Capital University draws many kinds of people to its campus, from those who specialize in the sciences to those who excel in written language. But there's another side of Capital that many people don't know about: a small but mighty arts community that's home to students and faculty alike. One of its members is Andrew Weibel, or, as his students know him, Andy.
Weibel is an adjunct professor at Capital, but there's more to him than meets the eye. He also teaches art at Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School in Columbus. He holds a master's degree in fine arts, a master's degree in education, and a bachelor's degree in education, and he studied at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.
He's deeply involved in the Columbus arts community, designing and building sets for many local theater companies.
“In Columbus over the last 14 years, I've done over 100 sets. I think my busiest year was 13 sets,” said Weibel.
Starting from a young age, Weibel found himself creating.
“My mom would go grocery shopping, and she would bring home everything in brown paper bags. I would turn those paper bags into costumes,” said Weibel.
Art has always been a part of his life. It's just a part of who he is.
“It's the way I'm wired,” said Weibel. “I think visually.”
Growing up, he explored all kinds of art, from running lights for local theaters to taking visual art classes in school. Once he graduated high school, his involvement only grew.
All his experiences are what led him to be working at Capital today. Not only does he teach art classes, but he also works in the Cabernet Theater designing and building sets. More recently, he has added technical theater classes to his schedule, a positive change for Capital's arts community. Weibel has watched students go from shy and unsure of themselves, to handling a handsaw like it's nothing.
“I think that makes for strong people, people just in general being well-rounded,” said Weibel.
The skills learned in technical theater benefit everyone, not just those who plan to pursue it as a career.
The arts shape the world in ways big and small, and at a school like Capital, they matter more than ever. Weibel is working to keep them available and welcoming to all who seek them. So next time you're thinking about what class to take for fun or need something extra to do in your free time, give the arts a try. They might teach you more than you would ever expect.
Capital University Theatre opens its 2026-27 season tonight with "Zip! Zap! Zop! A Flurry of Fables & Fractured Fairytales," a family-friendly romp through Storyville that grown-ups will love as much as kids. Catch it Oct. 8-11 in the Cabaret Theater on the lower level of the Harry C. Moores Student Union. Admission is free with a Capital University ID. Learn more.