User:ProfessorEdICT

Ed Baker, Professor of Theatre
I serve 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.

I earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with an emphasis in Theatre Arts from Wichita State University. At Ohio University I completed graduate studies, internship and residency to earn the M.F.A. in theatre from the Professional Actor Training Program.

I returned to Wichita and joined the Faculty of Wichita State University in Fall of 2006 as a Professor of Theatre Technology.

Research Agenda
My research agenda is rooted in entrepreneurship and innovation as a guiding principal for the creative worker and artist. By teaching the tools of creativity, innovation and invention along with the skills of entrepreneurial thinking, we give our students more than technical ability to work for a living... We provide the tools to develop a career while boldly building the Creative Culture of the Twenty-first Century.

Our contemporary economy provides unlimited career opportunities for students as they enter the working world. By teaching competencies, essential knowledge, and skills proficiency in the areas of creativity, invention and innovation, along with the traditional work of the theatre we provide them with more than just the technical ability to struggle for survival.

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.

Student Innovation Initiative
have begun to adjust my syllabuses to facilitate student growth and development in the areas of creativity, innovation and invention. Through projects and applied learning labs I have encouraged students to imagine, create and develop Intellectual property in the pursuit of learning.

Our students don't want to re-invent the light bulb or make another personal computer! They want to create the The Next Big Thing!

But to find that Next thing will require Courage and Curiosity!