The University of Kansas | School of the Arts | Undergraduate Viewbook

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WHAT’S INSIDE /

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PG. 06 /

WHY KU

PG. 08 /

FACULTY

PG. 12 /

VISITING ARTISTS

PG. 14 /

CREATIVE RESEARCH

PG. 16 /

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

PG. 26 /

INTERSECTIONS IN THE ARTS

PG. 28 /

CAREER PREPARATION

PG. 30 /

ALUMNI SUCCESS

PG. 38 /

FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

PG. 48 /

THEATRE & DANCE

PG. 58 /

VISUAL ART

PG. 68 /

STUDENT INFO

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“

A LIFE OF MAKING ISN’T A SERIES OF SHOWS, or projects, or productions, or things: it is an everyday practice.”

ANN HAMILTON VISUAL ART, B.F.A., 1979 INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED VISUAL ARTIST

ACTIVISTS / innovatorS /

THINKERS / STORYTELLERS /

PERFORMERS / RULEBREAKERS /

CREATORS / CHANGEMAKERS /

“

$18K

44

in student research grants each year

full-time faculty

I REALLY WANTED TO EXPERIENCE school differently than what I was used to.

Coming to KU was a new experience in multiple ways, I was able to meet more people of different backgrounds, religions, cultures, etc., and I thoroughly appreciated that.”

SCHYLER MERRILLS FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

8 / WHY KU

50% of students are on a scholarship

Be part of a thriving, creative community within a world-class research university. You get the best of both worlds: Small arts school. Big university.

$450K+

178

in scholarships each year

classes to choose from each year

$40K

10:1

in student travel grants each year

student-faculty ratio

WHY KU

/9

WORLD-CLASS FACULTY GLOBAL LEADERS IN THE ARTS / Work and learn alongside internationally recognized faculty and visiting artists who will challenge you to be a force of change, encourage you to think unconventionally, and develop groundbreaking ideas.

Students and faculty in KU Arts pull each other up and grow together through their careers. You connect through research, ideas, critiquing work, and creating side-by-side.

“

BEING IN PRACTICE AS A FILMMAKER helps to bring techniques into the classroom that I’m using all the time – interview techniques, approaches to storytelling, producing and fundraising practices. And it goes the other way, too – talking about these processes in the classroom helps to clarify and work through elements in my films.”

ROBERT HURST ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, FILM & MEDIA STUDIES DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER 10 / FACULTY

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Small classes give you the chance to get feedback and one-to-one instruction with faculty and visiting artists.

FACULTY

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FACULTY SPOTLIgHTS /

MICHELLE HEFFNER HAYES / PROFESSOR, THEATRE & DANCE

KEVIN WILLMOTT / PROFESSOR, FILM & MEDIA STUDIES 2019 OSCAR WINNER: BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY, “BLACKKKLANSMAN” FILMMAKER & SCREENWRITER “I wouldn’t change a thing in any of the movies I’ve made.

All those movies came out of a desire to tell the story, and not letting my circumstances and situation stop me from doing that. That’s the thing that brought me to my Oscar win: I never thought about anything other than wanting to tell the story. In the end, that’s the only thing that still matters.”

12 / FACULTY

SCHOLAR & CHOREOGRAPHER “Few fields offer as much one-on-one interaction as the arts. Through the nature of the training, artists develop deep relationships with their professors and peers, which will serve you for a lifetime. From the moment you start your coursework, you will give and receive feedback. You will dream, take risks, make mistakes and discover new solutions. It’s not a question of IF, but WHEN you will make mistakes.

When people fall down in my classes—and sometimes they literally fall down—we applaud. You took a risk, you win! You are going to fall down, the model will collapse, the reality will not match the idea. Now is the time for you to make those discoveries – and learn.”

BENJAMIN ROSENTHAL / ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, VISUAL ART

MARKUS POTTER / PROFESSOR, THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, NEWYORKREP “The performing arts environment at KU is extraordinary. The community. The people.

The exchange of ideas.

The creation of a space where individuals of all backgrounds are invited to live in their truth. Much of my work as a director has focused on new play and musical development, but as a co-producer on Broadway, I’ve been involved in almost every aspect of the theatre profession. I hope to bring a sense of the bigger picture – the industry and society – to the classroom.”

EXPANDED MEDIA “Engaging with a wide variety of artists from diverse perspectives allows young burgeoning artists the opportunity to encounter the full range of perspectives that exist throughout the field. I am a strong proponent of the belief that there is enormous strength in diversity, and that by exposing students to points of view and ways of working that might diverge from their understanding of the world, we can become more interesting and worldly thinkers and artists. Having a plurality of voices ensures that our students are getting exposed to cutting-edge ideas and artists that exist outside of our geographic boundaries.”

FACULTY

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Workshops led by guest artists empower KU Arts students to engage deeper with their craft and create connections that extend outside the classroom.

14 / VISITING ARTISTS

VISITING ARTISTS

50+ visiting artists each year

network and connect /

Here at KU, visiting artists collaborate and work in classrooms, studios and rehearsals with you.

Visiting artists are more than just a Skype call and face on the screen.

