Alumni

Representative Recent UM Theatre Alumni

 Los Angeles/California

•Will Hickman (BFA Acting/Directing 2004) toured the U.S. with Theatre IV and has acted and directed professionally in MS, NYC and Nebraska. He worked as an actor and fight combatant at the Navy Pier in Chicago and is currently pursuing his MFA in Acting at UCLA in California.

•Julian Robinson (BFA Acting/Directing 2002) worked in various production capacities at Mabou Mines and The Wooster Group, NYC, and received his M.F.A. program in Film Directing/Producing at Columbia University. Julian taught editing in San Francisco and also worked for Current TV, where he won an Emmy Award for his documentary work. Julian currently works full-time as a freelance editor and is exploring producing opportunities in Los Angeles.  At UM, Julian compiled extensive directing and assistant directing credits and also wrote and directed 3 College Night "Purple Side" musicals.

•Chris Sams (BFA Acting/Directing 2005) has worked professionally in Birmingham for Birmingham Children’s Theatre and Red Mountain Theatre Company, and pursued acting in NYC. He currently resides in Los Angeles where he has appeared in film and recent acclaimed theatre productions of THE BOYS IN THE BAND and REVOLVER. In fall 2009, Chris played the lead role of Leo Frank as a guest artist in our co-production of PARADE, and attended our January 2010 musical theatre intensive in NYC

•Jeff Speetjens (BFA, Acting/Directing 2005) directed several projects in NYC and currently resides in Los Angeles, where he has taught improvisation and directed for various theatre companies.  Jeff attended the Pasadena Directors Lab and recently directed his first short film, which was accepted at the Venice Film Festival, Italy. While at UM, Jeff compiled extensive acting, assistant directing and directing credits.

•Griffin Hood (BA 2006) is a writer, producer and actor. He has performed in a number of regional and LA indie films and has a manager representing his scripts in LA and he spends his time working in LA and AL. Griffin’s short film, MR. EXTION, was accepted at numerous festivals across the U.S. While at UM, Griffin performed in and co-produced numerous local films in the Birmingham area.

•Emily Greene (BFA Acting/Directing, 2004) received a full teaching assistantship/scholarship to pursue an M.F.A. Degree in Scene Design at the University of Ohio. While at UM, Emily directed several productions and worked in all aspects of design and technical theatre. She currently designs for professional theatres in San Francisco and has worked for regional theatres such as Cincinnati Playhouse.

•Michelle Pare (BFA Acting/Directing, 2000) has acted with the Utah Shakespeare Festival and is currently pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles.

•Alexis August (BFA Acting/Directing, 2002) lives in Los Angeles where she has worked in television, film and commercials. While at UM, Alexis also double-majored in Mass Communication.

•Louis Schultz (BA Theatre and BM, Music, 2002) is based in Los Angeles and has worked in various aspects of the music and film industry including recording and appearances on The Letterman Show with his band, Army Navy, and composing/editing for film. At UM, Louis was a theatre, guitar and music composition major.

New York City

•Landi McAdams (BFA Design/Technical Theatre, Costume Emphasis 2010) interned in NYC after graduation.  She assisted NYC Costume Designers Cathy Parrott, Emilio Sosa and William Ivey Long on upcoming projects for 2nd Stage, the Public Theatre, and Manhattan Theatre Club in NYC, as well as the national tour of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.

•Stephen Elkins (BA Theatre and BM, Vocal Performance 2008) recently composed a new short musical, SWEET TAY AND JESUS, presented at the Shortened Attention Span Festival at the Players Club in NYC.  He has also presented his musical ACCEPTANCE at various venues in New York. While he performed in many musicals at UM, Stephen is pursuing a composing career after composing the score for 3 College Night productions at UM. He is a member of the prestigious BMI workshop for professional musical theatre composers.

