In the Spotlight

The School of Performing Arts is proud to highlight some of the alumni, faculty, guest artists, and other opportunities that make us a unique, rich, & diverse school.

Alumni Faculty & Staff Guest Artist Other Spotlights

Alumni

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Javier Ignacio

Learn about 2025 College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame inductee, Javier Ignacio...

Jane Gabbert

WSU Alumna Jane Gabbert, returns to direct the Bela Kiralyfalvi Playwriting Competition Award Winning play, The Angel of Death.

Zack Powell graduated from WSU in 2009 with a BFA in Theatre Performance. After graduating, he got a full ride to pursue his MFA in Classical Theatre at Illinois State University, where he also spent a summer studying at the Globe in London...

Photo of the late Karla Burns performing.

Karla Burns: 1954 - 2021

Remembering Karla Burns...

Hunter Jones

After graduating in 2018 with a BFA In Performing Arts - Dance, Hunter has kept busy and active. COVID-19 hasn't stopped this artist from pursuing her dreams...

Maria Tate

Maria Tate graduated from WSU in 2006 with a BFA in Dance. Since graduation Maria has performed and/or taught with Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Ballet, Joel Hall Dancers (Chicago), Spark! Circus in Thailand and many others...

Julius Thomas III

Julius returned to Wichita to perform in Smokey Joe's Cafe in Concert at Music Theatre Wichita. The Alumni Association caught up with him for a video chat.

Deiondre Teagle

Learn more about one of our dance instructors and alumn here at Wichita State, Deiondre Teagle!

Ia Hawkins

Ia Hawkins answers our weekly "In the Spotlight" Q&A!

Taylor Poling

Taylor Poling asnwers this weeks "In the Spotlight" Q&A!

Natalie Carrera

Alumni Natalie Carrera answers our weekly "In the Spotlight" questions!

Amanda Schmalzried

Learn more about the 2024 Bela Kiralyfalvi National Student Playwriting Competition winner, 2025 graduate, Amanda Schmalzried....

Faculty & Staff

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Megan Bascom

Learn more about our new Assistant Professor of Performing Arts in Contemporary Dance, Megan Bascom....

Jamison Rhoads

Learn more about our new Assistant Teaching Professor of Performing Arts - Design and Technical Theatre (Lighting/Scenic), Jamison Rhoads...

Kate Compton

Learn more about our new New Assistant Professor of Performing Arts - Acting, Kate Compton...

Lily Vetter

Learn more about our new Assistant Teaching Professor of Performing Arts - Design and Technical Theatre (Management), Lily Vetter...

Aviance Battles

Learn more about our new part-time recruitment specialist, Aviance Battles...

Ben Juhnke

The School of Performing Arts welcomes our new faculty member, Ben Juhnke, as a Visiting Professor of Performing Arts - Scenic/Lighting Design. Get to know more about Ben...

Jacob McGlaun

The School of Performing Arts welcomes our newest faculty member, Jacob McGlaun. Jacob joins us as the Assistant Professor of Performing Arts - Musical Theatre...

Mina Estrada

With immense experience as a dance educator, community arts advocate & facilitator, and arts administrator/manager, Mina Estrada will make an immediate and important impact on the dance program and entire SPA...

Joseph Urick

Joseph Urick is an award-winning actor from New York City. He has performed nationally and internationally at such theatres as the ZACH Scott in Texas, Florida Shakespeare, the Hippodrome Theatre in Florida, as well as the Papagaou Theatre and Anagyius Theatre in Greece...

Sheldon Mba

Learn more about Sheldon Mba...

Bela Kiralyfalvi

Bela Kiralyfalvi is the eponym of the Bela Kiralyfalvi National Student Playwriting Competition.

Linda Starkey

Learn about 2025 College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame inductee, Linda Starkey...

Guest Artists

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Derick & Rebecca Otto

Learn more about our SPA Day guest artists, L.A. based screenwriters Derick & Rebecca Otto...

Kyle Pleasant

Learn more about Kyle Pleasant, the director and choreographer of the Jo Zakas Musical Theatre Incubator Program's production of Express...

Carlos Vecar

One of three globally recognized guest artists in residence, Carlos Vecar is a faculty member in the theatre department of the University of Veracruz. Learn more about Carlos and the residency...

Karina Eguia

One of three globally recognized guest artists in residence, Karina is a faculty member in the theatre department of the University of Veracruz. Learn more about Karina and the residency...

Juan Meza

One of three globally recognized guest artists in residence, Juan Meza is a faculty member in the dance department of the University of Veracruz. Learn more about Juan and the residency...

Larry Daniels

Learn more about our SPA Day guest artist Larry Daniels...

Darrell Grand Moultrie

Learn more about our Guest Artist Darrell Grand Moultrie who created a new work for our WCDT Spring Concert.

Charles Anderson

"I am an artist, an activist-educator and an intellectual- I am a kinetic storyteller." Charles Anderson.

Find out more about Charles Anderson & his work at the School of Performing Arts...

Janine McGuire & Arri Simon

Janine McGuire and Arri Lawton Simon are an award-winning musical theatre writing and producing team based in New York City...

Elizabeth Shannon

Learn more about the Bela Kiralyfalvi National Student Playwriting Competition 2023 Winner, Elizabeth Shannon.

Emily Orr

Emily Orr is a music director, conductor, pianist, arranger, vocalist, and educator with over 10 years of professional experience. Born and raised in Wichita, KS, Emily comes from a musical family and became involved in multiple facets of the Fine Arts at an early age...

Other Spotlights

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University of Veracruz

Read more about a partnering with the University of Veracruz in Xalapa, Mexico...