Friends University: Drama

[ FINE ARTS: DRAMA ]

About Drama at Friends
The Friends University Theatre program is a growing and dynamic academic offering that attracts a number of talented students each year. Students who enroll in this field of study are given the opportunity to audition and perform in or assist with technical support on a variety of productions. Students may study the aesthetics of drama, acting or performance, theater history, directing, stagecraft and stage make-up, dramatic literature, drama education, special studies in auditioning, pantomime, drama ministry or advanced technical theatre.

Our goal is to provide each student with a well-rounded foundation and training in each of the areas that contribute to dramatic performance or production. It is recommended that each student get broad exposure and practical experience in each of the major content areas offered in our academic curriculum. Whether your area of interest is performing onstage or working behind-the-scenes, Friends Theatre has a lot to offer. With our strong music and ballet programs, students may complement their theatre studies with supporting coursework in music performance or voice, music theory, and music theatre dance or choreography, as well as participate in one our many vocal or instrumental music groups or ensembles.

Career opportunities for students who complete an academic degree in Drama or Theatre Arts include arts education or administration, professional theatre performance or technical support, graduate or professional studies, worship arts ministry or work in Communications Media (Radio, Television/Video or Film).

Focus Areas
Students have the opportunity to choose from three concentrations of study:

English/Drama with a Drama Emphasis Major or Minor
English/Drama with a Drama Education Endorsement
Music Theatre

Scholarships
Performance-based scholarships are available for qualified students. Students are expected to maintain active involvement through participation in the theater season for the current school year in which the scholarship is awarded. Students are asked to audition or interview with one of our faculty to assess a student's ability, skill, prior training or experience.

For information or consideration, please contact the Fine Arts Office at (316) 295-5877, to arrange an appointment.

Contact Us
For more information, please contact Charles Parker, director of Theater, at cparker@friends.edu or Kurt Priebe, instructor of Drama and Media Studies, at priebek@friends.edu.