Colton Farmer, a second year pursuing a bachelor’s degree in performing arts with a concentration in acting, is gaining experience as a performer, educator and mentor through the Wichita State Performing Arts Company (WUPAC).

WUPAC is a community outreach organization that hosts events, workshops and performances for K–12 students in Wichita and surrounding communities. As a company member, Colton draws on the skills he has developed at Wichita State to lead workshops and collaborate with local theatre teachers as they introduce new concepts to their students.

“So far, I’ve hosted classes focused on expressive movement and stage combat,” Colton said.

He is also preparing workshops centered on Shakespearean text and additional movement techniques.

Colton considers leading his first workshop one of the most rewarding moments of his applied learning experience. He created a fun, welcoming environment where students felt safe trying something new and found it especially fulfilling to watch them engage with theatrical movement.

The experience has strengthened his communication and collaboration skills—both essential to the career he hopes to build as a performer and educator.

“As someone who aspires to perform and teach, this experience has been groundbreaking,” Colton said. “This is my first real experience in a teaching role, and I am thrilled to be learning the ropes and growing in this skill.”

Through WUPAC, Colton has become more comfortable serving as a mentor and more confident in the techniques he shares with students. Teaching has also given him a new perspective on his own development as an actor.

“When you have to show techniques you’ve learned to others, you begin to cement that process in yourself and quickly realize what works better for you as an actor,” Colton said.

Colton listens closely as students experiment during his workshops, using their questions and observations to deepen his own understanding and refine how he presents concepts to future participants.

His outreach work incorporates lessons from courses such as Acting II: Scene Study, training through WSU’s Fight Club and experience performing in university productions, including “Twelfth Night” and “Time Stands Still.” WUPAC gives him an opportunity to take what he has learned in the classroom and onstage and apply it in the community.

Colton has also grown more confident collaborating with performers from different backgrounds. He especially enjoys organizing performances that highlight each person’s strengths.

“I feel I can better articulate my thoughts about the work and explain them in a clear, engaging manner,” Colton said.

Funding from the State of Kansas Applied Learning Fund has made Colton’s participation in this experience possible while also providing greater financial stability. The paid position has helped him cover tuition without taking out loans or using emergency savings, allowing him to continue his education with less financial stress.

“I haven’t had to stress about finding hours at work, and I’ve been able to focus on my education while doing an on-campus job for professional growth, not financial dependence,” Colton said.

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Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.

For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.