20 Best Acting Programs In Wichita, KS (2022 Updated)

I cannot get enough of Music Theatre of Wichita! It is a treasure to the community! Every summer my husband and I try to take in at least once show. Some day we'll be in the financial situation to get season tickets, and we're looking forward to that day! I have never been disappointed in the quality or production level of an MTW show. The youth choir is always fun, and a great way to encourage the next generation into the arts. When I was a teenager I also had the privilege of apprenticing at MTW in both the lighting shop and the costume shop. It was an amazing experience for any young person who loves the theatre. It was also great to see shows from the back side of the stage and see, even more, the kind of work and dedication that goes into these shows. All the cast and crew are amazing and work so hard to bring the best to the patrons. I'm looking forward to seeing where MTW goes and the new steps it takes as Wichita considers the future of Century II. An unforgettable experience that everyone in the city of Wichita should come and enjoy! Well done!Jen Voss

That Mary Dymak thought I was suppose to go around to rear entry. That is the entry for people parking vehicles. I was a patron, here to see the musical. My wife was secure in her seat. I parked my own car. She is handicapped. Oh, well. I was amicable & kind. And she made a bee line to me, in the ticket area. Karen.Gregory Foxx

Been a season ticket holder for many years. Again Misic Theater has knocked out of the park with Jersey Boys. Thanks for bringing such GREAT SHOWS to Wichita. You are a true treasure. Thanks again, David VanSantDavid VanSant

Class of 1996. I was taught to be well mannered and well disciplined in my studies and beyond. I was more than prepared for the university I attended after high school, thanks to the rigorous academics and high standards that were expected of me at Carroll.Amy Jo

The community is amazing, the school pride is unmatched, the sports and academics and performing arts are breathtaking, and the students are just nicer and better people than ones from any other high school in my experiencesPaul Johnson

I had an amazing experience. The community is wonderful. My father attended, I attended and my kids are there now…what else can I say.Brian Suellentrop

The show was 5 stars… the balcony seats are a little close together, so if you're there for a show be prepared for your knees to be near your chin. Also if in the balcony come down the wall steps as there is a hand rail. We saw "Who's Live Anyway" and it was fantastic. The sound was great it was easy to hear and interact. Highly recommend seeing the top notch shows they bring to town.Tony Foster

It was an amazing show, all the Drag queen were outstanding, very professionals and accurate with the roll they were performing, very entertaining, my daughter and I love it and definitely will see them again, we are fans since their individual season, but after tonight, they have all our admiration and respect, drag queen crew you all are amazing. Thank you for the exquisite show.Carmen Kissinger

This was my 1st time experiencing an event at The Orpheum. I was pleasantly surprised with how well the place still looks and operates. The fact that this review comes days before the venue turns 100 years old, should say enough about how well this place has been upkept. I highly recommend attending anything here.Bradley Lymer

Warning if you are bring children… I can only give this 3 stars because exhibits were NOT child friendly. They have plenty of classes for children so I assumed, it was child friendly. I wish the receptionist would have given a gentle warning that large, up close and personal genitalia were depicted and on exhibit. It ruined our chance to appreciate the other artists. Unfortunately in our world bodies are exploited and used. Therefore, in my opinion, if the art is pornographic and/or degrading I don’t want to see it or expose children to it either. I gave 3 stars and not 0 because it’s a beautiful building and could be a wonderful contribution to the community. Not a good experience for me this time. 😕H Beus

Beautiful building, wonderful exhibits and a broad view of fine art. My first time here was for the grand opening where we not only got to see a varied display of material art throughout the building, but were also treated to the art of dancers performing live for the attendees. I've noticed a few reviews bemoaning the lack of "child friendly" exhibits. If by child friendly they actually mean something your ill-behaved child can rub their sticky hands all over and act out, then no, this is not for you. If you mean edifying works of art that a well behaved child being minded and tended to by respectful parents, then this place is packed full. Enjoy responsibly!DOOD J

I've been on two courses here, the silversmiths one was great! but the courses vary a lot in how helpful they are I've decovered. I booked into a painting course where they taught you zero technique, it was suppose to be all about capturing light, we got one demo watching the tutor for the whole course, I could learn more from youtube for free in an hour than I learnt on this entire course. Would genuinely want my money back. Its pleasant and fine if you want a painting social club but if you actually want instruction in oil paints so you can learn more than you could at home, look else where. I was disappointed.Ruth Harder

