At the School of Performing Arts, learning extends far beyond coursework and productions. Students are encouraged to engage in leadership, professional networking, travel, conferences, guest artist experiences, applied learning, and hands-on opportunities that prepare them for successful careers in the performing arts and related fields.
Our student organizations provide opportunities to build community, develop leadership skills, collaborate across disciplines, and create work.
- Empty Space Theatre (including Off the Cuff Improv Troupe)
- Fight Club
- Mid-America Dance Theatre
- School of Performing Arts Leadership Council
- Wichita State Music Theatre Company
Applied Learning & Paid Internships
Students gain extensive hands-on experience through applied learning opportunities that connect classroom learning with professional practice.
The School of Performing Arts provides an average of 24 paid internships annually in production shops, stage management, technical theatre, arts administration/marketing & publicity, and audience engagement.
International Opportunities: Universidad Veracruzana
Students expand their artistic and cultural perspectives through our partnership with Universidad Veracruzana in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico through exchanges, workshops, master classes, collaborative projects, and intercultural learning.
Professional Conferences & Networking
United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)– portfolio reviews, workshops, technology exposure, networking, internships, and employment connections.
American College Dance Association (ACDA) – conferences, clinics, performance opportunities, and networking with educators and artists.
American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) – adjudication, competitions, workshops, master classes, and regional networking.
Students participate in Broadway and off-Broadway experiences, dance concerts, workshops, classes, alumni networking events, and behind-the-scenes opportunities.
Guest Artists & Master Classes
Students engage with visiting artists, directors, choreographers, designers, technicians, and arts leaders through workshops, residencies, collaborations, and career development sessions.
Alumni Networking & Mentorship
Through networking events, panels, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, students connect with graduates across performance, film, dance, design and technical theatre, arts administration, production leadership, education, and entrepreneurship.
Community Opportunities & Professional Experience
The School of Performing Arts is deeply connected to Wichita's vibrant arts community, providing students with meaningful opportunities to apply their training beyond campus while building professional networks and career experience.
Students regularly engage with local theatre companies, dance studios, arts organizations, schools, and community partners through performance, teaching, choreography, production, and arts administration opportunities.
Many of these organizations are led by School of Performing Arts alumni, creating valuable mentorship and networking connections for current students. Through these partnerships, students may:
- Perform with community theatre and dance organizations
- Gain paid performance and artistic engagements
- Teach classes and assist with community arts education programs
- Develop choreography and direct community projects
- Support arts administration, marketing, and event management initiatives
- Build professional relationships with local arts leaders and alumni
- Join the local International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and work in live theatre and entertainment venues
- Explore career pathways while contributing to the cultural life of the Wichita region
These experiences allow students to develop practical skills, expand their professional portfolios, earn income through their artistic work, and become active contributors to a thriving creative community.
Whether you are leading a student organization, collaborating internationally, completing a paid internship, attending a national conference, studying in New York City, or learning from guest artists and alumni, the School of Performing Arts provides opportunities that help you grow as an artist, leader, collaborator, and global citizen.