• Spend two weeks in Prague attending the world’s largest international festival for scenography and theatrical space.
• Gain a global perspective on theatre design concepts and application.
• Be inspired by the designs of some of the world’s best international artists and designers. 
• Participate in hands-on learning labs and experience all forms of theatre and theatre design.
• Earn 3 credit hours while gaining a holistic view of the concepts and practices of theatre design.

This program is structured around the Prague Quadrennial conference and is designed to give theatre design students a unique opportunity to experience the world’s largest event in the field of scenography. The Prague Quadrennial conference takes place every four years and is the preeminent international festival and exhibit for scenography, performance design and theatrical space. Students will attend performances, study the designs of international artists, participate in hands-on learning labs, listen to lectures and meet with artists and designers from all over the world to gain a global perspective on theatre design concepts and applications. 

Students will use what they learn at the conference to inform their own design for an assigned script. Course sessions before and after the program abroad will help students develop their own design, concluding with a group showing in Fall 2027.

Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, has played an important role in the cultural and political history of Central Europe. The famous spires, winding streets, and picturesque architecture give this beautiful city a fairytale feel. Two of the city’s most significant cultural landmarks include the National Theatre (Národní divadlo) and the Estates Theatre (Stavovské divadlo), the site of the premiere of Mozart’s Don Giovanni opera. Prague’s rich theatre scene also includes the groundbreaking Black Light Theatre tradition that combines mime, shadow play and modern puppetry. Students will enjoy exploring this artistic city alongside other theatre professionals and enthusiasts during the long, sunny days of summer. 

This program is an excellent opportunity for theatre design students to learn from international experts in scenography and hone their personal style.  All students will enroll in the following course:

THR 304/704: Study Abroad in Prague (3 credits)

Prior to departure, students will design at least one aspect from an assigned script. While abroad, students will participate in the Prague Quadrennial conference including workshops, lectures, performances and hands-on learning labs. Upon returning to KU, students will be tasked with redesigning the same script from a global perspective, integrating aspects of what they learned during the conference. A group showing will be displayed in the Fall semester of 2027.

The learning goals of this program are to:

• Apply fundamental critical thinking skills to the analysis and interpretation of dramatic literature with particular attention to designing and/or technical production.
• Select and use, with safety and efficiency the tools and equipment basic to theatre production technology including those required for set, light, sound, and costumes.
• Communicate to an audience through at least one of the components of theatrical art: designing, stage managing, or technical production.
• Accomplish all assigned duties as a member of a theatre production team, communicating clearly and consistently with all other members of the theatre production team.
• Assemble a portfolio that represents an accurate sampling of the student’s design work, presented in a manner that is in accordance with current professional standards.

Students will be housed in double or triple occupancy rooms at centrally located hotels. The stay includes breakfast each day. In addition, students will receive a public transportation ticket for Prague to easily get around the city.

Program itinerary coming soon.

All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more. 

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process. 

Check our Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program. 

• Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
• First Generation Students
• Physical and Mental Health Histories
• Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
• Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Students of Color Abroad
• Students with Children
• Students with Financial Need
• Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
• Visible and Invisible Disabilities 

Open to undergraduate or graduate students from accredited U.S. colleges or universities who have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Program Cost for Theatre Design in Prague

Scholarships

• Students with financial need (a FAFSA on file for the current academic year) can apply for a scholarship through KU Study Abroad here.
• Students with a major/minor in the KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS) are eligible for the CLAS Study Abroad Scholarship.
• Students in the KU Honors Program may apply for an Honors Opportunity Award.
• Pell Grant recipients are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship, a nationally competitive scholarship for Pell Grant recipients. Contact KU Study Abroad for more information.
• Visit the KU Study Abroad Costs & Funding page for additional information.

Program Director: Kelly Vogel

Kelly Vogel is an Associate Teaching Professor and Head of Design for the University of Kansas Department of Theatre and Dance. She enjoys both scenic and costume design and her work has been featured in performances across the Midwest as well as in two films. Having previously been selected as an exhibitor at the Prague Quadrennial, she is excited to return with a group of KU students.

Kelly Vogel
School of the Arts
223 Murphy Hall
785-864-6531
kellyvogel@ku.edu

Study Abroad Program Coordinator: Jenna Hunter-Skidmore  
Have a quick question? Email me at: jmhunter@ku.edu  
Looking for more detailed information? Book an appointment. 
Book an in-person appointment 
Book an online appointment