Each year more than 50 guest artists, researchers, choreographers, master teachers, directors and filmmakers spend days—even weeks—in our departments, giving you multiple opportunities to connect with professionals from the entertainment, creative, and performing arts fields.

Through workshops and demonstrations, critiques, dinners, master classes, artist talks, class visits and more, you will receive firsthand insight into professional pathways for creatives.

“

THE COMMUNITY IN KU ARTS IS REALLY STRONG. I make new connections all the time that are beneficial in both social and professional ways.”

DAN STEWART FILM & MEDIA STUDIES / VISUAL ART VISITING ARTISTS

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CREATIVE RESEARCH MAKE NEW DISCOVERIES /

Not just for scientists.

Creative research takes many forms. It challenges convention and usually happens outside of a traditional lab. You imagine it. We help fund it. $18,000 of Arts Research Project Grants awarded annually.

“

I WANTED TO DO RESEARCH BECAUSE I was having trouble finding my artistic identity.

The research I did facilitated an artistic awakening within myself. I found out how my love of theatre design and performance intersected with my love of drag. Through this opportunity, I developed new ideas and professional goals. It was a defining moment in my academic career here at KU.” ROBBY CRONE THEATRE PERFORMANCE / THEATRE DESIGN 16 / CREATIVE RESEARCH

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You’ll be encouraged and challenged to pursue projects that are provocative and interdisciplinary. Past research projects have explored domestic violence through dance, an artist’s Native American identity, and the fascinating process of drag.

CREATIVE RESEARCH

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Student organizations take the lead / Student organizations provide opportunities to collaborate across departments, connect with alumni and industry professionals, and gain experience in all aspects of a creative project – client relations, directing, marketing, design, casting, and more. In student organizations, you run the show.

FIND YOUR FLOCK / KU Filmworks University Dance Company Animation Club Unity Dance Crew KU Screenwriters KU Jeeva Ceramics Club Printmaking Club The Performance Lab Improv Club Painting Club Textiles Club Entrepreneurship Club Jayhawk Photo Group

600+ clubs at KU — You’ve got an interest? There’s a club for that.

18 / STUDENT EXPERIENCE

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Student-led organizations allow you to experiment with new ideas and generate creative solutions in real-world, professional environments.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

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TRAVEL GRANTS STUDY AWAY /

School of the Arts students are impacting and changing the world. We just help you get there. $40,000 of Travel Grants awarded annually.

“

MY TRAVEL GRANT ENHANCED MY KU Arts experience in so many ways. I left the intensive a completely different dancer and person. I better understand what it will take to be a professional and the level of commitment and discipline I’ll need. I learned so much about myself and what I want to make of my next few years at KU. I matured immensely, and I’m excited to have a clear idea of what I want to make of myself as a dancer. “ CLAIRE BUSS THEATRE & DANCE

PARSONS DANCE SUMMER INTENSIVE NEW YORK CITY 20 / TRAVEL GRANTS

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At KU Arts, you’ll find financial support that will help you travel to new communities, cities and countries and expand your learning outside the studio space.

TRAVEL GRANTS

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STUDY ABROAD art across cultures /

Art is the global language of empathy, change, and the human spirit.

Experience firsthand the intersection of the creative and performing arts in different cultures and societies. International experiences provide awareness of challenges that affect the world – like social justice, sustainability, climate change, and human rights.

KU has four arts-specific study abroad programs, as well as more than 160 programs in 70 different countries that will work for any major at KU.

22 / STUDENT EXPERIENCE

theatre in greece / Immerse yourself in Greek culture and language with a culminating performance in an ancient outdoor theater.

visual art in europe / Experience the arts and culture of Amsterdam and Berlin, as well as the cutting-edge work of international artists at the Venice Biennale.

visual art in japan / Traditional and contemporary Japanese art and culture of print-making and paper-making come alive as you visit Tokyo, Kyoto and the iconic Mt. Fuji.

160 70 programs in

film & media STUDIEs in scotland / Expand your studies at the University of Stirling with one of the UK’s pioneer programs in film and media.

different countries STUDENT EXPERIENCE / 23

ARTS ON CAMPUS sPACE TO SHARE BIG IDEAS /

An essential part of being a maker and a performer is showing your work and finding inspiration where you are.

KU has numerous spaces you can view the work, ideas and creativity of not only national and global artists, but your fellow peers as well: • • • •

A new exhibit every two weeks in Chalmers Hall Gallery A screening room for student film showcases A constant rotation of exhibits in the Kansas Union Gallery Six to eight productions of provocative plays, musical theatre, operas, classic plays, original choreography and more from University Theatre & University Dance Company

24 / STUDENT EXPERIENCE

SPENCER MUSEUM of ARt / Featuring exhibitions from world-renowned contemporary artists, the Spencer provides students with opportunities to research, network and exhibit alongside cutting-edge artists.

HASHINGER HALL / Perform, practice and create right where you live.

Hashinger Hall is KU’s creative arts residence hall. Located on Daisy Hill, Hashinger has a blackbox theatre, studio spaces, practice rooms, plus an artist-in-residence who curates events and provides additional opportunities to share and develop creative ideas.