I had a terrific experience bringing my 2 kids to Thurman Kindercare. I toured all of the Kindercares in Wichita and this one was by far the best facility I have seen. It was spacious, not over-crowded like some of the others, great outdoor space, and homely. From the moment I started with them, the staff, Shanna, the director and Pam were so helpful and welcomed us into the Kindercare family. They were more than helpful in working with our unique situation in being a military family. My kids were in the 3's room with Ms. Dana who is an absolute gem! She is so great with the kids giving equal parts of love and authority. I had the opportunity to go on 2 field trips with the class and I was so impressed with how Ms. Dana and Ms. Christina handled all the children. I rarely trust someone else taking my children out without me, but after this experience, I more than gladly trust those two teachers. Great communication with this daycare. I am glad the teachers talk to me about what the kids did during the day and they gladly answered all the questions I had. They offer great summer activities and field trips! Also a cooking class for the kids and Phonics, which my kids were in with Ms. Stephanie and she is a gem as well! These teachers are really meant to be teaching these kids because they do a great job. Can't say enough about this place. Be sure to talk with Shanna, the director because she is so helpful!Ashley Wilgus

This Center goes through directors like toilet paper. I’ve dealt with them since 2016 and since then, they’re on their 4th director. My ex manipulated this center in unimaginable ways and the director at that time was a pawn in his game. Since then, I’ve found an incredible center who does not, in ANY way feed into drama from separated couples. A child’s care should be about the child, not the parents’ messes. Thurman Kindercare is a cesspool of drama. The teachers sit on the front office and gossip throughout the day. I’m grateful that the directors that are gone are gone, but they just keep hiring the same low quality. I have documentation of formal complaint made and court docs I can share with anyone who may be considering this place.Adriane Dahl-Phillips

I can not say enough good things about this center. I have six children enrolled so I have at least one in about every room. The facility always looks and smells clean. The staff are friendly and welcoming toward the children but also toward the parents. They are on the food program and always appear to be serving nutritious healthy meals and snacks. All of my children love going to daycare and love their teachers. Jessica, the director is wonderful. She obviously lloves the kids and has gone way out of her way to help accommodate the special needs that come up. I would very very highly recommend this daycare.Jill Ayres

I have to say that music was good. But the dinner, never again. Not that the food wasn't good, it was. It was that our table was the last to get up and get our food. There was only my husband, a friend and me at our table. My husband didn't get any chicken because they ran out. If man in front of us hadn't gotten two pieces of chicken there would have been enough. So my friend and I gave part ours to my husband. So that meant we didn't get a whole piece of chicken either. Not that staff didn't try to make it right but by the time the restaurant dt was delivered more chicken, it was time for the show. Even though the food was good, it wasn't worth $25. And didn't get out our complete food. They did offer us free dessert, but we didn't take it. I mean the staff was nice. My suggestion to them, have someone serve you the food. And don't allow people to come at last minute for and pay for dinner and eat. If don't they make reservations before hand they don't get to eat. She said 5 people did that and they got to get their food before we did and we made our reservation 3 weeks ago!!!!! Never again. We will eat somewhere else.Sherry Burch

I went to see the Cool Yule production on Saturday and it was AMAZINNGGG! The music was fun and cheery and costuming was fantastic. I felt like I was in a Winter Wonderland. Simeon did such a great job directing and starring in this show. I am in awe of the hard work that all the crew put together in order to make this show. They deserve a standing ovation! This was my first theatre production I got to see since moving to Wichita and I am super glad I got to see this one!Susan Le

Absolutely enjoyed another show at Wichita’s Forum Theatre with the Winter Wonderettes. The music was fun, the actors were talented, and the comedic timing came off perfectly. We had a great time. Another perk at the Forum comes from the delicious deserts served. Plan to be entertained and be sure to save room for desert. Attended another show today and just as much fun as always. The energy was contagious.Jan Bush

Impact models is an amazing agency to work with. The beautiful loft studio is located in Old town and has a stunning view of the city. Kimberly is an absolute delight to work with, she's professional and has extensive knowledge and experience in the industry. Her classes are engaging and informative. She encourages positive attitude, etiquette, and professionalism. All the fundamentals to help you succeed in the industry.Jesus Vivar DJPM

From the moment Brooklyn started with classes here she felt welcome! The classes focus on everything that a model/actor needs to be ready for in the business. Brooklyn needed a lot of work with her runway walk and in just a few classes she has improved a lot. We really feel that the opportunities with this agency are endless for Brooklyn! Thank you Kimberly!Brenda Terrones

