Farin Reynolds, 21, is earning their Anthropology A.A. at Inver Hills Community College with plans to graduate at the end of fall semester 2025. Farin is also making plans to earn their Theatre Transfer A.F.A. at Inver Hills. They played the lead in the Inver Hills Theatre fall 2023 production, Bob: A Life in Five Acts (more below about Farin’s passion for acting).
Farin is looking forward to attending Minnesota State University Mankato after graduating from Inver Hills.
“I am going to double-major in theater and anthropology wherever I transfer,” they said. “I would like to earn bachelor of arts [B.A.] degrees in both majors.”
Farin with friends in the Prism Center of Gender and Sexuality
An exceptionally active student at Inver, Farin serves as vice president of the LGBT+ Club. They participate in TRIO/Student Support Services and are a member of the Student Senate and the student club, Theater Acting and Theater Tech.
Farin works 17 hours a week on campus as a library aide at the Inver Hills Library. They very much enjoy working in a library setting.
“I’m currently considering becoming a librarian, which would mean earning a master’s degree after my bachelor’s degrees,” Farin said. “The library was always a safe place for me when I was younger, and the teen section at the library by my house was honestly the best safety net I could have had at the time. I would love to give that experience to someone else. That is more of my backup plan, though, admittedly.”
Farin added that if given a chance, they would love to become an anthropologist and research how exactly culture and storytelling intertwine. Katie Nelson, PhD, anthropology faculty at Inver Hills, appreciates Farin’s aptitude for a science often described as the systematic study of everything human about humankind.
“Farin embodies what anthropology is all about,” Katie said, “the ability to view things from different perspectives without judgement and a curiosity and authentic enthusiasm to uncover what drives and underpins human behavior. I’m so proud of Farin’s many accomplishments at Inver Hills and have no doubt that these qualities will take them far.”
Portraying “Bob” in Bob
Farin played the lead in Inver Hills Theatre fall 2023 production of Bob: A Life in Five Acts, which had four performances in the Black Box Theatre (Fine Arts 165) in early November. Written by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, an American playwright, and directed by Tyler Monroe, Inver Hills theatre faculty, Bob chronicles the highly unusual life of Bob and his lifelong quest to become a “Great Man.”
Tyler Monroe
Born and abandoned in the bathroom of a fast food restaurant, Bob energetically embarks on an epic journey across America and encounters inspiring generosity, crushing hardships, blissful happiness, stunning coincidences, wrong turns, lucky breaks, true love and heartbreaking loss.
Along the way, Bob meets a myriad of fellow countrymen all struggling to find their own place in the hullaballoo of it all. Will Bob’s real life ever be able to live up to his dream? Bob is a comedic exploration of American mythology and values, the treacherous pursuit of happiness, and discovering what it means to be truly “great.”
“It quickly became evident that I wanted to cast Farin in the titular role of Bob in this fall’s production of Bob: a Life in Five Acts by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb,” Tyler Monroe said. “They showed a deep commitment to delving into the depths of the characters as they auditioned. Throughout the process, Farin was curious, inquisitive, and really worked to understand as many aspects of the role as possible—always offering thoughtful insight, and being able to weigh a variety of perspectives in their interpretation of Bob. That, and they’re incredibly locked in and focused during a performance—their concentration never waivers, and they’re willing to make the bold choices necessary for a great performance.”
Farin Reynolds • Theatre Q & A
Did you participate in theatre in high school?
Yes, I did. It wasn’t originally something I was interested in, but after taking a theater class in my sophomore year, I fell in love with it.
What did you enjoy most about playing “Bob?”
The cast was spectacular, and so was the director, Tyler Monroe. It was his first production at Inver, and I think it was an amazing start.
What are the most challenging aspects of acting in a college production?
Time management. Trying to balance academics, work, and rehearsal can be an absolute nightmare, as you really need to find a sweet spot between having time to unwind, but still getting everything else done.
Are you looking forward to performing in future Inver Hills Theatre productions?
Absolutely. I adore theater, and as much work as it is, it’s much more fulfilling for me to do it than to not.
