The mission of the theatre program is to develop human potential, expand knowledge, and enrich cultural understanding and expression through high quality undergraduate and graduate education. Through scholarship/research, service, and production, the theatre program seeks to train future artists, scholars and teachers of theatre, and to inform the non-major, the university at large, and the surrounding community of the value of theatre to individuals and society.
The program offers both broad training in the various sub-disciplines of Theatre Art (scenic, costume, lighting and sound design, acting, directing, stage management, theatre history and literature, drama therapy and dance), as well as the possibility of specialization within a single area. Students are presented with the opportunity to engage in both a greater theoretical understanding of theatre, and are also given systematic training in the various practical skills of production and performance. This structure puts into place the basis for continued advanced academic training, and/or participation in the professional theatre. KSU Theatre is the only program in Kansas accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.