Colton Farmer is currently a second-year student earning a bachelor’s degree in performing arts–acting. Through his applied learning experience, Colton is currently a member of the Wichita State Preforming Arts Company (WUPAC).
WUPAC is a community outreach and involvement organization that focuses on hosting events, workshops, and performances for K-12 students in Wichita and the surrounding communities.
As a member, Colton draws on the skills he has gained at WSU to lead workshops and collaborate with theatre teachers in the community, helping them introduce new concepts to their students.
“So far, I've hosted classes focused on expressive movement and stage combat,” Colton said.
He also has more upcoming workshops featuring Shakespearean text and further exploration of movement techniques.
As he continues to create workshop content, Colton reflects on the first time he hosted a workshop and how it feels like one of his most rewarding times throughout his applied learning experience. Colton felt fulfilled in the fact that he was able to create a fun and safe environment for students who were willing to try something new. He was incredibly satisfied to see the students engaged in the play of theatrical movement.
The experience has given him the opportunity to build on his skills in communication and collaboration. He notes that these skills are essential for a career in the arts.
“As someone who aspires to be able to perform and teach, this experience has been groundbreaking,” Colton says, “This is my first real experience in a teaching role, and I am thrilled to be learning the ropes and grow in this skill.”
In this applied learning experience, Colton has become more comfortable in a mentoring environment. He now feels confident in what he is passing on to students with a new viewpoint on how he can apply these techniques to his own acting.
“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 yourself as an actor,” Colton said.
Colton listens closely to his students as they experiment in his workshops, using their insights to reflect on his own understandings and refine the way he shares his knowledge with future students.
He has been able to take concepts from his classes at WSU such as Acting II-Scene Study as well as Colton’s experience through WSU’s Fight Club. He relates back to his involvement with on-campus productions like “Twelfth Night" and "Time Stands Still” too. Over time, Colton has used these learning outcomes in his outreach work with WUPAC.
Collaboration with fellow performers from diverse backgrounds has been what Colton feels most confident with since starting his applied learning experience. He enjoys when he's able to organize a performance with them that showcases everyone's strengths.
Colton says, “I feel I can better articulate my thoughts about the work and explain them in a clear, engaging manner.”
Being paid for this position through the State of Kansas Applied Learning Fund has helped make a significant impact on Colton’s success within the past year. He can comfortably pay his tuition without the need to take out loans or pull from emergency savings. Colton can continue his education at Wichita State University with increased financial security in the long term.
“I haven't had to stress 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.
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.
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo