University Daily Kansan
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1970
9
Smith as Don Quixote
- reaching a common ground
Kenneth Smith Plays Dual Role Portraying Man of La Mancha
By BECKY CHITESTER Kansan Staff Writer
Cervantes-Quixote, the Man of La Mancha, is a man filled with the experience of living. Kenneth Smith, who will portray Cervantes-Quixote in the KU production of "Man of La Mancha" is also a man who has experienced many facets of living.
Smith, chairman of the voice department, was chosen to play the lead role by Thomas Rea, professor of speech and drama and the play's director.
In the play, Cervantes says, "I have lived nearly 50 years." Kenneth Smith has lived fifty years. Cervantes says, "I have seen life as it is. Pain, misery, hunger." Kenneth Smith has seen life as it is.
"We have much in common," Smith said.
He said he feels his only problem with the Cervantes-Quixote character will be in making the transition between Cervantes and Quixote.
"If the actor is good, he can do it," he said. "If he's not, the audience will know."
Smith said his one desire for the play was simply to play the character that the musical comedy book lays out.
To make the character convincing Smith said he must first understand the character; meet the character on common ground.
"If you are going to bring any
The University of Kansas drama department has developed an actors training program which not only provides intensive acting training, but also a broad liberal arts background.
The B.S. program in theatre "reassures parents that their children will have something to fall back on in case their professional plans don't bring instant success," said Dr. Jack Brooking, assistant director of the University Theatre and head of the actor training program.
Students in KU Actor Training Program Provided Background in Liberal Arts
Now five years old, the program was spawned by an honors acting program, established because of increased demand for acting courses from students with professional plans.
A growing demand on the part of resident professional companies for well-trained actors with a liberal arts background was another consideration.
The program takes into consideration the development of the actor in three major areas: general education, general theatre education, and specialized actor training. Fifty-eight hours of general or liberal arts courses are required, 25 hours of general theatre education and 41 hours of specialized actor training.
Brooking emphasized that students interested in the program should take Improvisation, Acting I and The Stage during their freshman year. In the spring of a student's freshman year a formal audition is required for official admission to the B.S. program at the sophomore level, at which time intensive study begins.
In keeping with its liberal arts orientation, the curriculum includes almost all of the basic college requirements, but requires less science and math. Brooking said
"There is little room for electives in the program with the additional acting courses," he added.
Hong Kong exports rose from $483 million in 1960 to $1,750,000,-000 (b) in 1969.
Although the program is still
relatively new, interest has increased in the program. Seven students graduated from the program last spring.
"We are still testing the program, as it's rather unique at KU." Brooking said. "Usually this type of training is offered through fine arts departments or professional acting schools."
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reality to the character, you must bring your own experience to what the man is saying," Smith said.
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Smith was born in England but he is a naturalized citizen of the United States having been raised in Connecticut. Before he came to KU five years ago, he sang professionally.
Smith said he had sung with all the major symphonies and opera companies. He has sung with the New York Metropolitan Opera, the Zurich Opera, NBC Television Opera, the Philadelphia
Smith said he had acted in several industrial shows, which he explained, are musical comedies designed to introduce a product.
For a time, Smith was a resident actor with a stock company. He played 14 parts in 15 weeks
Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera and the Chicago Opera.
"I was picked to do a number of industrial shows because businessmen thought I looked like a businessman," he said.
Smith and his wife have made their home in Lawrence for the last five years. Their only son, Eric, is a geologist.
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