This 18 Year Old Is Shaking Up Reno's Arts Scene | Ft Colton Michael | Ep. 5

What does it look like to lead with purpose before you even graduate high school? In this episode of Beyond the Frame, Amber sits down with Colton Michael — an 18-year-old Reno-based photographer, theater kid, podcaster, and nonprofit board member — for a candid conversation about the arts, community service, and the courage to ask for what you want.They get into the Reno arts scene, the power of human connection, how one careless comment from a teacher can shut down a dream (and how to reclaim it), and what it really means to be career-ready straight out of high school.In this episode:•Colton's work with the Reno Pops Orchestra and Forever 14, a nonprofit focused on youth mental health•Reno FFX — the student film festival bringing creative competition to Northern Nevada•Why community service doesn't have to mean sitting on a board•The theater experience that shut Amber down — and finding her stage again through podcasting•"Closed mouths don't get fed" — how asking opens doorsPhotography, SkillsUSA, and learning to trust your creative eye0:00 – Introductions: Colton Michael's community involvement, non-profit involvement, and photography journey4:20 – Career technical education, Skills USA competition, & why photographyFamily, Confidence & the Arts9:35 – Colton's mom's influence: "closed mouths don't get fed," Theater Wins & Losses12:00 – Colton's theater journey and Amber's experience that ended her theater days18:53 – The podcast name, Amber & Scotti's photography businesses explained20:38 – Reno FFX: Reno's first student film festival, paranormal theme, screening at Reno Public Market, how to get involved25:12 – Wrapping Up: Posting schedule, Colton's future plans, & staying open to pivotingLearn more about Reno FFX:http://www.renoffx.com/Connect with Colton:📸 instagram.com/Coltonmichael.07Connect with Amber & Scotti from Beyond the Frame:🌐 ezellimages.com & bijouphoto.com📸 instagram.com/ezellimagesBeyond the Frame is a podcast about life behind the lens — the people, stories, and experiences that go deeper than the photo.