Steven Cole Hughes directs actors during the Tartuffe dress rehearsal
Media, Literary, and Performing Arts

Clubs & Organizations: Get Involved, Stay Connected

Your platform for performance and media.

Western’s student-led organizations offer hands-on experience in media, performance, and storytelling. Whether you’re acting, broadcasting, writing, or filming, you’ll find a space to grow your skills, lead projects, and share your creativity with the campus and community.

Student Kai Vong works at the KWSB radio station.

Where Creativity Meets Real-World Experience

At Western, student-led clubs and organizations in the arts and media give you the opportunity to turn your passion into practice. You might perform in a mainstage production with the Western Theatre Company, host your own radio show on KWSB, produce short films with Taylor Media, or write and report for Top O’ The World, Western’s student-run newspaper. Each organization offers hands-on, collaborative experience that reflects real industry standards—from leading a production team to editing audio, directing video shoots, or publishing creative and journalistic content.

With guidance from faculty mentors and support from our creative community, you’ll learn how to meet deadlines, manage projects, and express your ideas with impact. Whether you’re building a portfolio, preparing for a career in media or the arts, or simply looking to share your voice, these opportunities help you grow as a creator, collaborator, and leader.

Bring Your Creativity to Life
Develop Professional and Collaborative Skills
Build a Portfolio That Stands Out
Expand Your Network and Career Opportunities

Bring Your Creativity to Life

From acting and directing with the Western Theatre Company to hosting a show on KWSB radio, you’ll have the chance to showcase your talents in dynamic, hands-on environments. If you’re interested in film and video production, Taylor Media and Mountaineer Media provide opportunities to create high-quality digital content. Writers can explore journalism with Top O’ The World or refine their storytelling skills through Wordhorde’s workshops and events.

Part of the Tartuffe cast lines up against the wall and make dramatic expressions.

Develop Professional and Collaborative Skills

Working within these organizations allows you to collaborate with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. Whether you’re managing productions, writing and editing content, or coordinating live events, you’ll gain experience in teamwork, project management, and creative problem-solving—essential skills for any career.

Student Carley Donk adjusts a lighting fixture during a film class.

Build a Portfolio That Stands Out

Your work in student media, theatre, and journalism can be showcased in your professional portfolio, demonstrating your ability to contribute to real-world projects. Whether it’s a radio broadcast, a theatre production, a video project, or published writing, these experiences highlight your skills and commitment to creative excellence

Kai Vong sits in the KWSB studio during his jazz DJ show for the radio station.

Expand Your Network and Career Opportunities

Through these student-led organizations, you’ll connect with faculty mentors, industry professionals, and fellow creatives who can support your professional growth. These connections may lead to internships, job opportunities, and lasting collaborations in theatre, media, journalism, and beyond.

The KWSB team poses next to a stuffed penguin during the club fair.

Media, Literary, and Performing Arts Clubs

A student on stage speaking into a microphone.

WordHorde

​WordHorde is Western Colorado University’s creative writing club that fosters a vibrant literary community on campus. Originally focused on spoken word, it has evolved to include fiction and poetry, hosting open mic nights and performances that encourage student expression and collaboration. The club provides a platform for students to share their work, develop their voices, and engage with diverse narratives in a supportive environment.

Kai Vong sits in the KWSB studio during his jazz DJ show for the radio station.

KWSB 91.1 FM

KWSB 91.1 FM is Western Colorado University’s student-run radio station, broadcasting since 1968. It offers students hands-on experience in radio production, programming, and management. With a diverse range of music, talk shows, and campus news, KWSB serves both the university and Gunnison community as a creative and energetic media outlet.

Located: KWSB Studios

A view of Taylor Hall with cherry blossoms.

Top O’ The World

Top O’ The World is Western Colorado University’s independent student newspaper. Recently revived, it gives students real-world journalism experience by covering campus news, opinions, and community issues. The publication has been recognized for its role in revitalizing local journalism and continues to grow under dedicated student leadership and faculty mentorship.

Julian Rubinstein Faculty Advisor
Taylor Hall at golden hour.

Mountaineer Media

Mountaineer Media offers students hands-on experience in media production, including film and audio projects. Members collaborate on creative storytelling, gain technical skills, and contribute to campus media initiatives. The club fosters a supportive environment for students to explore and develop their media interests.

Morgan Raspanti Faculty Advisor

Located: Taylor Hall

Cast of the 'The Koi Pond' facing audience in the studio theatre

Want to be part of the story?

At Western, students dive into hands-on learning that’s practical, impactful, and built for the real world. Check out the different schools and departments to get involved. 

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