Impact models is a safe place to learn more about yourself and grow. You have a whole family of support behind you always backing you up. Impact models is a place you can work hard to achieve your goals. There are so many opportunities for growth. Everyday is an opportunity. I love modeling for Impact models it has helped me grow in many different ways.Harley Saurenman

As a student, I can't say enough good things about CYT! I've made eternal friendships, been encouraged by outstanding mentors, and seen incredible growth in myself as well as those around me. At CYT, we really are a family! As a kid you grow up learning from the teenagers, and as a teenager you have the opportunity to inspire kids. At CYT we're taught theater skills, but that's only the beginning. We participate in student-lead worship before every rehearsal and class, and take time to pray and pray for each other, detecting each show to our Creator. In CYT's HYPE (Highschool Youth Pursuing Excellence) we're taught how to lead younger students, grow in our relationship with God, and grow into responsible adults, by showing an example of great responsibility as youths. From an audience member's perspective, our shows are unexpectedly breathtaking. The talent in this program is abundant, and each student puts in so much hard work. CYT has changed my family and I's life, and I can't imagine where we'd be without it.Ember Leonard

CYT has been a truly fabulous addition to our family! The shows are wonderful, of course, and far higher in quality than I ever could have imagined. But it's the behind the scenes benefits that have really profoundly benefited our entire family, most notably our daughter. She's grown beyond measure, blossomed into a lovely young lady and followed her passion for acting with love, support and encouragement all along the way. Kudos to a beautiful organization. Thank you CYT!Jennifer Ward

My daughter has taken dance at this studio for several years. The teacher are wonderful, they really care about the kids and helping them to grow nog only in dance but in their confidence and self-esteem. The classes are fun and my daughter hated missing class because she loved being in such a positive and fun environment. I highly recommend this studio!!Krystal Robinson

It's nice to have the Crown open and performing dinner theater again. We missed it. The format is different than it used to be with the food. Instead of a buffet they have the food catered in. This show it was BBQ. The food was okay but something about eating off plastic plates with plastic silverware was odd. But the tickets were significantly cheaper. Drinks are no longer included with the meal and were a little pricey for the size with no refills. We really enjoyed the show and plan on returning to see the next one.Stuart Countryman

I have enjoyed every show I’ve experienced here. I highly recommend! They make it easy to order from your table by providing a barcode you can scan and place your order to be delivered directly to your table. You can even pay through the link. I also recommend their event newsletter to stay informed about upcoming and future events/shows.Sheena Youngers

Absolutely amazing venue with AMAZING prices!!!! The staff are so friendly and helpful!! Went to see Rocky Horror Picture Show with a friend and we sat in a booth. Loved the ease of ordering drinks and food from our table! The show was amazing and the venue was absolutely incredible. Cannot wait to come back for another show!!!Jay Asher

There are a lot of conflicting reviews of Ballet Wichita from the past few years, so I thought I would clear up a few things: Ballet Wichita has been providing the highest quality arts education and performance opportunities in the area for local dancers for the past 40+ years. As someone who has participated in their performances and outreach programs, I can personally say that choosing to be in Ballet Wichita's Nutcracker and other performances was one of the best life decisions I ever made. I made friendships that will last a lifetime, learned the value of discipline and diligence, learned to work past rejection and difficult people, and ultimately discovered something I am currently pursuing professionally. That being said, Ballet Wichita has undergone a lot of recent changes. The longtime artistic director left 3 years ago, and threw the company for a loop. A temporary replacement was brought in from NY; many of the bad reviews on here are due to him and his "fresh" interpretation of the Nutcracker. His intention was to run Ballet Wichita as a professional company, but with the young age of most of the dancers and their commitments to other jobs and activities besides BW, this resulted in overtired dancers, overworked volunteers, and an ultimately crummy performance. Things are getting better now. A new, permanent artistic director has been hired, and although he isn't perfect, he is infinitely better than the NY debacle. The company is working to add classes, increase performances, and improve outreach. So, please don't let two years' worth of poor reviews be the reason you don't send your kid to BW or choose not to see the Nutcracker this year. Your continued support is what will help BW recover.Anonymous Smith

