A rigorous practice schedule for an upcoming regional theater competition has left Wichita State University senior Alex Stoll surprisingly unflustered. Stoll, who plays Burrs in the play “The Wild Party,” said he expects the regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival to go well. 

 

“I think we have a very strong cast. The material and the show are great,” Stoll said.

 

When he first learned “The Wild Party” would be performed at Wichita State, Stoll said he was happy. He was excited that the school or the region weren’t too conservative for the R-rated material.

 

“It’s what’s happening on stages in other parts of the country. There is some mature content, but it’s stylized and real. I think it has been a great fit for WSU. It has stretched the limits of our abilities as performers,” Stoll said.

 

Stoll, who has attended WSU for the past three years, plans to graduate in May with a degree in dance. He has been seriously dancing and performing for more than three years. His first performance was in the play “Into the Woods” while he was a student at Wichita East High School. Since attending WSU, Stoll has played two lead roles on campus. 

 

“I’ve gotten a lot of opportunities. It’s not an enormous program, and since it’s smaller I can work closely with the instructors. They’re able to concentrate on me and my needs,” Stoll said. “Anything I’ve done with the dance department has been tremendous, incredible.”

 

Stoll said the most inspirational and encouraging figure in his education, and perhaps even in his life, is Nicholas Johnson, associate professor and director of dance.

 

“He has made me feel like family. He would do anything for any of us. I wouldn’t be at WSU if it weren’t for him. He’s a tremendous role model,” Stoll said.

 

Stoll offered a bit of advice to students preparing to begin their education at WSU:

 

“Look for and maintain the relationships you build here. They will be the most valuable part of your experience.”

 

Johnson had much to say about Stoll, especially concerning his development as a performer since his start at WSU.

 

“When I first met him he was scattered. I called him the ‘nomad’ because he was preoccupied and had no sense of direction in his life,” Johnson said. As soon as Stoll began focusing on performing, Johnson said, his acceleration was impressive. “Alex is incredibly gifted. He is a fantastic mime, actor, singer…he’s interesting in so many aspects, and that’s how an artist should be.”

 

Post-graduation, Stoll said he wants to continue performing.

 

“I want to be based out of New York and do shows regionally and hopefully internationally as well,” said Stoll. “One of my life goals is to be able to travel.”