IOLA, Kan. (March 3, 2026) — For Allen Community College theatre and film student Cole Moyer, growing up in a small Kansas town never felt like a limitation—but for many young artists, it can. Moyer, 19, has lived in Iola since second grade and grew up steeped in storytelling. His mother studied film and communications; his father studied animation. By age four, Moyer was already on stage in community theatre. Still, when he graduated high school, he wasn’t sure college, or a creative career, was the right path.
That changed when he arrived at Allen.
“I didn’t think I needed college,” Moyer said. “But after a week at Allen, I realized I had to stay. The care, the precision, the opportunities—they’re rare. It’s hard to imagine getting this anywhere else.”
Earlier this month, Moyer premiered his 23‑minute original short film, Kent, Addicks, to a packed ACC Theatre. More than 80 attendees filled the auditorium for the advanced screening, celebrating a film that Moyer wrote, adapted, directed, shot, and edited with the support of Allen faculty and community partners.
The film—adapted from Richard Connell’s The $25,000 Job—follows a character who is overlooked, underestimated, and struggling to carve out a place in the world. Moyer connected personally with those themes and hopes young creatives in rural communities see themselves in the story.
“Artists in small towns sometimes feel like they can’t reach the same heights as people in big cities,” Moyer said. “I want them to believe in themselves. If you know you can do it, everyone else starts believing too.”
Moyer added that modern platforms like YouTube, online film communities, and social media make it possible for storytellers anywhere—including small‑town Kansas—to share their work globally. “You don’t need Hollywood to start,” he said. “The internet lets you build an audience from right here.”
He took full advantage of Allen’s resources: using college film equipment, receiving mentorship from ACC Theatre faculty, collaborating with local organizations, and gaining hands‑on control of every stage of production. He also learned advanced post‑production techniques while editing the film himself—an experience he says was “more valuable than any grade.”
The premiere’s turnout exceeded all expectations, with attendees lining up afterward for autographed posters.
Moyer now serves as assistant director for ACC’s spring production of Our Town and has been selected to direct Allen’s first feature‑length film next year, complete with a full production budget and writing team. A second feature is also in early conversation.
“Allen gives students real opportunities,” Moyer said. “You don’t have to leave Kansas to start your career. You can start right here.”
Allen Community College provides quality educational and support services in an atmosphere that is caring, safe, and conducive to learning.