I attended Ballet Wichita’s Nutcracker performance this year as I have for over a decade. Will not be back… Wow, whoever found that guy that did the choreography put him back wherever you found him and wash your hands! What a racist hack! Same for the new artistic director. Not sure what happened to the woman that did both of these jobs before (according to the handouts I always save from each year it always showed the same woman anyway) but you need her back for sure! (I hope she’s OK and just retired or something, I don’t mean to be disrespectful to her or her family or anything!) Strange, confusing, spastic, repetitive gyrations by most of the cast (with weird talking and squealing parts…in a ballet…mhm), followed by ho-hum uninspired repetitive blah by artists I’ve seen do AMAZING things before, interrupted by weird race-stereotype dances, punctuated by a crazy racist speaking part…in a ballet…ugh. I’m not a dancer but I love ballet. Thankfully I don’t have to love this since it wasn’t one, but I do feel really bad for the kids in the show and the fact that this has my hometown name on it. YIKES. All these 5 star shill reviews popping up to combat the obvious issue are pathetic.Jamie Wylie

My mother was a student of the (famed) School of the Performing Arts in New York. My father a professional musician of 18 years in the city as well. I come from an artistic family. Being a musician and artist myself, I can appreciate self expression and adaptation based on an individual's vision, as long as that vision doesn't jeopardize the classic nature or integrity of the original artist's masterpiece. It is my opinion that the new direction the Ballet Wichita has chosen to take with this year's Nutcracker, has done just that! They have compromised a Tchaikovsky classic, not with subtle artistic enhancements, but with personal, almost narcissistic, direction. If this is evidence of the new direction for the future of Ballet Wichita, then that is their right to exercise, but in response I will exercise my right to no longer support a local tradition that my family has enjoyed for so many years. Sad.Gregory Mistretta

We had a birthday ainging telegram for my daughter turning 9. We had seen the fairies at a previous event and they were beyond wonderful with the kids. My daughter had been talking about them every since. Fairy Aurora Made sure to include the info I gave her from the previous fairy encounter so my daughter felt like they were all wishing her a happy birthday. The whole time she was at our house she stayed in character and was more than I could have ever hoped for. Engaging with our whole family and taught us how to make proper fairy wishes. My daughter was over the moon With the visit. And talked about it all day long! They gave her a gift as well which she was so tickled with getting. Overall I feel like you can not go wrong doing something like this.seeker of knowledge

I've been to more stories times, programs, plays, classes and all manner of kids' events than I care to count and the stuff Flint Hills Fairies does is always the absolute best. They are always warm and engaging. I appreciate that their events are always great and their services can be personalized from singing telegrams to full party planning. I recommend them for everything and had them out for my four year old's birthday party.Zadi Owens

I ordered a singing telegram for my wife for Valentine's day. Upon booking, I discussed how we met, what I love about her, etc. She improvised a song, and delivered not just a song but a fun little fairy expirience along with it. My wife loved it and the fairy who visited added some memorable magic to our day. Absalutely worth it! (Although, I'll be hard pressed to beat it next year. Lol)Daniel Dieker

massive and fancy. staff were great. only talking to me when i approached them. bathroom had its own fireplace. worth a five star just for that awesomeness i've decided to bring my own water into places and no longer pay for water on site. so tired of paying $10 ad up for the water i need to be comfortable. i ran out of water before i got there. so i brought in the empty container. expecting them to demand i pay. like i usually do. when i asked where i could fill it they offered to fill it from the drink fountain. no problem. no charge. filled a 64oz container for me. the ice cold water was nearly gone by time i leftDeath OfTime

Great experience always at this theatre. We really love the Regal 21 theatre. They have the best seats! You have to reserve these seats. They recline pretty much all the way back and they even have heat for your back. You can order from the restaurant at the front of the theater or at one of the concession stands and bring it to the 21 theatre. Or you can reserve awesome seats up stairs. They have a bar upstairs as well. The seats upstairs, you just press a button at your seat and they will take your order and deliver it straight to your seat! You have to reserve these seats in advance.Brent Sexton

Experiences will obviously depend on what theater you go to. The Warren 21 that comes with heated recliner seats, and the fact that you have to be 21+ to enter provides a great movie watching experience for adults. The seats have an attached table, and you can enjoy a nice meal. However, prices are steep for these movie theater entrées. They do have half off Tuesday, and you can get a better deal if you wanna go for a matinee feature.Shehan Fernandez

I decided to take an improv class to challenge myself, get out of my comfort zone, and to have fun! Jessie is an amazing instructor who is extremly passionate about improv and helping her students dig deeper within themselves. By digging deeper we can reconnect with our inner child and be silly, be present, and fully express oursleves. You will learn so many useful skills in her improv classes from being okay with making mistakes, communicating better, understanding the importance of eye contact, the impact of your speech and body language. I highly recommend taking one of her classes. I first took her drop in class to get a feel for what improv is, then I took both short form classes. I also recommended checking out one of their shows. So funny and entertaining! Thank you Jessie for offering these fun classes for the Wichita Community! Im grateful for what you do! <3Adaira

