A History of Theatre Activities at the University of Kansas

Abstract

The purpose of this study has been to trace the growth and progress of theatre and drama activities at the University of Kansas. It will not be a survey of the progress of the academic work in these fields, although mention of curricular work will be made now and then. It will concern itself primarily with the extra curricular work, the production and presentation of plays.

It has been discovered that sources for acquiring information for this study are not entirely satisfactory. The investigator has recourse to the Lawrence paper (The Journal World), the University yearbooks and the University newspaper. These are about all. The records in these publications are not complete and in some instances are contradictory. Rather than include material (dates and productions) which are contradictory or questionable, only the facts which seem to be well substantiated have been included. This has made for a brief, but it is hoped, a fairly accurate record.

It will be seen that the name of Professor Allen Crafton appears numerous times in the footnotes. Professor Crafton was most closely connected with the theatre activities from 1923 to 1952, and the writer has found it helpful, in some instances necessary, to consult him upon certain matters. He himself was unable to answer all the questions asked and because of this there have been omissions which it would be necessary to fill if this record were to be complete.

Probably the most valuable and important part of this study will be found in the back pages under the heading Appendix A: a list of plays presented at the University. This list has been checked and rechecked and in so far as it has been possible to make it, the list is accurate and complete. The six preceding chapters endeavor to take up only the more important beginnings, innovations and changes throughout the years.

The study arbitrarily concludes with the beginning of the work in the new University Theatre. The study, therefore has no actual end or conclusions; the work is still going on with increasing interest.