LIED CENTER OF KANSAs /

natural history museum /

A state-of-the-art performing arts venue that brings the entertainment industry to KU. Perform, workshop or take in shows with Pilobolus, Patti Lupone, Phoebe Robinson, Trevor Noah, the Russian Ballet, official Broadway productions and more.

Interested in blending science and the creative arts? The Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum will spark your curiosity and inspire you to explore the world in new ways through its prolific collection of fossils and species.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

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Find out why Lawrence ranks at the top of lists like “The 20 Coolest Places to Live” & “50 Best College Towns in America.” Travel & Leisure / Business Insider

LAWR

CREATIVE COMMUNITY / You’re choosing KU, but you’re also choosing Lawrence.

Being part of a creative, supportive arts community like Lawrence gives you a safe space to exchange different ideas, disagree, tell challenging stories, and expand your beliefs.

It is a diverse and progressive city with a historic downtown, award-winning restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods.

Not to mention Kansas City, offering all the resources of a major metropolitan area, is just a short drive away.

26 / STUDENT EXPERIENCE

FINAL FRIDAYS

Monthly community-wide arts event downtown

STELLAR MUSIC SCENE

Vince Staples, Post Malone, Sza, Father John Misty, Panic at the Disco, The Roots, Hozier, great local bands

PERFORMANCE SPACES

Lawrence Arts Center, Theatre Lawrence, Card Table Theatre, Liberty Hall, Lawrence Opera Guild, & more

RENCE 35 +

5

30

art galleries

film festivals each year

public parks

2

60

2

skate parks

miles of biking & walking paths

dog parks

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

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In the Earthworks studio, students combine environmental science and creativity to build sculptures collected from the natural world.

28 / INTERSECTIONS IN THE ARTS

INTERSECTIONS IN THE ARTS combine your interests /

t0p DOUBLE MAJORS & MINORS / English Journalism Pre-Law Spanish Psychology

Double majoring or adding a minor makes your KU degree go further. KU Arts understands the value of stacking skills for the best opportunities and future success. It’s a benefit you won’t find at an arts school or conservatory.

History of Art

Another bonus of studying at KU is the amount of language and cultural studies opportunities that stretch your skills and allow you to find niches of interest that make you stand out in the professional world. Think how much value adding a cultural emphasis or speaking a second language would provide your future. It will open up the world for you.

French & Francophone Studies

“

THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENCE AND ART got smaller and smaller as I began to see my skills in the studio weren’t limited to my artistic pursuits. I learned it was possible to combine seemingly different interests, that we aren’t limited to being just one thing or another. I’m a biologist, but I’m also an artist. I’ve learned that I can be both without losing sight of the other. I can be whatever I choose.”

Business: Marketing Pre-Medicine Communication Studies

Anthropology History Political Science

1 in 5 students in the School of the Arts have a double major or minor.

ANGELA LI VISUAL ART & BIOLOGY INTERSECTIONS IN THE ARTS

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CAREER PREPARATION BUILD PROFESSIONAL SKILLS /

It’s easy to find a school to learn traditional and technical skills. But an arts school that does that AND trains you to be a leader, a force for positive change, and for a lifetime of careers? That’s harder to find. That’s KU School of the Arts.

Preparing for the future is built directly into each department in the School of the Arts. You’ll gain the know-how to: • • • • • • • • • •

Write artist statements, resumés, and cover letters Create a website and promotional videos Use social media as a professional Design sets, lighting and costumes Put together a professional portfolio – online and print Develop and write grant proposals Write a business plan Learn public speaking Publish creative research Develop marketing strategies and materials

From internship fairs and workshops to schoolsponsored trips to connect with alumni, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to build your future with the School of the Arts.

“

I TELL MY STUDENTS THAT THEIR professional careers begin the moment they walk into our department, and it is up to them to take every opportunity before them to make their dreams realities.”

NICOLE HODGES PERSLEY ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, THEATRE & DANCE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, KC MELTINGPOT THEATRE

30 / CAREER PREPARATION

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Students have access to a wide variety of career resources in the creative arts industry.

CAREER PREPARATION

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STATS ON THE ARTS ECONOMY /

Top 5 Sectors Motion Pictures and Video Arts/Culture Retail Independent Artists Performing Arts Advertising

The arts industry pays creative workers

$372 billion annually

Sources: National Endowment for the Arts, U.S. Census Bureau, and Bureau of Economic Analysis.

32 / ALUMNI SUCCESS

85%

4.9

of employers

value creativity as an important job skill when hiring.

million workers

hold jobs in the arts and culture industry.

The arts contribute more than

$763 billon to the U.S. Economy.

Creative workers are

3.6 X more likely to start a business.

ALUMNI SUCCESS

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WHAT CAN YOU DO with a degree in the arts? anything you want.

34 / ALUMNI SUCCESS

Here’s just a few of the things our alumni are up to:

I AM...

•

a textiles designer for Martha Stewart New York.

•

a carpenter specializing in high-end, custom

• • •

•

•

a high school journalism teacher in my hometown.

cabinetry and furniture.

