Theatre Performance, Design, and Arts Administration in Japan

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Theatre Performance, Design, and Arts Administration in Japan

In this short-term program, students will travel through Osaka, Kyoto, and Toyooka (including Kinosaki Onsen), experiencing site visits, technical tours, cultural exchange workshops, and professional venue analyses at institutions such as ROHM Theatre Kyoto, the Kawamura Noh Theater, the Professional College of Arts and Tourism, Kinosaki International Arts Center, Eirakukan, and the Ebara Riverside Theater.

Apply Now! Applications for Spring Break 2027 are open! Apply by November 10, 2026 to participate!

Location

Osaka, Kyoto, and Toyooka, Japan

Term

Spring Break

Housing

Hotel

Program Highlights

Visit famous locations in Osaka, including the Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Observation Deck, and the botanical gardens.
Visit Kyoto's incredible Kawamura Noh Theater with a Noh workshop & lecture on traditional Japanese stage architecture.
Visit several historical and modern sites for the theatre & performance industry, including the Kinosaki Onsen & Eirakukan, which is the oldest operating Kabuki thater in the Kansai region!

Program Contact Information

Desiree Dube

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

Email: ddube1@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-7989

Important Dates & Billing

Program Dates: March 13 - 19, 2027

Application Deadline: November 10, 2026

Withdrawal/Commitment Deadline: November 17, 2026

Program Fee Deadline: The program fee will be billed to your 91�ֿ� student account. The program fee deadline aligns with the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center's spring due dates. You should refer to the first Spring 2027 due date.

Application Process

Students will be required to complete two applications:

an internal 91�ֿ� Education Abroad application,
and a partner university application.

These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by an Education Abroad Advisor. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Please note that acceptance to the program by 91�ֿ� does not serve as final approval. The host institution or program provider grants final approval for each applicant.

3. Complete the Host University Application

Once your Education Abroad application has been accepted, you will be nominated to the host university. You will complete the host university’s application and wait for official acceptance to the program.

Academics

Course Information

Course Name and CRN: THEA 41095/51095: Special Topics – International Theatre Experience - Japan

Course Description:

This international study course offers students an immersive exploration of Japanese theatrical traditions, contemporary venue architecture, and regional performing arts centers in the Kansai region. From traditional Noh performance and historical regional venues to cutting-edge regional arts incubators and modern observation architecture, students will examine how physical space, cultural heritage, and institutional frameworks shape performance practice in Japan.

The itinerary takes participants through Osaka, Kyoto, and Toyooka (including Kinosaki Onsen), featuring site visits, technical tours, cultural exchange workshops, and professional venue analyses at institutions such as ROHM Theatre Kyoto, the Kawamura Noh Theater, the Professional College of Arts and Tourism, Kinosaki International Arts Center, Eirakukan, and the Ebara Riverside Theater.

Number of Credit Hours: 3

KSU Sponsoring College: College of the Arts

Course Language of Instruction: English

Faculty Contact Information

Professor's Name: Jakyung Seo

Title: Professor of Lighting Design, Coordinator of Design and Technology

Email: jseo1@kent.edu

Phone: 330-672-2055

And

Professor's Name: Tony Hardin

Title: Director of the School of Music, Director of the School of Theatre and Dance

Email: ahardi14@kent.edu

Tentative Itinerary

This program is designed to take place over Spring Break.

Below is a tentative itinerary; however, the exact sequence and sites are subject to changes in availability and cost.

Day 1: March 13, 2027, Sat

Depart from the U.S. to Japan

Day 2: March 14, 2027, Sun

Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) and transfer to Osaka Hotel for Check-in.
Welcome Dinner and Program Orientation

Day 3: March 15, 2027, Mon

One-Day Osaka City Tour: Begin with exploration in Osaka Castle, followed by futuristic skyline views at Umeda Sky Building Sky Garden Observation Deck and having lunch. In the afternoon, explore Dotonbori and Shinsekai for local culture and dinner, concluding with an evening interactive light shows at TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka.

Day 4: March 16, 2027, Tue

Travel to Kyoto
Kawamura Noh Theater Visit: Visit Kawamura Noh Theater to explore traditional Japanese performing arts and learn how classical Noh is preserved for modern audiences. Discover its historic masks, expressive costumes, and UNESCO recognized cultural heritage through an engaging introduction to this unique and enduring Japanese art form and cultural tradition.
ROHM Theatre Kyoto Tour Visit: watch a performance in ROHM Theatre
Travel to Toyooka

Day 5: March 17, 2027, Wed

Professional College of Arts (PCAT) Visit: Workshop/cultural exchange
Kinosaki International Arts Center Tour
Kinosaki Onsen Walking Tour: Take a heritage walk through Kinosaki Onsen to experience traditional hot spring culture and local hospitality architecture. Stroll along picturesque canals, relaxing in historic public bathhouses and foot baths while learning how this charming town has preserved its heritage for a millennium.