•Rebecca Aparicio (BFA Musical Theatre and BA, Vocal Performance 2007) has performed in Stephen Elkins’ musicals in NYC and continues to audition for various musical projects, having recently taken master classes with Joanna Merlin and Randy Graff. Rebecca also works part-time in Development for the off-Broadway company Primary Stages. Rebecca participated in our January 2010 musical theater intensive.

•Jason Styres (BFA Acting/Directing 2006) recently was a casting assistant at both Telsey + Co and Binder Casting in NYC, and worked with the Broadway producers of FINIAN'S RAINBOW on the 2009 revival. Jason is presently working with Stephen Elkins and fellow alums on original musicals in NYC, as well as producing other shows. At UM, Jason choreographed for mainstage musicals such as GODSPELL and SIDE SHOW, and directed SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD. He also played in and choreographed several College Night musicals, and served as Purple Leader 2006.

•Brett Glass (BFA Acting/Directing 2008) studied at the prestigious Dell’ Arte school for Physical Theatre and has worked at several downtown theatre venues in NYC. Brett is a freelance editor and has collaborated with many downtown theatres and organizations in NYC including La Mama etc. He is a co-producer of the SWEATER CLUB web based TV series with fellow UM alums and has also worked on its 2 episodes to date as director, editor and a performer.

•Carl Conway Maguire (BFA Acting/Directing 2008) performed as Father Martin at The Lost Colony Outdoor drama as well as lead roles in musicals such as SOUTH PACIFIC. In NYC, he was a casting intern with Arnold Mungioli Casting and performed a lead role in the new Off-Broadway musical THE NEW HOPEVILLE COMICS. Carl is also a playwright and his short play HOLY BRAIN SINGER was presented at a new play festival at the Players Theatre downtown during summer 2010. Carl participated in our January 2010 NYC musical theatre intensive.

•Jamie Schor (BFA Acting/Directing 2008) has performed in touring ensembles at Florida Studio Theatre, where he also worked for several months in the development area. Jamie is pursuing acting and writing opportunities in NYC.

 •Brad Holland is again performing Off-Broadway in Stomp after touring internationally with the show and doing a benefit in Rome with Quincy Jones. Brad was cast from an open call while in his third year at UM (2002).  He also is active as a composer and musician.

•Rachel Rehome (BFA Technical Theatre/Design, Costume Emphasis 2005) received her M.F.A. Degree in Costume Design from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She has worked professionally at the American Players Theatre in Wisconsin and on various Off-Broadway productions in NYC. She is currently the resident costume designer at the New School in Manhattan. While at UM,  Rachel designed several productions, including our main stage production of GODSPELL.

•Lynsey Buckelew, (Theatre Minor 2008) participated in our January 2010 NYC Musical Theatre Intensive workshops and spent the summer performing in THE GREAT TRAILER PARK MUSICAL in Myrtle Beach. Lynsey did some recent background work on "30 Rock” and also attended the Manhattan School of Music after graduation from UM with a degree in Vocal Performance.

•Megan Stein (BFA Acting/Directing 2008) spent 2 seasons as Laurie in OKLAHOMA in Discoveryland! and a year as a performance intern with Theatre on the Square in Memphis, where she received a local “Ostrander award” nomination for her work in THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED. Megan now resides in NYC where she is interested in pursuing acting, directing and casting opportunities. Megan also participated in our January 2010 Musical Theatre Intensive.

•Jennifer Barnette (BA, 2000) received her M.A. in Arts Administration from Shenandoah University in VA.  She is currently living in NYC and working as the Managing Director for the historic off-Broadway company the American Place Theatre.

•Rod Lemmond (BFA Scene Design 1998) received his M.F.A. in Scenic Design at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and is currently working as a NYC based professional Designer after spending several summers at the prestigious Williamstown Theatre Festival.

•Desmond Doye (BFA Acting/Directing 2003) spent a year as a member of the resident acting apprentice company with the Equity Orlando Shakespeare Festival and currently works in Arts Administration at Lincoln Center, NYC

•Scott Cancel (BA 2008) is pursuing film and TV acting opportunities in NYC.

