Alumni
Where do all those students go? Not all UCI grads, of course, become theatre artists or educators. Some are lawyers, some go into business, journalism, advertising, or other professions. But a very considerable portion DO seek and achieve career goals in the theatre.
Our listings are far from inclusive! We doubtless have failed to mention dozens - or hundreds - of distinguished alumni. Any such seeing this newsletter and failing to find your name, please email your alumni news to Eli Simon, esimon@uci.edu, or Robert Cohen, cohen@uci.edu. We look forward to hearing about your latest successes in the field.
Recent UCI Drama Alumni Highlights
| Glenn Kalison (M.F.A./Acting '02) recently became president of the Relativity School. This film and performing arts school will partner with the film studio, Relativity Media, and will work on reviving "the tradition of a working studio and a school operating in sync," according to the Hollywood Reporter. Read more here. |
 |
 |
Jesse Sharp (M.F.A./Acting '11) has just been cast as Gomez Addams in the national tour of THE ADDAMS FAMILY: A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY. He'll be touring the US and Asia for 18 months starting in January '13. Read here for more information. |
| Watch video of Allison Case (B.A./Drama '05) and Jay Armstrong Johnson, accompanied by Trey Anastasio on guitar, singing "I’m Gone" from the new Broadway musical, HANDS ON A HARDBODY, on The New York Times website. |
 |
 |
Perry Young (B.A./Drama '10) reprises the leading role of Usnavi De La Vega in the Westchester Broadway Theatre production of the Tony-award winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS, which features a blend of talent and crew from Broadway and the national tour with regional performers. Read more at BroadwayWorld.com. |
| Stephanie Newman (M.F.A./Acting '09) has just been named the new theatre director at Umpqua Community College in Oregon, where she will direct and produce three plays during the 2013-14 season in addition to teaching classes for the college. Read more at NRToday.com. |
 |
 |
Caitlin Cisek (M.F.A./Costume Design '11) is currently the costume designer for Astoria Performing Arts Center’s (APAC) spring show, BLOOD BROTHERS. Read more at Queen's Gazette and Playbill.com. |
| Carla Ogden (B.A./Drama '09) reports the following: "I will be playing Ernestina in the upcoming all-Asian American cast of HELLO, DOLLY! in New York City, as produced by the National Asian Artists Project, at the Pershing Square Signature Theatre. It is a two-show run to benefit the NAAP." Read more at Playbill.com. |
 |
 |
Seth Michael Donsky (B.A./Drama '90) reports that his "first feature film TWISTED, 1997, featuring Tony Award Winners Anthony Crivello and Elizabeth Franz and Oscar Nominee William Hickey, as well as debut performances by David Norona and Billy Porter (Broadway's Kinky Boots) was just inducted into the Museum of Modern Art's permanent film collection.
In other news, Mr. Donsky has most recently advanced in consideration for the Sundance Screenwriters' Lab in 2012 and 2013 and was recognized by the New York Press Association for Excellence in Journalism in 2012." |
| Beth Malone (M.F.A./Acting '00) recently appeared in La Mirada Theatre's musical revival of SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Read more at LAStageTimes.com. |
 |
 |
Windell Middlebrooks (M.F.A./Acting '05) can currently be seen on the hit ABC drama BODY OF PROOF as Dr. Curtis Brumfield. Read his recent interview at Examiner.com. |
| Donetta Lavinia Grays (M.F.A./Acting '02) recently appeared in the Westport Country Playhouse's "Script in Hand" reading of Lynn Nottage's INTIMATE APPAREL. Read more at Playbill.com. |
 |
 |
Jenifer Foote (B.A./Drama '00), currently starring in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, received a great write-up at BroadwayWorld.com. |
| Andrew Samonsky (M.F.A./Acting '03) recently joined the cast of the Broadway revival of THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD. Read more at Broadway.com. |
 |
 |
Jason Spelbring (M.F.A/Acting '02) has just been named artistic director of the newly formed Ojai Valley Shakespeare Festival. Read more here. |
| R. Michael Gros (M.F.A./Drama '81) recently directed PRESENT LAUGHTER at The Theatre Group at SBCC, to great reviews. Visit the Santa Barbara Independent for more. |
 |
 |
Grace Gealey (M.F.A./Acting '10), right in picture, appeared as Simone in the Mixed Blood Theatre's new production of ELEMENO PEA. The production described by the Star Tribune as a "comedy about class, gender, and yachting" is directed by Mark Valdez (M.F.A./Directing '00). |
| Kimberly Faye Greenberg (B.A./Drama '98) made her New York City premiere of her one-woman show FABULOUS FANNY: THE SONGS AND STORIES OF FANNY BRICE on March 5 at Stage 72 at the Triad. Visit BroadwayWorld.com for more information. |
 |
 |