•

a scientific illustrator.

a small business owner; I started my own

•

a visual effects producer for Disney. I’ve worked

wallpaper company.

on “Furious 7,” “The Lion King,” “Men in Black 3,”

a global publicist for Disney – specifically on

and I won an Oscar for my work on “The Jungle

Pixar and Marvel films.

Book.”

the executive director of a Minnesota non-profit

•

a stand-up comedian in L.A.

arts organization that helps artists earn a living

•

a children’s clothing designer for Target.

and have a life.

•

a film publicist.

a music supervisor on more than 100 films

•

a creative director for an ad agency in Kansas

including all of Quentin Tarantino’s films since

City.

Pulp Fiction.

•

a producer for “Strange Town” on PBS.

a Radio City Rockette and teacher at Broadway

•

the chief creative office for Arclight Films.

Dance and Steps on Broadway.

•

a casting assistant for “Master Chef Jr.”

•

a gaffer in L.A.

•

an accounting coordinator for CBS Television

•

a lawyer for Arnold & Porter in Washington, D.C.

•

a physical therapist.

•

an art therapist working in community health.

•

an online boutique owner, and I just opened my

•

Distribution in NYC. •

Arts Center in Portland, Oregon.

•

first storefront in Chicago •

•

an associate professor in Radio, Television & Digital Media at Southern Illinois University.

a founder of a non-profit that provides haircuts

•

a scenic designer in NYC.

and styling before job interviews for the

•

a second-year medical student.

homeless in NYC.

•

an owner of an events company in NYC.

a Teach for America alum now teaching middle

•

an owner of an arts supply store and arts gallery

school history in Las Vegas •

the performing arts coordinator at Mulnomah

in Lawrence.

an author whose book was recently optioned by

•

a company dancer in San Francisco.

Showtime for a new TV series.

•

a television actor with recurring roles on “Timeless,” “Blue Bloods,” “Hawaii 5-0” and more.

ALUMNI SUCCESS

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EVENTS COORDINATOR

WHAT I DO

STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY /

I produce events centered around the artistic content on our stages for both our mainstage productions and young adult performances. I work to engage, steward and cultivate new donors to support our nationally recognized theatre and education program via our greatest touchpoint beyond the performance experience – events.

CHICAGO

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE The versatility of the KU theatre degree with curriculum spanning the gamut of the industry’s practices was incredibly useful training. A good majority of theatre jobs require you to wear many hats, and having a foundation in the field’s many facets has been instrumental. Although I didn’t see myself working as an event planner during my time at KU, I have found the skills I gained stage managing and working in the University Theatre’s Production Office to transfer directly to my current job.

DISCOVERING HIS PASSION

GABE ALANIZ THEATRE, CULTURE & SOCIETY, B.A.

I came into the KU Department of Theatre with every intention of becoming a professional stage manager. When I started working in the University Theatre’s Production Office as an administrative assistant/box office associate/house manager, I discovered a whole newto-me segment of the industry – arts administration.

WHY KU THEATRE KU Theatre is the place you go to be a scholarly artist, to explore the performing arts industry, to experiment in interdisciplinary work and to uncover your true passion(s) in the arts and beyond.

36 / ALUMNI SUCCESS

CHOREOGRAPHER

CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE / DENVER

WHAT I DO I’m on the Education Team at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. I teach dance and implement the ArtForward program in public and private schools throughout central Colorado. ArtForward explores social justice topics through movement.

I am also a lead teacher at a local dance studio and a freelance choreographer.

MAKING THE MOST OUT OF AN OPPORTUNITY I had so many opportunities to perform and choreograph at KU. I also took advantage of the funding available for additional training and workshops. I was able to attend the International Association of Blacks in Dance conference in L.A. and take a class with Cleo Parker Robinson herself. I would later audition for and join one of her professional companies, Cleo II, and transition to her education team. Everything came full circle when I performed at IABD with Cleo II my first year out of college.

COMMUNITY TIES

RHIANNA JORDAN DANCE, B.F.A.

Everyone in KU Dance was very encouraging of me pursuing my longtime dream of dancing with a professional company, and I wouldn’t have auditioned and thus made it into a company if it wasn’t for that support. Michelle Heffner Hayes, my senior project mentor, fully invested herself into helping me prepare academically, emotionally and financially for my future.

WHY KU DANCE The flexibility of my degree path in dance allowed me to explore different types of dance styles and courses, everything from Flamenco to Classical East Indian and Dance with Children. Because I explored and trained in so many different styles, I can now confidently perform and teach multiple styles and techniques.

ALUMNI SUCCESS

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WRITER & DIRECTOR

WHAT I DO

Professional Amateur Productions /

I write and direct movies through my production company, Professional Amateur Productions. Right now, I’m directing a documentary called “Chasing Chasing Amy,” which focuses on the cultural impact of “Chasing Amy” (1997) on the LGBTQ+ community and its importance in my own life. I am also a TED Resident and a Narrative Shorts Programmer at the Slamdance Film Festival.

