Ed Baker
Ed Baker is an Associate Professor of Theatre specializing in Technology, Innovation and Management at WSU, a Past Fellow of Entrepreneurship with the Coleman Foundation, Production Manager for Seven Devils Playwrights Conference and an aspiring practitioner of Northern Shaolin Kung Fu.He serves the School of Performing Arts at Wichita State University by heading up the Stage Management Certificate in the Theatre Program and as the Technical Director for SPA Productions. He has spent the majority of his career as a professional entertainment technician in theatre, film/television, concerts, and convention/exposition venues. He earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with an emphasis in Theatre Arts from Wichita State University. After leaving Wichita he completed graduate studies, internship and residency to earn the M.F.A. in theatre from the Professional Actor Training Program at Ohio University. He joined the Faculty of Wichita State University in Fall of 2006 as a Professor of Theatre and Performing Arts.
My research agenda is rooted in entrepreneurship and innovation as a guiding principal
for the creative worker and artist. There are very few jobs available in the world
today. There are, however, unlimited opportunities for creative artists as they enter
the working world. By giving them the tools of creativity, innovation and invention
along with the skills of the entrepreneur we provide them with more than technical
ability to work for a living and provide the tools to develop a career while boldly
building the Theatre Culture of the Twenty-first Century.
We may not always be comfortable with what the future holds. We will very likely
laugh, and mock and miss-identify the next big innovation in art, culture or technology…
We may already be doing it! Think, though; If we live in fear of the unknown, how
will we be able to embrace future innovations? If we are to grow our stake in the
world and answer the demands of continued innovation and growth we must be brave and
follow our curiosities with passion.