Explore | Create | Connect
2 Paths 1 Great Day
A FREE day of performing arts workshops, networking, and creative experiences for middle school students, high school students, and educators.
January 30, 2027
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Rhatigan Student Center, Rm 142
(additional locations used throughout the event)
Performing Arts Community Day reflects the School of Performing Arts' commitment to supporting arts education throughout our region. By inviting middle school students, 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 middle & high school students and community educators!
Register Now Morning Schedule Afternoon Schedule Session Details
What to Expect:
- Morning sessions for high school students & community educators
- An afternoon opportunity for high school students to audition/interview for entrance in Fall 2027 (more information found here)
- Afternoon sessions for middle school students & community educators with a showing for family, friends, & guests
- Hands-on sessions led by industry professionals
- Networking opportunities with faculty and peers
- Explore creative tools, techniques, and career pathways
Morning Pathway
8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. workshops & lunch for high school students & community educators
Schedule At A Glance
(Session details coming soon)
| Time | Session | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 a.m. | Check-in & Welcome |
Meet current faculty & student leadership Short overview of the day before sessions Rhatigan Student Center, Rm 142 |
| 9:15-10:30 a.m. |
Session #1 |
Contemporary Dance & Partnering - Heskett Center Dance Studios (144B) Improv for the Performer - Wilner Auditorium (stage) Principles of Design - Wilner Auditorium (Rm 203/001) |
| 10:45-12:15 p.m. |
Session #2 |
Choreography - Heskett Center Dance Studios (144B) Stage Combat - Wilner Auditorium (stage) Creativity Challenge in Design & Tech - Wilner Auditorium (Rm 203/001) Musical Theatre Dance - Heskett Center Dance Studios (144A) |
| 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Lunch |
Community Networking Lunch - Rhatigan Student Center (Room 142) |
Afternoon Pathway (Wilner Auditorium location only)
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. workshops for middle school students & community educators led by the Wichita State Performing Arts Company (WUPAC)
Schedule At A Glance
(Session details coming soon)
| Time | Session | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00-1:15 p.m. | Welcome |
Brief introduction to the day before being dismissed to sessions - Wilner Auditorium (Stage) |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. |
Session #1 |
Acting & Improv (Stage) Dance & Creative Movement (Pit Theatre) |
| 2:45-3:45 p.m. |
Session #2 |
Musical Theatre (Pit Theatre) Design & Technical Theatre (Stage) |
| 4:00-4:30 p.m. | Student Showing |
Middle school students & community educators will share selected activities, creative work, & performance experiences from the afternoon workshops with family, friends, & guests (Stage) |
| 4:30 p.m. | Closing |
Thank you to all participants, teachers, & student leaders Information about future events & opportunities Informal conversations with faculty & students |
Session Details
(more details coming soon)
Morning Session 1 (9:15 – 10:30 A.M.)
Contemporary Dance & Partnering (Heskett Center Dance Studio, room 144B)
Led by Megan Bascom & Denise Celestin
Improvisation for the Performer (Wilner Auditorium, stage)
Led by Kate Compton
In this workshop, participants will explore improvisation through games and ensemble exercises. You will discover how to trust your instincts and embrace the unpredictable magic of present moment awareness. Come ready to jump in, take risks, and support your fellow actors as we explore the unexpected. No experience is required. Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to say “yes, and!”
Principles of Design (Wilner Auditorium, room 203 or 001)
Led by Melissa Penkava Koza & Jason Flanders
Morning Session 2 (10:45 A.M. – 12:15 P.M.)
Choreography (Heskett Center Dance Studios, room 144B)
Led by Denise Celestin & Megan Bascom
Stage Combat (Wilner Auditorium, stage)
Led by Joseph Urick
Creativity Challenge in Design & Tech (Wilner Auditorium, room 203 or 001)
Led by Jason Flanders & Melissa Penkava Koza
Musical Theatre Dance (Heskett Center Dance Studios, room 144A)
Led by Amy Baker Schwiethale
Afternoon Session 1 (1:30 – 2:30 P.M.)
Acting & Improv
Led by student leaders in the Wichita State Performing Arts Company (WUPAC)
Dance & Creative Movement
Led by student leaders in the Wichita State Performing Arts Company (WUPAC)
Afternoon Session 2 (2:45 – 3:45 P.M.)
Musical Theater
Led by student leaders in the Wichita State Performing Arts Company (WUPAC)
Design & Technical Theatre
Led by student leaders in the Wichita State Performing Arts Company (WUPAC)
Questions? Need more information?
Contact the performingarts@wichita.edu or 316-978-3360
Performing Arts Community Day Registration