The instructor Jessie is absolutely amazing. She creates a open environment so that you're able to express yourself openly. If you have any interest in learning about improv or just wondering what it's like. I encourage you to go to her open classes every Saturday.Michael Allwine

We had Jessie out to train with our staff at Exploration Place and she was amazing. If you want a different way to train your staff to trust and work together for your customers, this is a great way to do it.Daniel Bateman

It was a wonderful experience, yet it's not Marble fancy , it served a good evening, great staff , awesome event , older yet comfortable seats , good crisp sound ,very clean inside and out , plenty of parking as well , but most importantly the Show Dust and Ions was spectacular!!!Georges Haddad

Amazing! Stunning voices and a wonderfully talented chorus. If you've never been to an opera, this company is a perfect example of world class talent.Roberta Jehle

Even with the art and theater world being constrained by the pandemic, TSI continues to make themselves available in every way possible. I did not expect them to be open. I was only hoping they would have the latex adhesive I wanted. Bingo on both counts and I am deeply appreciative. I hope they will get through the economic crunch because it's always a pleasure to do business with them.Ming5906

I wish I would have gone somewhere else. It's an overly-priced high school. I was a music education major and attended for four semesters (two years). Tuition is cheaper than most private universities, but the education does not live up to the price. Teachers are too involved with your private life (at least in the fine arts department). The school has no money which is one of the reasons they hired the new president of the school. They increase tuition by about $500-600 every year. Keep in mind that this is a private Christian school, so you will have to take extra religion classes in addition to your general and degree-related classes. Many teachers were fired during my short time attending Friends because the school didn't have the money to pay them. Don't go here just because it looks nice or is a Christian school. Unless you are a Spanish or Zoo Science major, you will receive a far better education choosing a different university. The debt is not worth it.Cassidy Sutton

Not worth the ridiculous cost of debt that will follow you till your grave. Get a job trade, make decent money, and live your dreams to the fullest. Unless your career absolutely requires a degree or you feel the need to go into higher academia don't play the college debt game. Speaking from several that have attended this college and who are still paying for education that did nothing in the workforce! Several I know found nothing with their degree and are doing well without it. Fail to complete your degree? Don't worry Friends will send the nastiest creditors till the end of time after you to remind you of your eternal debt. I rank college loan officers worse than payday loan centers!Philip Nielsen

I am an alumni of Friends and what the previous poster stated was accurate. Even though I relished my time here, looking back, the degree was not worth the money. There are other places in Wichita to get a degree and not be in a mountain of debt. I assure you that the quality is also about the same. I wish more young people realized that they will eventually have to pay it back unless they were lucky enough to get scholarships or parents that paid.Emily Bennet

Great school, great principle, great pride in the school! North High has a lot history and traditions, great teachers that care about the students of course you will find teachers that just simply don't care everywhere you go you will also find students that don't care to learn. Its all a give an take, if you are willing to learn they are willing to teach you don't be afraid to ask questions or bring up a concern if you have one. You will find negative people everywhere you go, its up to you to decide who to talk to and what negativity you keep around you. Surround yourself will positive people and you will have a positive high school experience, get to know your teachers they will help you out down the road!Devlin S

I have some of the best memories at this wonderful school 😘. It's the only school that i went to that i enjoyed. I was in the ninth grade. My first year of high school and i loved it. The first school i went to that had every nationally there. There was barely any fights. If there was i didn't know. The other student's where nice, helpful and caring. Unlike the schools here in Topeka my home town. Where you get bullied, yelled at by the teachers, criticized and judged by all. I was a freshman basketball player who had the chance to okay with the JV team which made me feel ok to off the 🌎. I would love to go back just to show my kids Where i had good Times at school.Latasha Jackson

Freedom!!!! I am so glad to be out of that school so overcrowded the building was not built to hold over 2000 people no matter how many renovations they put into it I've been there 2 and a quarter school years and still don't see what all of the hype about that school is just being in that place made me pissed off North High No Spirit No PrideEthan Miller

West high is a pretty good school the teachers really care about us and they don't let nobody fail they wantus to keep going and they want us to secceed and they make work funayeyo itsyourgirl

Nice public high school, clean & well kept facility. Sports are popular as are fine arts with students. Academics are important, staff is usually willing to help students succeed.Scarlett