Farin as Bob gallery
View more play photos by visiting the Inver Hills Flickr album:
“I have had the honor of knowing Farin since their start at Inver Hills. Farin walked in the doors ready to join the college community and leave their mark. Farin joined the LGBT+ Club and ran for office very quickly after.
“Farin helped get the Prism Center ready to open and immediately became a member of the Advisory Board for the Center. As a leader of the LGBT+ club, Farin has passionately and actively worked to make the club a welcoming and safe space. They have brought forth a vulnerability that has their colleagues gravitating towards them.
“I also have had the privilege of teaching Farin in class. As a student, Farin is curious and open. They managed to create a tightknit community within the class they had with me. They are always willing to help and make sure all colleagues feel involved.
“I consider myself very fortunate that I have had the time to really get to know Farin and to watch Farin grow each semester. They are an exceptional human and give me a great deal of confidence in the future, when them taking the lead.”
Amy Zsohar, PhD Communications Studies Faculty LGBT+ Club Faculty Advisor Inver Hills Community College
More about Farin…
Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Farin graduated from Arbor View High School, Class of 2020. Farin’s mom, Tanya, is an assistant manager in the cage at Four Queens Hotel and Casino. Farin’s dad, Jerry, is a plumbing specialist at Lowe’s and a freelance contractor who often works for his buddy’s construction company.
Las Vegas
“My sister, Chelsea, 32, works in the box office at Meow Wolf, the interactive art museum where I used to work as a sales associate, too,” Farin said.
The family has three dogs, Momo, a pit bull mix, Lola, an Italian greyhound/dachshund mix, and Hermes, an Italian greyhound/Chihuahua mix, and one cat, Gracie, a lil tabby. Everyone resides back in Las Vegas.
In their free time, Farin enjoys creative writing, play video games, and researching the fashion industry.
“Mostly, I do poetry, as well as working on the occasional short story,” Farin said. “Overwatch, Genshin Impact, and Pokemon are some of my favorite video games. My interest in fashion is more historic than modern. Victorian England and 1920s–1940s U.S. are my favorite ones to research and the time periods I know the most about—mostly because of research I’ve done for previous characters of mine.”
Farin resides in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
Power is like a double-edged sword
by Farin Reynolds
Farin life and college gallery
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
CHAOTIC¹
¹ I’ve been involved in a lot, and there’s rarely a time I don’t have something going on.
Farin Reynolds • Q & A
Farin Reynolds
What do you find most fascinating about the field of anthropology?
It connects with literally everything in our life, because, frankly, everything is culture. The way culture is intertwined with everything we know and learn is fascinating, and it’s such a neat in-between of the arts and sciences. There’s so much to work with and study, and it’s very much a living, breathing field.
What subdiscipline of anthropology (cultural or social anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological or physical anthropology, and archaeology) interests you the most and why?
Cultural anthropology is a spectacular meeting point between all of my interests, so it’s by far my absolute favorite of the subdisciplines. Archaeology is also fascinating, because which items survive can tell you so much about the culture it came from.
How has your Anthropology coursework helped you better understand the concepts of culture and identity in American society?
Honestly, the biggest lesson I’ve learned in anthropology is the fact that everything is culture. It affects so much of our lives in ways that we don’t even always notice. It certainly makes me more aware of why I do the things I do and why certain things impact me so much, as well as teaching me what parts of culture I would want to change now.
What advice would you give students thinking about getting a job on campus?
It’s an extremely good choice, honestly, but look around to make sure what you want to do.
Three words that describe you as a college student:
BUSY. EVERYWHERE ALWAYS.
What are the most rewarding and challenging elements of your role as as LGBT+ Club vice president?
The number of connections I’ve made is by far the most rewarding, and it’s a very good feeling when an event I helped plan and set up is a success. It’s my favorite thing.
On the opposite side of the coin, though, there are times it’s very stressful to work with people and try to keep everything organized.
What advice would you give students who would like to be more involved in LGBT+ Club and Prism Center of Gender and Sexuality activities?
