Alumni Spotlight: Kayla Weinkauf

Name: Kayla Weinkauf

Graduation year: 2007

Degree earned (major/minor): Bachelor of Science, Theatre Education

Current city: Abilene, TX

Current job: Haven House Manager at Connecting Caring Communities, Theatre Teacher at Abilene Performing Arts Company

Why did you pick McMurry?

I chose McMurry because it was the perfect distance (2 hours) from my hometown. I’m originally from Wichita Falls, home of Midwestern State University. MSU is an excellent school, but I didn’t want to go to school where I grew up. McMurry was warm and welcoming from the moment I stepped on campus. It was close enough for me to visit home often—yet far enough away that I felt independent.

What was your favorite show you were a part of at McMurry?

There were TOO many to just name one. I was very fortunate during my years in Ryan, I had the opportunity to play some incredible characters. I think the roles that stretched me the most as an actress were Suzie in “Wait Until Dark”, Catherine in “The Heiress and Medea in “Medea.” I had the most fun on stage during “Zombie Prom” and “Noises Off.” Those were shows I was actually sad to strike!

Please give us a peek at your favorite memory from college (if you can pick just one).

I have so many wonderful memories—again, it would be difficult to choose just one. My best memories are the times most, if not all of the department was together: Saturday work calls with Jack & Jill donuts, Betty Rose’s for lunch, and Tom Petty playing while we paint. I loved venturing out to Wendy’s in full clown makeup after David’s class. Cast parties after we knew we’d just rocked a performance. All-nighters in the green room or at IHOP, studying and putting the finishing touches on that lighting plot. 

What do you miss most about college life?

I miss naps! Actually, what I miss most is just being in Ryan. No matter what was going on in my schedule, I knew once I was in Ryan I’d feel better. I’d see a friendly face, or find a paycheck, or thumb threw a script from the bookshelf. Sometimes when I have a bad day, I go wander the halls and look at old pictures from shows. It soothes me. I guess in a way, it feels like home. 

Do you think your (theatre) education at McMurry prepared you?

Absolutely! I didn’t realize it until a year or two after a graduated, though. A degree in theatre is very versatile. It teaches you about business, marketing, art, history, hard work, writing, and public speaking. All of those skills have been invaluable.

What was your favorite theatre class to take?

My favorite classes were play-writing and costume history and design. 

Be honest, how was the transition from college life to the “real world”?

Honestly, the transition was pretty smooth. I was pregnant with my daughter, Ellis, that last semester at McMurry. So in a way, I had already made a huge leap into ‘the real world.’ Also, working as an intern in the theatre and performing with Voices and Young Audiences was a great help—I already had a strong work ethic. I think any student who goes through college without having worked is doing themselves a huge disservice. You MUST establish discipline and a strong work ethic. It doesn’t matter how talented you are, if you don’t show up for work, you’ll never survive. 

What lead you to your current job?

My former job at another non-profit allowed me to make the right connections. 

Tell us a little about your current job.

I’m the Haven House Manager at a non-profit organization called Connecting Caring Communities. We work to restore the foundation of caring relationships throughout the Abilene community. My job is to encourage people to get to know their neighbors. 

My other job is teaching theatre at Abilene Performing Arts Company. I teach two classes, Make A Play and Acting. My students are the most energetic and creative people I know. I teach both of my classes on Mondays—and my students really set my week on the right path. They have such positive attitudes. It’s inspiring.

What is your favorite thing about your current job?

My favorite thing about both of my jobs is that I get to talk to people and teach them new things. 

Give any advice you can to current or perspective students.

Epitetus said “Only the educated are free.” Taken advantage of the educational opportunities you have. Yes, sometimes classes are boring, studying is time consuming, and working on the set or memorizing lines is the LAST thing you want to do—but do it anyway! Practice self-discipline now because you will need it every day of your life. 

I’d also encourage current students to invest in building lasting, genuine friendships with their professors. After you graduate, your professors can write flattering letters of recommendation, lead you to jobs and good connections, or just be a listening ear when you’re feeling discouraged. Don’t take those relationships for granted. Oh! And say thank you for EVERYTHING! One major way to say “thank you” is by writing down the notes you get at rehearsals. There is nothing more frustrating or disrespectful to your professor than them having to give you the SAME notes repeatedly. Show that you’re listening and that you care. Write it down! 

The last piece of advice I would share is to AUDITION, AUDITION, AUDITION. Audition for shows you’re not even interested in. I was completely intimidated to audition for “The Heiress” because I had never done a period piece.  I was pretty certain I wouldn’t get cast because I was the only person of color in the entire department—I didn’t think color-blind casting was an option for that show. But I decided to go anyway—one hour before the auditions started. Not only did I get cast, it was one of my best roles to date. I almost let fear stop me—don’t do that! If you audition for a role you really want, and you don’t get cast, take whatever role or tech position that is offered to you. Be involved in everything you can, and do it to the best of your ability. Don’t gripe about how you were cheated, because frankly, no one cares and no one likes a diva!

If you could change one thing about your time at McMurry, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about my college life, I would have maintained the good grades I had freshman year. I didn’t graduate with a low GPA, but it definitely could have been higher if I had been more focused. I also wish I had talked more with my professors about graduate school. Although I would be even deeper in debt, I think a pursuing a Masters degree would have been challenging, but very fulfilling.