LOS ANGELES

COMING INTO HIS OWN My experience in KU Film & Media studies was invaluable. I felt like I became a real person after moving to Lawrence. It helped me adjust to what I wanted for my life and taught me a lot about the life skills I was severely lacking. It forced me to get outside my comfort zone – I watched films I wouldn’t have picked out on my own, I met people who challenged me, and I made some mediocre films that made me want to improve. There were also barriers that forced me to problem solve, which is essential to any kind of writing or directing.

LASTING LESSONS

SAV RODGERS FILM & MEDIA STUDIES, B.G.S.

Going to film school doesn’t make you a filmmaker, but it will give you the tools to make you a better one. Getting a degree doesn’t make you a filmmaker, but it will make you a better educated person, which is essential to becoming a smart filmmaker.

Be ready to become a lifelong learner. Your education doesn’t end with KU Film.

WHY KU FILM & MEDIA STUDIES I had incredible mentors like Laura Kirk, Matt Jacobson, and Kevin Willmott to help me on a daily basis. I also met one of my best friends through KU Filmworks.

Everything is cumulative, every interaction I had at KU was helpful in some way.

38 / ALUMNI SUCCESS

Slurry Technician

Ad Astra Art Bronze Inc. / LAWRENCE, KS

WHAT I DO I work at a bronze foundry that provide services to produce sculptural commissions for clients around the world. I create the ceramic shell around the wax artwork via the lost wax process. When the molten bronze is poured in, the wax melts out of its shell. I specialize in this part of the process, but I’m involved in many other aspects of foundry work including metal pouring and maintaining machinery.

EXPLORING HIS CREATIVITY I tried out just about every medium I could while studying art. From painting and printmaking to ceramics and sculpture, I was all over Chalmers Hall learning new methods of creating. I found that with enough practice and patience any technique could be mastered and adjusted to match my own aesthetic. Exploring various artistic practices developed my understanding of different procedures and how they affect each outcome.

FINDING HIS PATH

JAKE KAUFMANN VISUAL ART: SCULPTURE, B.F.A.

In one of my classes, we took a field trip to the foundry where I currently work. I remember being enamored by the gritty appeal of the place. I tend to work in a messy fashion and the surrounding environment seemed comfortable to me. The trip opened my eyes to new possibilities after graduating. I ended up working as a Shop Technician in the Sculpture Lab where I honed my craft and provided support for other art students.

WHY KU VISUAL ART The diversity of my education helped me remain open to new opportunities. During my time at KU, I painted with bacteria in a petri dish, sketched bugs in the cloud forests of Costa Rica and played in an African drum ensemble. Each experience informed my art practice and inspired my pursuit of new ideas. The solid relationships that were formed with classmates and my professors have transformed my life.

I cannot think of a better place to have started my artistic journey.

ALUMNI SUCCESS

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FILM & MEDIA STUDIES ILLUMINATE EVERYDAY LIFE /

40 / FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

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“

THE FILMMAKING AND ART COMMUNITY IN THE Midwest is strong, eclectic and savvy. There are legendary opportunities and support available from organizations like the nationally recognized Charlotte Street Foundation, the Lawrence Arts Center, Kansas City Women in Film & Television, and countless academic, local and regional museums and film festivals. For newcomers and novices, the access to join a group as a writer, researcher, maker, curator or producer are incredible and a gift of the Midwest.

MEG JAMIESON ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, FILM & MEDIA STUDIES DOCUMENTARY & EXPERIMENTAL FILMMAKER/SCHOLAR

42 / FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

Film and media are defining elements in contemporary life. They shape and influence the basic attitudes you have toward the world you live in. Today’s film and media landscape is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, and the skills and experience you need to compete and succeed are changing as well. That’s why KU Film & Media studies takes a holistic approach to filmmaking and media studies. You’ll learn to make films, but you’ll also study film and media history and theory.

You’ll offer your future employer so much more than just technical skills.

You’ll learn and work with faculty who are world experts in the areas of: • • • • • • • • • •

Screenwriting Sound design Animation Documentary Cinematography Video games Experimental production Social media Asian & Latin American cinemas History & theory

You’ll find a community committed to helping you gain a greater understanding of the power of film and media and its global impact.

FILM & MEDIA STUDIES / 43

DEGREES / PRODUCTION B.A. / B.G.S. Focusing on film and video production, this concentration will prepare you for any career in the film industry.

CULTURE & STUDIES B.A. / B.G.S. Work in film production, explore the impact of film in various cultures and societies, and consider the future and development of new film and media.

MINOR Six courses in Film & Media Studies are all you need for a minor – two required, four of your choice.

ADMISSIONS & Scholarships / DIRECT ADMIT PRODUCTION B.A. / B.G.S. CULTURE & STUDIES B.A. / B.G.S. Once accepted into the University of Kansas, you may apply for scholarships in Film & Media Studies.

Must meet KU assured admission criteria.

(Details on pg. 68)

44 / FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

/

The Fiske Guide to Colleges listed KU as one of the “Major Universities Strong in Film/Television� placing KU Film & Media Studies in line with the University of Southern California and New York University.

FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

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FACILITIES / SOUND STAGE State-of-the-art production space outfitted with two 20-foot cycloramas for green screen process cinematography and infinite space.

The pipe grid is fully equipped with LED lighting as well as traditional tungsten instruments. A large double door allows for the load in of vehicles for green screen work and large set pieces. A full array of floor lighting and grip equipment lines the stage for student productions.

RECORDING STUDIO A premier space for recording and mixing audio, the studio also serves as a classroom. The recording studio has a full range of microphones for four-piece classical performances, overdubbing, and foley. The control room has the latest ProTools hardware, industry-leading audio console, and supplemental compressors and power conditioners.

COMPUTER LAB Students have full access to work on projects in an open lab setting.

Adjacent to the lab is a meeting room for script readings, auditions, and group brainstorms.

PRODUCTION CLASSROOM The production classroom mirrors the functionality of the soundstage.

A small grid for lighting instruments and lighting control is duplicated in both spaces for training consistency, and there’s enough space for the construction of small sets during productions.

46 / FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

INDUSTRY STANDARD EQUIPMENT & SOFTWARE / • • • • • • • • • • • •

RED, Panasonic and Canon 4K and 2K cameras 4K projector ARRI 35mm and 16mm film cameras Sachtler, Manfrotto, O’Connor and Kessler camera support ARRI, Mole and Lowell lighting kits Audio Technica, Sennheiser and Neumann sound devices Tascam audio equipment American Grip & Matthews lighting support and grip equipment Adobe CC Suite Toon Boom Studio Unity Game Creation Final Draft

caREER WEEK IN L.A. / Spend a week in Los Angeles meeting the Hollywood Hawks, a prolific group of KU alums and working professionals in the entertainment industry. They’ll provide you with exclusive access to studios and production companies like Netflix and Sony, and sets such as “The Big Bang Theory” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live”. It’s a 5-day trip filled with lunch meetings, tours and sit-downs with industry-leading Jayhawks.

You’ll make connections that lead to assistantships, internships, that first job, a whole new life.

FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

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BLIGHT Heidi Johnson, Travis Diesing

JAKE HONER Am I Wrong (Dance Video)

48 / FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

LOU FLESSNER QUILTS Austin Mitchell-Goering

NSTLGH Schyler Merrills

FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

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THEATRe & DANCE REflect the human experience /

50 / THEATRE & DANCE

THEATRE & DANCE

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“

KU THEATRE & DANCE IS REALLY FOCUSED ON building a family culture and a sense of unity and togetherness. It was an amazing community to become a part of as a new student at KU. There has always been a professor, staff member or fellow student there for me for anything – classes, social life, anything. It helped me feel grounded here at KU, because I knew I had people on my side willing and ready to help.”

GABRIELLE SMITH THEATRE & DANCE

52 / THEATRE & DANCE

THEATRE & DANCE Theatre & Dance is an innovative and collaborative learning environment for the next generation of performers, dancers, scholars, scenographers and technicians in theatre, performance and dance.

The student experience in KU Theatre & Dance is unlike a conservatory in the best possible ways.

You won’t just study theatre and dance. They will be the centerpiece of a dynamic liberal arts education education that provides room to pursue your creativity, while developing technical skills in and out of the performing arts, cultivating your voice and identity, and learning to think intentionally about the role of the arts in society.

You’ll receive highly personalized instruction with the flexibility of designing your own specific pathway to success.

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DEGREES / DANCE B.A. / B.F.A. / MINOR Create a dance program that works with your interests and goals by combining classes in ballet, modern, hip-hop and jazz with courses in dance history, movement analysis, dance improvisation, choreography, musical theatre, and more.

Cultural studies in classical Indian dance, flamenco and global dance courses offered as well.

THEATRE PERFORMANCE B.A. / B.G.S. / MINOR Gain a solid foundation in acting, movement, voice and speech, improv and musical theatre by exploring the historical and contemporary practices to theatre performance. You’ll interact with faculty to develop skills performing on small and large stages. With a strong focus on stage presence and human form, you’ll grow as a performer.

THEATRE, CULTURE & SOCIETY B.A. / B.G.S. / MINOR Develop a fundamental understanding of theatre and performance within the historical context of a global culture and society. You’ll engage in critical discussions exploring the cultural and social underpinnings of theatre performance coupled with courses in acting, directing and stage design.

THEATRE DESIGN B.F.A Prepare for a life as a professional designer of scenery, costumes or lighting in theatre and/or film. You’ll learn through small studio courses, labs and behind-the-scenes involvement in University Theatre productions.

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ADMISSIONS & SCHOLARSHIPS / DIRECT ADMIT INTO DEGREE PROGRAM DANCE B.A THEATRE PERFORMANCE B.A. / B.G.S THEATRE CULTURE & SOCIETY B.A. / B.G.S. THEATRE DESIGN B.F.A. Once accepted into the University of Kansas, you may apply for scholarships in Theatre & Dance.

AUDITION REQUIREMENT DANCE B.F.A. You’re strongly encouraged to attend the live auditions held every spring, but video auditions are available as well.

Live Auditions: Technique courses in a variety of ballet barre, adagio, and allegro, modern phrases, and jazz combinations. Solo piece highlighting your personal strengths as a dancer.

