Performing Arts Day

January 30, 2027

Performing Arts Day reflects the School of Performing Arts' commitment to supporting arts education throughout our region. By inviting high school students, teachers, studio directors, and community educators to campus for a day of workshops and professional engagement, the event creates opportunities for learning, networking, and artistic discovery. Participants gain hands-on experience in acting, dance, musical theatre, design and technology, and production while building connections with university faculty, current students, and fellow arts educators.

A FREE day of workshops in acting, dance, design/technology, and musical theatre for high school students and community teachers!

Register Now Schedule at a Glance Session Details

• Hands-on sessions led by industry professionals
• Networking opportunities with faculty and peers
• Explore creative tools, techniques, and career pathways
• Bring your own lunch – networking time included!

View session details

Pilates and Ballet Fundamentals: Strength, Alignment, and Breath
Build a strong foundation for performance with this workshop combining Pilates principles and basic anatomy. Participants will learn exercises to improve core strength, flexibility, and posture while exploring how muscles and joints function in movement. This session emphasizes breath, alignment, and safe practices to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. (Vasquez)

Improvisation for the Performer
Discover the art of thinking on your feet! This workshop introduces the fundamentals of improvisational theatre through engaging games, ensemble exercises, and scene work. Participants will learn the core principle of "yes, and" to build trust and spontaneity, sharpen listening and response skills, and develop confidence in unscripted moments. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance collaboration, adaptability, and storytelling in performance. (Compton)

Production Roles & Planning
Gain insight into essential roles that bring performance to life. This workshop covers the general responsibilities of producers, directors, designers, production, and stage managers. Will hyperfocus on Production Management. Will cover planning considerations, emergency action planning, and how to identify risks. Participants will learn what goes into a successful production process. (Vetter)

Center Stage: Acting with Presence and Power
Ready to unlock your full potential as an actor? This workshop gives you the tools to break through stage fright, overcome old habits, and build confidence for authentic performance. Through movement, improvisation, and ensemble exercises, you’ll strengthen your physical presence, emotional awareness, and connection to your scene partners. (McGlaun) 

Choreography 101: Exploring the Toolbox
Dive into the fundamentals of choreography using the elements of space, time, energy, and effort. This workshop introduces creative tools for structuring movement and developing dynamic phrases. Participants will experiment with compositional strategies, explore contrasting qualities, and learn how to create choreography for dance concerts, studio pieces, and musicals. (Celestin & Bascom)

Audition Techniques for Stage & Screen
Master the skills to shine in any audition room! This workshop covers essential techniques for stage and screen, including monologue preparation and self-taping skills. Participants will learn how to make bold choices, present confidently, and adapt their performance for both live theatre and film environments. **Please bring a prepared monologue for this workshop. (Compton)

Theatre Design Fundamentals
Explore the foundational principles of scenic, costume, and lighting design that shape the visual world and experience of a production. This workshop introduces the elements of design (such as color, texture, and space) and explores the principles that often determine how they are used. Participants will learn how design choices can support storytelling and shape audience experience. (Penkava Koza)

Intimacy Direction: Building Safe and Respectful Performances
Learn best practices for staging intimate moments with care and professionalism. This workshop focuses on consent-based choreography, clear communication, and boundary-setting to create a safe environment for performers. Participants will explore tools for trust-building and techniques that prioritize both artistic integrity and personal well-being. (Mba)

Dramaturgy: What is a Dramaturgy and How Can Everyone Use It! 
Explore Dramaturgy and how history contributes to shaping the visual world of the production. This workshop introduces Dramaturgy and connects those practices to design, performance, direction, and management roles. Participants will explore dramaturgy as an area and learn techniques to use in the creation/process of a production. (Vetter)

Contemporary Dance Partnering
Explore the art of connection and collaboration through contemporary partnering techniques. This workshop introduces weight sharing, counterbalance, and momentum-based movement to build trust and fluidity between partners. Participants will engage in guided exercises and creative improvisation to develop sensitivity, communication, and dynamic choreography skills. (Bascom)

Music Theatre Audition Prep
Get ready for success in the audition room! This workshop focuses on the essentials of preparing a musical theatre audition, including selecting appropriate material, understanding audition etiquette, and organizing your sheet music. Participants will learn tips for vocal warm-ups, basic movement readiness, and strategies to present themselves confidently and professionally. (McGlaun)

Combat Fundamentals
Learn the art of safe and convincing stage violence! This workshop introduces the basics of unarmed combat, including slaps, punches, and falls, with an emphasis on safety, control, and storytelling. Participants will practice choreography techniques that build trust and create dynamic, realistic fight scenes for stage and screen. (Urick)

Voice, Diction, and Dialects: Expanding Your Vocal Toolbox
Unlock the power of your voice! This workshop focuses on vocal clarity, projection, and articulation while introducing techniques for mastering dialects. Participants will practice breath support, resonance, and phonetic tools to confidently adapt their speech for diverse characters and performance styles. (Urick)

Hip Hop Dance
Experience the energy and creativity of hip hop dance! This workshop introduces foundational moves, musicality, and freestyle techniques while exploring rhythm and personal expression. Participants will build confidence, develop coordination, and learn how to bring authentic style to their performance. (Battles)

Stage Management Essentials: Leadership and Problem Solving
Discover the critical role of Stage Management in bringing production to life.  This workshop covers leadership and problem-solving techniques. What is your management toolbox? Participants will learn practical tools for leadership and problem-solving to ensure professional performance. (Vetter)

Contact the performingarts@wichita.edu or 316-978-3360