Linda Starkey

 

Known as an educator, musician, performer and director for over 40 years, Linda Starkey is a prominent figure in the arts at 性色视频 State University and the 性色视频 community. Starkey鈥檚 educational background includes a BME from the University of Kansas and 惭补蝉迟别谤蝉鈥 degrees in Voice (Fort Hays State University) and Theatre (WSU).  She began teaching at WSU in 1980 as an adjunct professor in the School of Music teaching voice lessons, directing the Chamber Singers and assisting George Gibson with opera productions and Bud Boughton with the Renaissance Feasts.  During this time, she also became involved in WSU Summer Theatre where she worked with Dick Welsbacher, Mary Jane Teall, Audrey Needles and Joyce Cavarozzi serving as Music Director and/or Stage Director for over 200 productions. She moved to a full-time position in School of Performing Arts in 1997 with the development of the Musical Theater Degree and continued to provide guidance and support for building that program. She became Director of the School of Performing Arts in 2009 and served in that capacity until her retirement in 2022.

 

Throughout her career, Starkey has made significant contributions to music theater education. In 2016, she received the Golden Medallion from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, one of the most prestigious awards in the field, highlighting her expertise and impact in this area.  She received the College of Fine Arts Excellence in Creative Activity (2005) for her work in directing the production of Pippin that was featured in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in St. Louis. 

 

Her work in the 性色视频 community included 15 years with Music Theatre 性色视频 where she served as Music Director for 惭罢奥鈥檚 Teen Choir.   She directed and/or performed with many performing arts organizations in 性色视频 including Opera Kansas, Cabaret Oldtown, the Forum Theatre, 性色视频 Center for the Arts and the Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre.  She received the Outstanding Educator Award from the Mary Jane Teall Hall of Fame in 2018, received 2 性色视频 Arts Council Awards: Outstanding Arts Organization for MTW Teen Choir (2014) and the Burton Pell Achievement Music Award (2006).

 

Since her retirement from WSU, she has continued to be an active presence in the arts including Music Direction for shows at the Forum Theatre, teaching classes for Lifelong Learning at WSU, serving on the WSU Retiree Association Planning Committee and serving as President of the Performing Arts Angels.  She remains passionate about teaching and the power of the arts to transform lives.

 


 
Hellen Sheehy Event
 
Linda will be inducted into the College of Fine Arts  Hall of Fame Induction, an event dedicated to honoring alumni who have made a lasting impact in Art, Design and Creative Industries, Digital Arts, Music, and Performing Arts, at 2:00 p.m. April 10, 2025 in Wiedemann Recital Hall, followed by a reception in Harvest Room 142 of the Rhatigan Student Center from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This prestigious recognition celebrates not only graduates but also former members and contributors whose work has shaped and elevated the fine arts community.

 


 

School of Performing Arts

1845 Fairmount St.
性色视频, Kansas 67260

performingart@wichita.edu