•Lindsay Taylor (BFA Acting/Directing 2007) and Cale Hughes (BA 2007) continue to work on the SWEATER CLUB TV series and pursue independent film projects. Lindsay also has her own photography business in NYC.

•Jordan Bragg (BA 2003) is living in NYC and studied at the prestigious Circle in the Square Musical Theatre Conservatory program.  Jordan has performed in theatre and TV projects in NYC and is currently producing a play off-off-Broadway with fellow UM alums.

•Amber Brantley (BA 2007) is pursuing a performance career in NYC and will be working with Jordan Bragg on a production on Theatre Row in Fall, 2010. Amber participated in our January 2010 musical theatre intensive.

•Carlton Hall (BFA Acting/Directing 2004) has worked in production at Theatre for a New City in NYC and has toured the US extensively performing with a Youth Theatre company. . Carlton is a seasoned juggler as well as performer.

•Jarrod Zayas (BFA Acting/Directing 2003) acted professionally full-time with the Birmingham Children's Theatre and has performed in the long running Off-Off Broadway play LINE in NYC, as well as with the Neo-Futurists. Jarrod is a co-producer and actor in the SWEATER CLUB, a web-based TV series created by several UM theatre alumni.

•Eileen Haugh (BA  2003) was a double major in Vocal Performance and Theatre at UM. She is currently living in NYC where she continues to study voice and has appeared in several recent films.

•Tim Hoobler (BFA, 2005) lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to pursue his multiple interests in writing, film, acting and directing. He has written for and performed in the SWEATER CLUB with his fellow UM alums among other film and theatre projects
 

Regional U.S.

•Steven House ( BFA Technical Theatre/Scenic Design 2008) has been designing main stage productions at Illinois State University, where he is pursuing his MFA in Scenic Design. Steven has spent the last 2 summers working for the prestigious Santa Fe Opera company.

•EJ Wilson (BFA Technical Theatre/Stage Management Emphasis 2008) is working as an Assistant Stage Manager with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. EJ previously interned with Cirque in summer 2009 and was also a stage management intern at the Orlando Shakespeare Festival in FL. In spring 2009, EJ was the recipient of a national award in excellence in Stage Management from USITT.

•Savannah Swafford (BFA Musical Theatre 2009) is performing at Disneyworld in Florida. Savannah eventually plans to move to NYC to pursue her interests in musical theatre choreography and performance.  While at UM Savannah choreographed HAIR for UM Theatre and college night musicals.

•Holly Dale, (BFA Acting/Directing 2010) returned for her 2nd summer at UNTO THESE HILLS in NC, where she was co-dance captain. Holly is spending 2010-2011 as an acting intern at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, CA, and plans to move to Los Angeles afterwards and is also very interested in directing/producing.

•Tyree Walker (BFA Musical Theatre 2010) performed at LINCOLN  outdoor drama in Indiana and is spending the 2010-2011 season as an acting intern at New Stage Theatre in Jackson, MS. Tyree is also an active playwright.

•Marie Pope (BFA Acting/Directing 2010) also performed at LINCOLN outdoor drama in Indiana and is spending the 2010-2011 season as ana acing intern at Cincinnati Playhouse. Afterwards, Marie plans to move to Los Angeles or London to pursue acting and writing opportunities.

•Jennifer Richman (BA Theatre 2006) resides in Austin, Texas, where she has been working extensively in independent film and as a vocalist in a band.

•Dino Spezzini (BA Theatre 2007) continues to perform with his improvisation comedy troupe in Chicago.

• Erin Parker Overstreet (BA Theatre 2007) worked in Stage and Production Management at Olney Theatre Center in Baltimore, MD, and recently became the Managing Director for the nationally acclaimed experimental company Out of Hand Theatre in Atlanta.

•Leslie Hinson (BFA Acting/Directing 2009) worked in Chicago with her improvisation group Lady Parts and also acted in commercials  before spending the summer of 2010 in France (lLeslie double-majored in French at UM). She plans to move to Nashville to open an organic food store/theatre.