Come to the meetings if you can, and hanging out in Prism is a very good way to meet people and know about what’s coming up if you can’t.
What person has influenced your life the most and why?
Dr. Amy Zsohar has been a major influence since I transferred to Inver last year, as she’s an amazing woman who does so much to help the students on Campus. She’s also taught me that I have more power than I realized, and she’s shown me how to take up space in a way I didn’t used to.
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
Too many things to choose from. Overall, I would just like to make sure that minority groups are free and safe to exist and live their lives without so much conflict and horror.
Farin Reynolds • 12 Answers
Favorite sport or physical activity: Hiking
Place you would most like to visit: It’s hard to choose just one because I’d very much like to travel the world and see many different cultures
Most exciting thing you’ve ever done: Probably moving out here, as I did most of the planning by myself. I knew I wanted to go elsewhere and broaden my horizons, and it was both the best thing I’ve ever done and the most horrifying thing I’ve ever done; it’s hard to move that far from home, into a completely different place
Three things you would do if you won a $1 billion lottery: 1) Maybe some sort of trip out of the country, I’ve never been able to do that before; or save it to try to study abroad at a larger college 2) Pay off my classes 3) Get a car, easier transport around
Best book or movie you’ve read or seen lately: Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune as well as House in the Cerulean Sea by the same author; they’re both spectacular books that I adored
Time period (past or future) you would explore if you could time travel: If I had a time travel power, I would want it to be more akin to being a ghost than an active participant, most time periods wouldn’t be safe for me; if I could jump through time and just observe, it would be amazing to scroll through time and see how things evolve and change; pick a spot that was once more
One thing you most want to accomplish in your life: I would love to finish and publish the two book ideas I have, the Fate series and the historic fiction idea I’ve had for years
Your national bird if you were your own country: A crow, they’re extremely smart and just a very neat species overall
Dream occupation: Career student, author, actor
Person you would most like to meet: Amelia Earhart—she absolutely broke barriers, and I would love to talk to her more and see how she viewed things; she was ahead of the times even now, and I love that fact
Skill you would most like to learn and master: I would rather be fairly decent at most skills than want to master one, honestly; there are too many good options, from the more practical public speaking to the more fun mastering a language or an instrument
Most important issue or problem facing humankind: Honestly? It’s impossible for me to choose just one issue, especially because there is so much going wrong in the world; trans rights are a major concern, the culture wars in the U.S. are a major concern, the wars in other countries are major concerns…
Anthropology offers concepts and analytical practice that will lead you to understand the deeply held values and assumed social structures that characterize cultures around the world. As an anthropology student, you will become conversant with the human condition in an increasingly sophisticated and complex world.
Being human is an art, a science, an adventure, and a challenge.
Anthropology is the study of humanity. This comprehensive discipline is divided into four subfields: archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. A holistic approach to your studies is essential.
Look to the future with a sharper eye.
The A.A. with Emphasis in Anthropology builds a broad, insightful foundation in your pursuit of a four-year degree and beyond. Just as humans are one of nature’s most adaptable species, anthropology is one of academia’s most adaptable disciplines.
Anthropology covers all your bases.
In our multicultural society, developing an awareness of subtle and shifting differences as well as human commonality is pertinent to any profession you choose.
Studying other societies leads to appreciation refined by empathy.
Having an anthropological perspective will enhance your experience during foreign study and travel while giving you firmer footing in international and cultural relations. The more you know about other people the more you know about yourself.
Achieve the perspective you need to be your best.
Explore different social movements and profiles of human rights activists to enhance your sense of civic responsibility and broaden your understanding of contemporary justice issues.
You are unique—just like everyone else.
Why are humans so amazingly diverse yet fundamentally the same? Biological anthropology reveals the evolutionary enterprise of the human species. How did we learn to adapt, survive, love, and reproduce over thousands and thousands of years?
Language is the lifeblood of humanity.
Linguistic anthropology investigates the way language manipulates, enriches, and defines the social and cultural lives of individuals, communities, societies, and nations. Listen well before you speak.