Video Auditions: 12- to 15-minute video following the guidelines specified on our website.

Find full audition information and instructions: theatredance.ku.edu/ admission-audition

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PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES / University Theatre Each year University Theatre produces 6 to 8 fully staged productions. University Theatre is open to all students of any major, and opportunities are available your freshman year. You can get involved onstage, behind stage, in the box office, costume shop, make-up, props and more.

Kansas Repertory Theatre Annual summer theatre program in which our students have the opportunity to work alongside professional actors.

University Dance Company Pre-professional dance company performs works choreographed by visiting guest artists each semester in addition to faculty and alumni works.

Student Showcases Student-produced shows provide a space for student dancers to perform new works of choreography, learn stage production skills like lighting and sound design, and foster experience in organizing all aspects of a professional performance – from securing funding to front-of-house management.

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FACILITIES / •

• • • • • •

Crafton-Preyer Theatre: Professional theatre space with 1,100+ audience capacity William Inge Memorial Theatre: Intimate, black box theatre Stage Too! – On stage of Crafton-Preyer Theatre Costume Shop – Fully equipped shop with two full-time managers Scene Shop – Expansive, high-tech shop with one full-time supervisor Elizabeth Sherbon Theatre – Black box venue, seats 96 Dance Studios – Basket weave floors, dressing rooms

CAREER WEEK IN CHICAGO /

STUDY ABROAD IN GREECE /

An immersive, week-long program connecting students with nationally recognized choreographers, instructors and dancers. You’ll take daily classes in professional dance studios, perform in an original piece by a Chicago choreographer, and network with professional dancers, choreographers, studio owners and producers.

Experience a summer immersed in Greek culture and language in the ancient community of Kotohi, Greece. Students take classes in modern Greek language, Greek art and architecture and ancient Greek dramatic literature. The residency in Greece culminates in the production of a Greek tragedy performed in the ancient theatre of Oiniades, a 4th century B.C. open air theatre.

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Jillian Anderson rehearses her piece, “Quintessence.”

Ally Brittian rehearses “Death & the Maidens.”

Students rehearse “Rag Time Cat.”

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Emma Niehoff & Falleta Kirksey rehearse Falleta’s piece, “The Invisible.”

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VISUAL ART CREATE A HANDMADE FUTURE /

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“

VISUAL ART JUST OPENS UP YOUR WORLD TO THIS whole different place where everything has meaning.

You see how art engages with rest of the world and how art elevates everything else around you. It’s a vastly different perception and understanding of your environment.”

JUSTIN KIM VISUAL ART, B.A.

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VISUAL ART Visual Art is an imaginative, diverse community of makers. You’ll be encouraged to take risks and find innovative new ways to communicate, research and express the self. Visual Art provides a safe space to explore and dream up big ideas. You will work side-by-side with world-class practicing artists, who will foster your creativity and mentor you as an independent working artist.

Visual Art provides students with the technical skill and cultural awareness essential to the careers of professional artists, scholars, teachers or administrators. Seminars in specialized topics, a strong visiting artist schedule, trips to major cities, designated spaces to show your work, and study abroad possibilities all enrich your experience studying visual art at KU.

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DEGREES / VISUAL ART B.F.A. / B.A. / MINOR Create your own path. Choose and combine courses across seven different studio areas to make your degree as individual as you are.

STUDIO AREAS: Ceramics Expanded Media Metalsmithing & Jewelry Painting & Drawing Printmaking Sculpture Textiles & Fibers CERAMICS B.F.A. Experiment with materials and learn the fundamental elements of ceramics from a historical and contemporary context.

You’ll learn to handbuild, throw, slipcast and make molds, and take classes in kiln-work and clay and glaze formulation.

Critiques and critical discussions provide a learning space where ideas are explored and brought to reality.

METALSMITHING & JEWELRY B.F.A. Examine the technical, historical and theatrical approaches to metalsmithing and jewelry making. You will learn hollowware, enameling, rendering and gemology, and will develop your own professional direction.

TEXTILES & FIBERS B.F.A. Experiment with textile traditions and gain advanced techniques in weaving and dying. You’ll develop technical skills in creating handcrafted fabrics while learning the historical and contemporary approaches to designing garments and clothing articles.

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ART HISTORY & VISUAL ART B.F.A. Combine studio practice with historical context and research in art history.

VISUAL ART EDUCATION B.A.E. Prepare for a career as a teacher or administrator in a variety of settings including public schools, arts agencies, art museums, senior centers, and recreation centers.

ADMISSIONS & SCHOLARSHIPS / PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENT Visual Art (B.F.A., B.A.) Ceramics (B.F.A.) Metalsmithing & Jewelry (B.F.A.) Textiles & Fibers (B.F.A.) Visual Art Education (B.A.E.) Art History & Visual Art (B.F.A.) Incoming students – freshman and transfer – must submit a portfolio and a response to an essay question to be admitted into the Department of Visual Art. Portfolios and essays are evaluated as they are submitted. Admission into the department takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks post portfolio submission. *Portfolio and essays submitted after February 1 will not be eligible for incoming departmental scholarships.