•Brian Mayberry (BA Theatre 2007) is pursuing an acting career in Atlanta and has performed professionally in a number of productions with Atlanta Shakespeare Festival.

•Bonnie Kilpatrick (BA Theatre 2007) worked as a theatre intern in Bath and London, England after graduation and resided in Key West for a couple of years where she appeared in print, commercials and episodic TV such as this “Burn This.” Bonnie recently moved to Miami, FL to pursue additional performance opportunities.

•Kay Butts (BA, Theatre 2003) is working in management for a major corporate office in Atlanta. Kay also majored in Communication Studies at UM.

•Timon Brown (BFA Technical Theatre 2003) is Technical Director for the American Stage Festival in Florida.

•Tim Batten (BFA Acting/Directing 2003) is an actor in Atlanta where he has performed extensively with various theatre companies there.

•Carter Robins (BFA Technical Theatre/Scenic Design 2004) resides in Chicago where he owns his own Technical Theatre company, building scenery for many Chicago based organizations. While at UM, Carter compiled extensive TD and design credits.

•Stephanie Schnorbus (BFA Acting/Directing 2005) resides in Chicago where she has performed in Theatre, independent films and TV commercials. Stephanie is a member of the Screen Actors Guild.

•Brittney Hunt (BFA Acting/Directing 2008) has worked as a costume stitcher at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. While at UM, Brittney worked extensively in the costume shop as well as a performer on stage.

•Matt Reece (BFA Acting/Directing, 2001) has worked regionally at Equity theatres such as the Warehouse Theatre in SC and Orlando Shakespeare Festival. He is currently a paralegal in SC.

•Remi Newhouse (BFA Acting/Directing 2001) graduated from the M.A. program in Theatre at Portland State University. He resides in Portland where he has performed with various local companies, and is also a playwright.

•Kristy Miller (BA Theatre 2000) received a M.F.A. degree in Acting/Youth Theatre from the University of Hawaii, where she currently resides.

Alabama/Birmingham

•Eric Browne (BFA Acting/Directing 2007) is a full-time HS Drama Teacher and Director in South AL and is very active in various theatres around Mobile. While at UM, Eric directed THE ALCHEMIST for UM Theatre and also original musicals for College Night.

•Hunter Lawley (BA Theatre 2006) is a full-time musician/songwriter who performs in AL and the Southeast. Hunter has recorded 2 CDs of his original music to date.

•Zach Clemons (BFA Musical Theatre 2010) also returned to UNTO THESE HILLS where he was a performer, co-dance captain and fight captain. In fall 2010, Zach will be touring around the Southeast as the "villian" in a production of ZORRO for Birmingham Children's Theatre.

•Leah Luker (BA Theatre 2005) works full-time on the production staff at Birmingham Children's Theatre and has performed professionally in Birmingham with Red Mountain Theatre Company and the AL premiere of GREY GARDENS. Leah was the assistant director on UM Theatre's co-production of PARADE with Magic City Actors Theatre and participated in our January 2009 Musical Theatre Intensive in NYC. She is a member of Actor’s Equity Association.

•Austin Carpenter (BA Theatre 2004) is Technical Director for Red Mountain Theatre Company in Birmingham, AL.

•Blair Dyson (BFA Acting/Directing 2003) is the Drama Director at Prattville High School near Montgomery, AL, where he teaches theatre classes and directs plays and musicals.

•Amy Johnson (BA Theatre 2004) has performed professionally in Birmingham with Red Mountain Theatre Company and Magic City Actors Theatre. Amy appeared as Mrs. Phagan in UM's co-production  of PARADE at the Virginia Samford Theatre in fall 2009.

•Nick Crawford (BA Theatre 2004) regularly performs with an improv troupe and theatre companies like Muse of Fire at Sloss Furnace in Birmingham. He is a production assistant at Vazda Studios and appeared as Rosser in UM Theatre's co-production of PARADE.