Here today, bygone tomorrow.
Archaeology is the study of the ancient past. Archaeologists are versed in numerous disciplines, including history, sociology, psychology, chemistry, architecture, botany, geology, and so much more. They really dig their work.
Anthropologists explore what makes us human.
Earning a degree in anthropology opens doors to numerous career opportunities. Trained anthropologists enjoy successful careers in education, business, government, and nonprofits. The unique knowledge set, research capability, analytical skills, and diverse perspectives anthropologists gain through rigorous study offer a strong advantage in a relentlessly competitive global marketplace.
Career opportunities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), anthropologists in the United States in 2022 earned a median annual salary topping $63,940, or around $30.74 an hour.
“Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans,” the BLS goes on to report. “They examine the cultures, languages, archeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world.”
BLS: “Anthropologists and archeologists typically work in research organizations, government, and consulting firms. Although most work in offices, some analyze samples in laboratories or do fieldwork. Fieldwork may require travel for extended periods.”
The Theatre department at Inver Hills is on a mission. As a student in our program, you will learn we are driven to instill in you a lifelong appreciation for the theatre arts and film studies. Our curriculum will encourage you to develop your performance skills and capabilities.
Stella Adler, the renowned acting teacher, once said: “The theatre is a spiritual and social X-ray of its time. The theatre was created to tell people the truth about life and the social situation.”
Take your theatrical skills to the next stage.
The Transfer Pathway A.F.A. in Theatre offers you the powerful opportunity to complete your associate degree and then transfer with junior-year status to a Minnesota State university to pursue a baccalaureate degree in the theatre arts.
Confirm theory through practice.
Our Theatre department offers a wide variety of courses, both practical and theoretical, that will give you the experience and knowledge you need to harness your talent. You can begin by taking introductory film, cinema, and theatre courses that teach you how to view and analyze performances. You can follow through by taking practicum courses that provide hands-on learning in essential theatrical areas.
Spark your magic by acting in college plays.
Inver Hills features two venues ideally suited for live theatrical performances, the 300-seat Inver Hills Theatre and the more intimate Black Box Theatre. The former features three plays a year, including a children’s play in April for elementary school students. Our theatre students have worked on and performed in numerous college productions from Dracula to Jesus Christ Superstar to Aladdin to Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz to Sylvia.
Our faculty live and breathe theatre.
The instructors in our Theatre department bring strong academic credentials and professional experience to their curriculums. Many work on Twin Cities theatrical productions, directing and performing live. The theatrical world is the engine of their lives.
Join a community that lasts a lifetime.
Theatre at Inver Hills provides opportunities for both beginners and old hands, including the chance to participate in student-directed productions through Theatre Club. The sense of a shared purpose gives our department an exciting, interconnected atmosphere. Former students have gone on to become respected professional actors, designers, and theatrical managers in the Twin Cities metro area theatre community.
Theatre tells you how it is.
Indeed Career Guide offers this advice: “If you love the stage and majored in theatre, there are many jobs in the theatre industry you can pursue. Understanding where you can work and what you can do with your theatre degree can help you determine the best career path for your interests.”
Career opportunities
Theatre arts date back more than 2,500 years to the city-state of Athens in ancient Greece.
Modern theatre in the English-speaking world is exemplified by Broadway, which features 40 professional theatres with 500 seats or more. Dozens and dozens of theatre companies across the U.S. produce plays of all kinds, including dramas, tragedies, musicals, comedies, and improv.
Theatre majors obtain a remarkable range of communication, organizational, people, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills that apply to numerous careers beyond the performing arts.
Some occupations you could consider are attorney, program officer, researcher, policy analyst, advocate, and social services professional.
Place you would most like to visit: It’s hard to choose just one because I’d very much like to travel the world and see many different cultures
Best book or movie you’ve read or seen lately: Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune as well as House in the Cerulean Sea by the same author; they’re both spectacular books that I adored
Your national bird if you were your own country: A crow, they’re extremely smart and just a very neat species overall
