dance announces 2024-25 performance season

The KU Theatre & Dance season lineup features KU students in musicals, contemporary drama and dance staged at Murphy Hall.
Fri, 05/31/2024

Theatre design student earns 1st place at national contest

Two students represented the University of Kansas and showcased their skills as theatrical designers at the recent Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival National competition in Washington, D.C.
Mon, 04/01/2024

University Dance Company Performs April 5-7, with Kansas City Aerial Arts

In the University Dance Company Spring Concert, students and choreographers examine the ideas of world-building, connection, and suspense through the artform. Ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and jazz dance styles provide uplift and entertainment in this repertoire concert. ...

Wed, 03/06/2024

KU Theatre explores labor and community in award-winning drama ‘SWEAT’

“SWEAT” was based on research and dialogue that arose from the playwright embedding herself with the working class community of Reading, Pennsylvania, exploring how marginalized people build community and how they respond when that community is divided against itself.
Mon, 02/05/2024

KU to stage ‘Sweeney Todd,’ opening Feb. 16

Before the Broadway national tour begins, a local production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a Musical Thriller” will explore the psyche of the villain and bring Stephen Sondheim’s brilliant melodies to the community with the help of KU’s Opera and Symphony Orchestra.
Fri, 11/17/2023

New musical 'Milking Christmas' goes full-tilt merry

LAWRENCE — Audiences to the University Theatre’s next production will enjoy cheery musical numbers, over-the-top costumes and sweet storylines driven by even sweeter characters — literally, some of them are gingerbread cookies. Through all that, along with self-aware humor, a satirical message on capitalism and corporate greed emerges. “Milking Christmas,...

Wed, 10/25/2023

University Dance Company Presents its Fall 2023 Concert

University of Kansas Department of Theatre & Dance faculty members, along with a regional guest choreographer, will present work in ballet, hip hop, and modern/contemporary dance styles at the University Dance Company Fall Concert November 3 and 4 at 7:30pm and Nov. 5 at 2:30pm. Featured faculty choreographers are...

Mon, 08/07/2023

KU Theatre & Dance announces 2023-24 performances

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Department of Theatre & Dance has unveiled its 2023-24 performance season, which engages talent within the University Theatre, University Dance Company, School of Music and Department of English, among others. Guest artists from professional theatre and dance companies will also contribute to the season’s...

Wed, 11/02/2022

University Dance Company Turns Up the Volume at Murphy Hall

The University Dance Company Fall Concert explores love, community, and self-discovery through professionally choreographed works in ballet, hip hop, and contemporary dance at Murphy Hall Nov. 11-13. ...

Thu, 09/22/2022

KU Theatre & Dance unveils 2022-23 season

Mon, 03/21/2022

University Dance Company Spring Concert March 25-27

After eight weeks of rehearsal, dancers in the University of Kansas Dance Company are eager to perform at the Spring Concert March 25-27. Students working alongside professional choreographers will showcase the artistry and energy of the Department of Theatre & Dance at this repertoire concert, staged in Murphy Hall’s Crafton-Preyer...

Wed, 11/10/2021

University Dance Company Fall Concert Nov. 19-21

The University of Kansas Department of Theatre & Dance presents the University Dance Company’s repertory concert featuring original works by KU faculty members Ashley Brittingham, Tristian Griffin, and Maya Tillman-Rayton, as well as guest alumna Ashley Ebner. Ballet, modern/contemporary, and hip hop works will explore the fascinating, fun, and complex...

Tue, 09/07/2021

KU Theatre & Dance returns with plans for in-person performances

LAWRENCE — The Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Kansas offers escapism, comedy, music, dance and poignant drama in its 2021-2022 season. ...

Tue, 07/06/2021

KU Department of Theatre & Dance names 2021 award winners

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Department of Theatre & Dance recognized 65 students as recipients of its year-end awards and scholarships, totaling over $175,000 in financial support. ...

Thu, 04/01/2021

University Dance Company Spring Concert Responds To Media Overload

The University Dance Company presents its Spring Concert, highlighting information overload and the many stimuli we experience as we move physically and virtually through the world – one weekend only, April 9-11.* Access is free. For information about this digital presentation and about the choreographers and cast, visit Spring Dance...