•Kelsey Sherrer (BFA Acting/Directing 2008) has performed extensively with Muse of Fire Productions in Birmingham.

•BJ Underwood (BFA Acting/Directing 2008) performed at the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama, as well as in JC SUPERSTAR and OKLAHOMA!  BJ recently performed professionally in THE LARAMIE PROJECT in Birmingham and plans to pursue an acting career regionally in the near future

•Madison Colquette (BA Theatre 2009) interned in Arts Management at the Horizon Theatre in Atlanta and is pursuing further opportunities in this area.

•David Wencil (BA Theatre 2009) is enrolled in the 5th year education program at UM and plans to teach high school theatre.

•Destiny Hadyn, (BA Theatre 2010) plans to move to Colorado to pursue acting opportunities.

•Lydia Cunningham (BA Theatre 2010) plans to enter a 5th year education certification program and teach high school theatre in AL.

•Stephanie Farris (BA Theatre 2010) plans to move to Atlanta or Los Angeles and do make-up work in film and theatre.

•Libby Prendergast Marcus (BA Theatre 2004) works for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of AL and is very active with the South City Theatre in Alabaster, AL.

•Haley Evans (BFA Musical Theatre 2008) is working as an improvisational performer at the American Village, AL and plans to move to LA to pursue her interests in film/TV acting and music.

• International

•Naomi Armand (BA Theatre 2010) moved to Japan where she is interning with a professional theatre company

 ADDITIONAL UM ALUMNI Prior to 2000

•Rebecca Luker has performed leading roles in Broadway musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, The Secret Garden, and Show Boat.  She received a Tony Award nomination for her role of “Marion Paroo” in Susan Stroman’s The Music Man, and was last seen in Nine and Mary Poppins on Broadway. A Vocal Performance major at UM, Rebecca was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from her alma mater and was our May 2010 commencement speaker.

•Actress Polly Holiday, who worked extensively in regional theatre, off-Broadway, and on Broadway. She is best remembered for her role as Flo on the long-running hit TV series, “Alice.”

•Actress and director Greta Lambert is a long-standing company member of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, where she also taught in their M.F.A. conservatory program and is current Director of Outreach. Greta conducted a workshop on acting Shakespeare for UM theatre majors in spring 2010.

•David Harwell received his Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois and worked as a professional set designer in Boston and NYC before accepting his current position as Theatre Director for the University of North AL.  In 2001, he won an “Emmy” award for his scenic design on the PBS children’s show “Between the Lions.”

•Scott Copeland is the Artistic Director of Nashville Children’s Theatre and holds his M.F.A. in Theatre from UNC, Chapel Hill.

•Renee Copeland is the Producing Director of Tennessee Repertory Theatre in Nashville.

 •Cameron Watson has acted and directed at leading theatres around the country and compiled extensive film and television acting credentials. He currently resides in Los Angeles and directed the feature film Our Very Own with his production company GADA films, starring Emmy winner Allison Janney. Cameron conducted acting on camera workshops for UM theatre majors in spring and recently directed an acclaimed production of Grace and Glorie at the Colony Theatre in LA.

•Max Wilson was Assistant Head of Automation for Siegfried and Roy at the Mirage in Las Vegas and has worked in technical theatre positions around the country. He now works in sales for Tomcat USA, which provides equipment to touring shows, Broadway musicals and rock concerts.

•Patrick O’ Rourke, founder and CEO of Big Apple Lights, NY.

•Roger White, Production Stage Manager/Auditions Coordinator of Dollywood, TN.

•Paul Looney, founder and former Artistic Director of Theatre Tuscaloosa, AL.

•Regina Harbour is a professional actress and director who works around the country, including recent seasons with the Birmingham Children’s Theatre and Summerfest in AL.  She holds a M.F.A. degree in Directing from UA at Tuscaloosa.

•Larry Snipes is Artistic Director of Lexington Children’s’ Theatre in Kentucky.