Day 6: March 18, 2027, Thu

Eirakukan Tour: Visit Eirakukan to explore one of Japan's oldest surviving wooden theaters and see firsthand how traditional kabuki performance spaces were designed and preserved.
Ebara Riverside Theater Tour: Visit Ebara Riverside Theater to learn about community-centered theater production and regional arts revitalization.
Farewell Dinner

Day 7: March 19, 2027, Fri

Airport transfer to KIX
Fly back to the US

Location & Transportation

Osaka, Kyoto & Toyooka, Japan

Osaka is a beautiful cosmopolitan city in Japan. Being the third largest city in the country, it serves as a major economic and financial hub, and its known for its lively night district Dotonbori and its stunning historical landmarks, such as the Osaka Castle. It has everything from lively markets to incredible contemporary art museums, and the highlight of the city is it's street food culture and multiculturalism!

Considered the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is a city known for its temples, shrines, palaces, gardens and cultural activities.

Toyooka is a beautiful Japanese town, known for its crafts, hot springs, and wildlife conservation! Student will be able to visit the 1,300-year old hot springs, the Kinosaki Onsen, and appreciate the stunning scenic views from this charming city!

Transportation

Included: Flights, airport transfer from KIX to Osaka Hotel and transfer back from Toyooka to the KIX, private coach between Kyoto and Toyooka, ground transportation for group events while in Japan, public transportation cards.

Not included: Transportation to and from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and local transportation during free time in Japan.

Airports

Cleveland (CLE), Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Local Transit

Students will receive a public transportation pass as part of their program, with an initial value of JPY 5,000 to support program-related travel.

Housing & Meals

Students will stay in both double-occupancy (Osaka) and single-occupancy rooms (Toyooka) in a hotel. Single rooms may be available upon request and at a higher cost when standard are double-occupancy. If you would like to request a single room, please reach out to edabroad@kent.edu as soon as possible.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. There are also 2 group dinners included.

Accessibility Information

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Whether your disability is visible or invisible, Education Abroad is committed to making educational experiences abroad possible for you. Early disclosure of personal needs and an open mind to different programs, locations, and services can help you identify the best opportunities abroad.

Things to Consider

What types of physical, academic, and mental health resources and accommodations are available in my host country?
What types of activities does this program involve? Will there be strenuous hiking? Will we be walking long distances? Will we be carrying significant weight?
What is the housing like on this program? Will I be sharing a room or bathroom? Is there AC/heat?
What types of foods are available to me on this program? Will I be able to find meals that meet my dietary needs?
What types of transportation does this program use? Will I be navigating public transportation? Is public transportation accessible?
What is the climate like in my host country? Will there be extreme heat or cold?
Are my medications controlled or banned abroad? Are there regulations on traveling with my medications, service animal, etc.?
Are there prescriptions that I need to fill before I leave? What medications are available abroad? Is there a refrigerator to store my medication if needed?
How does my host country view my disability?
How do accessibility regulations in my host country differ from the US? (Ex.) Are ramps, elevators, tactile markings, etc. required/available?
Can I use my US medical devices in my host country? Is the voltage different? Will my equipment fit through a standard door (height/width) in my host country?
If there are overnight field trips outside of my typical housing for the program, is it possible to maintain the same housing accommodations I may require?

Learn More 91�ֿ� Studying Abroad with a Disability

Watch this helpful video about .

Resources

Student Accessibility Services

Financial Aid & Scholarships

It is possible to use your federal financial aid to go on 91�ֿ�-approved education abroad programs. You can learn more on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website.

It is also possible to use most 91�ֿ� scholarships for education abroad costs. You can find education abroad scholarships on ScholarshipUniverse.

If you have any questions about using your financial aid and scholarships for study abroad, you can contact the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.

Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the College of Honors and Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

international travel procedures;
in-country resources;
health and safety resources and information;
culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center.

Costs and Funding

Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program. 

We encourage you to meet with the Financial, Billing, and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program. We also encourage you to meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss your Course Plan of Study and to evaluate if your planned coursework is eligible for federal financial aid.

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