Find full portfolio and essay information and instructions: art. ku.edu/admissions-information.

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FACILITIES / CERAMICS

PAINTING & DRAWING

• • • • • •

• • • • • •

5,300 sq. ft. studio 16 electric wheels 3 motorized kick wheels Plaster room Slip casting & glazing labs 14 indoor kilns: gas, electric, crystalline glaze, raku & more Chamney Barn Complex • 6,000 sq. ft. kiln shed • 5 outdoor kilns: train, anagama, wood and salt, geil car, soda/wood/ gas hybrid • wood-fire pizza oven EXPANDED MEDIA • • • • • • •

Fully equipped computer stations Sound booth Permanent projection with surround sound Dance floor Lighting kit Kinetic sensor kit Photo & video cameras

METALSMITHING & JEWELRY • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

3,800 sq. ft. studio Patina & soldering space Aluminum & titanium anodizing Etching & plating baths Casting area 2 rolling mills Spinning lathes Gas-fired forge Matrix 3D Software Milling, engraving & stone setting machines 3-D printer Welder Finishing area 4 kilns

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Easels Drawing boards & benches Model stands Movable walls Portable lighting stands Private student studio spaces

PRINTMAKING • • • •

8,100 sq. ft. studio Computer lab Darkroom Access to letterpress & book arts studio Intaglio • 6 etching presses • Glass inking table • Aquatint box • Chromalox hot plates • Spray booth • Acid room Lithography • 3 presses • Lithographic stones • Hydraulic & scissor lift • 3 levigators • Aluminum plate backers • 4 inking slabs Serigraphy • 8 printing stations • 7 scoop coaters • 40+ shop screens • Exposure room • Papermaking equipment SCULPTURE • • • • •

4,000 sq. ft. studio 2,000 sq. ft. outdoor, seasonal workspace Large-scale foundry Induction & combustion furnaces Drop bottom burnout kiln

SHOW YOUR WORK / • • • • • • • • • • •

Steam out mould processing High pressure sand blast cabinet Welding equipment Vented patination & wax working areas 2 electric kilns for glass fusing Plasma cutter Table, band & panel saws Router table Jointers, sanders & planers Steam tube Plaster room

TEXTILES & FIBERS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 weaving studios Floor looms Quilting machine Textile print studio Exposure unit for photo screens Spray out area & sinks Darkroom Dye lab Commercial gas burners Stovetop fabric steamers Washer & dryer Sewing machines Computerized embroidery machines Computer lab Community tools & yarn supply Light tables

Chalmers Hall Gallery – Biweekly rotations of exhibitions by faculty, students and visiting artists Annual Scholarship Show – Students applying for scholarships exhibit work throughout Chalmers Hall Senior Show – Graduating seniors takeover Chalmers Hall Gallery for one final show Kansas Union Gallery – 14+ student shows each year curated by Student Union Activities Final Fridays – Monthly downtown Lawrence arts event Spencer Museum of Art – Annual juried student show exhibited in the Museum LibArt – Annual student exhibition on display throughout KU Libraries’ public spaces

COMMON SHOP • •

6,100 sq. ft., fully equipped fabrication shop 2 full-time technicians

VAST LAB • • • • •

1,000 sq. ft.

Epilog Fusion 32 laser system Next Engine 3-D scanner Makerbot 5th Generation Replicator 3-D printer Thermoplastic vacuum former

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CHARITY POOLE Metalsmithing & Jewelry

LINDSAY LORD Textiles & Fibers

Expanded Media

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Printmaking

CHLOE SOTOMAYOR Painting & Drawing

JOSH GOERING Ceramics

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DEGREE INFO / FILM & MEDIA STUDIES

VISUAL ART

B.A. / B.G.S. / Minor

B.A. / B.F.A. / Minor

Concentrations: Production, Culture & Studies

Concentrations: Ceramics, Expanded Media, Metalsmithing & Jewelry, Painting & Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles & Fibers

Admission: Direct admit to B.A. and B.G.S. THEATRE & DANCE

Ceramics B.F.A.

DANCE B.A. / B.F.A. / Minor Admission: Direct Admit to B.A. Audition required for B.F.A. (see pg. 53 for details)

Metalsmithing & Jewelry B.F.A. Textiles & Fibers B.F.A.

THEATRE

Visual Art Education B.A.E.

Theatre Performance B.A. / B.G.S. / Minor

Art History & Visual Art B.F.A.

Theatre, Culture & Society B.A. / B.G.S. / Minor

Admission: Portfolio required for B.A. and B.F.A. (see pg. 63 for details)

Theatre Design B.F.A.

ASSURED ADMISSION TO KU •

Admission: Direct Admit to B.A., B.G.S. and B.F.A. •

21 ACT/1060 SAT and 3.25 cumulative GPA OR 24 ACT/1160 SAT and 3.0 cumulative GPA AND 2.0 (Kansas resident) or 2.5 (out-of-state) GPA on a 4.0 scale in a high school college prep curriculum.

Find details and more information at admissions.ku.edu.

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