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SMSU theater program renamed Entertainment & Theater Arts

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) has officially changed the name of its theater program to Entertainment & Theater Arts, reflecting the program’s expanded focus and commitment to preparing students for diverse careers in the performing arts. The new name better represents the breadth of opportunities available to students, including acting, directing, design, costuming, and playwriting, while embracing the growing entertainment industry beyond traditional theater. “This change reflects who we are and where we’re going,” said Professor of Theater and Costume ...

SMSU Center for International Education presents International Education Week, Nov. 17–21

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) will celebrate International Education Week from Nov. 17–21, with a series of events designed to highlight global cultures, study abroad opportunities, and international connections. Event highlights: Monday, Nov. 17 Mustangs Study Abroad, 4:30 p.m., Whipple Art Gallery Learn about opportunities to visit the Bahamas, Greece, Ireland, and more. Monday, Nov. 17-Thursday, Nov. 20: Taste of Cultures Explore global cuisines and cultures with international peers. Free and open to the first 40 participants. Sign up by emailing CIE@smsu.edu ...

SMSU Theater Arts to present ‘Pride and Prejudice’

SMSU Theatre’s fall production honors the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with” Pride and Prejudice” by Andrew Davies, based on the novel by Jane Austen. Performances are Nov. 12-14 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ,and Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre. Nov. 16 performance is free to all military service members, veterans and their families. Tickets are $10 and will be available only at the door. Seating is first-come, first-served. Admission is free for SMSU employees and students with valid ID. Free and convenient parking is available ...

SMSU Chorale to present concert on Nov. 9 featuring work by late Marshall poet, Saara Myrene Raappana

The SMSU Chorale, conducted by Dr. Stephen Kingsbury, will present “When We Sing Heart” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in First Lutheran Church, 100 Church Street in Marshall. “When We Sing Heart” will feature the world premiere of “When I Say Heart, I Mean,” by Linda Kachelmeier and based on the poetry of the late Marshall resident and SMSU adjunct faculty member, Saara Myrene Raappana. In March of 2024, SMSU and the Marshall community lost an icon. Raappana was a teacher, a poet of the finest order, a business owner, and a dear friend to many. She was an adjunct faculty ...

SMSU Briefs

SMSU to host refugee simulation event Sambath (Sam) Ouk is the Founder of Connected Education Consulting. Ouk and his family survived the Cambodian Killing Fields and immigrated to the United States in 1982. Ouk grew up in Rochester and went on to earn his master’s in English as a Second Language from Hamline University and his principal’s license from St. Mary’s University. Ouk has 20 years of experience in K-12 education. With his first-hand refugee experience and training as an educator, he will lead a unique refugee simulation event on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in ...

SMSU Visiting Writers Series to welcome Heid E. Erdrich

The SMSU Creative Writing and English Program hosts prominent authors on campus as part of its on-going Visiting Writers Series. This semester, SMSU is welcoming Heid E. Erdrich for a public reading at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 , in Charter Hall 201. Erdrich is the author of nine books of poetry and prose as well as a teacher and curator. Her reading is the first installment of the visiting writer series for the 2025-26 academic year. The series is coordinated by Jessie Hennen, director of Creative Writing and Literature at SMSU. The reading is free and open to the public. Erdrich will ...