Larry Biederman (M.F.A./Directing '92) directs the world premiere of ASSISTED LIVING, written by Tony-nominated Winnie Holzman (Wicked) and her husband, actor Paul Dooley. It premieres April 5 at Los Angeles' Odyssey Theatre. Visit Playbill.com for more information. |
| Mark Bedard (B.A./Drama '06), left in picture, recently appeared as Vladimir in the Marin Theatre Company's production of WAITING FOR GODOT. |
 |
 |
Andrew Philpot (B.A./Drama '90), pictured, appeared as Prospero in THE TEMPEST at PCPA's Severson Theatre. The production also featured Karin Hendricks (M.F.A./Acting '09). Both received great reviews. Visit SanLuisObispo.com for more information. |
| Kelly Perine (M.F.A./Acting '98) starred in and served as executive producer of the film A PERFECT DAY, which was an Irvine International Film Festival Official Selection. |
 |
 |
Talia Thiesfield (M.F.A./Acting '06) will appear as one of the three women prisoners in Michael John LaChiusa's MARIE CHRISTINE at the 3LD Art & Technology Center in downtown Manhattan in March 2013. |
| Evans Jarnefeldt (M.F.A./Acting '08) appeared in the Bexar Naked Playwrights' BLACK BOX-ER SHORTS which featured Evans in two of its five, fully realized short plays at Black Box Theatre at the Palmetto Center for the Arts. Visit MySanAntonio.com for more information. |
 |
 |
Ian Parmenter (B.F.A./Music Theatre '11) recently appeared as part of the ensemble cast of CAMELOT at Houston's Theatre Under The Stars. Visit Playbill.com for more information. |
| Andrew Samonsky (M.F.A./Acting '03) in SCANDALOUS: THE LIFE AND TRIALS OF AIMEE SEMPLE MCPHERSON on Broadway, pictured with Carolee Carmello. |
 |
 |
Kagiso Paynter (M.F.A./Acting ’11) can currently be seen in the latest Boost Mobile TV commercial titled "Wrestler." Visit YouTube.com to check it out. |
| Our alums outdid themselves this year in the national "Artios Awards" given for casting in live theatre - these are the only professional casting awards in the country. James Calleri (M.F.A./Acting ’90) led the award list with three first prizes: one for VENUS IN FUR (in the category of "Broadway comedies"), one for THE CHERRY ORCHARD ("off-Broadway comedies or musicals") and a third for A DOLL’S HOUSE ("regional theatre East"). And Jeff Greenberg (B.A./Drama ’72) won for ART ("regional theatre West"). For details, visit Variety.com. |
  |
 |
Ryan Welsh (M.F.A./Acting '10) was recently nominated for Best Male Performance: Comedy for the 3rd Annual Streamy Awards which honors excellence in original online video programming and the creators behind them. Visit The Hollywood Reporter for more information. |
| Ashley Moniz (B.A./Drama '09) is currently in the ensemble of the national tour of SISTER ACT. Read more at SisterActBroadway.com. |
 |
 |
In December 2012, Mark Nash (M.F.A./Acting '90) staged and starred in A VERMONT HOLIDAY, songs and stories of the season, at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Vermont. Read more at Stowe Today. |
| Michael Doonan (M.F.A./Acting '09) appeared as one of the clowns in THE ARSONISTS at the At Trap Door Theatre in Chicago. The Chicago Tribune described him as 'mesmerizing.' And Chicago Stage Review said 'Standing out in this altogether outstanding cast are the wickedly calculating Michael Doonan and David Steiger as Eisenring and Schmitz. Doonan makes his Trap Door debut with a tremendous performance that is perfect for their stage and not to be missed.' |
 |
 |
Novelist Charlie Huston (M.F.A./Acting '95) is set to have his noir mystery thriller CAUGHT STEALING adapted for the big screen with Patrick Wilson and Alec Baldwin set to star. Visit The Hollywood Reporter for more information. |
| Laura D'Andre (B.A./Drama '07), second from left, recently appeared in MY WAY: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA at the Farmers Alley Theatre in Kalamazoo, MI. Read a review at WesternHerald.com. |
 |
 |
Eric Kunze (B.A./Drama) took part in A VERY BROADWAY CHRISTMAS, a new Christmas CD that supports the Dr. Carol Channing-Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts. Eric sings two tracks, and is featured on the album alongside Matthew Morrison, Stephanie J. Block, and others. Read more at Playbill.com.
|
| Los Angeles playwright Jose Cruz Gonzalez (M.F.A./Directing '86) will anchor South Coast Repertory's newly announced "DIALOGUE / DIALOGOS SCR" initiative, in which Santa Ana residents will contribute material and performances for a new play. A $600,000 James Irvine Foundation grant is funding the project. Read more at the LA Times website. |
 |
 |
David Greenspan (B.A./Drama '78) starred in Sally Silvers's BONOBO MILKSHAKE at Roulette Theatre in New York. Read the review at NYTIMES.com. |
| Perry Young (B.A./Drama '10) recently gave an interview to Canada's National Post about his starring role as Usnavi De La Vega in the national tour of the Tony-award winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS. Read the article here. |
 |
 |
Joseph H. Johnson, Jr. (M.F.A./Acting '09), right in picture, appears in the November 14, 2012 episode of the hit CBS drama, CRIMINAL MINDS. |
| Geoffrey Going (B.A./Drama '99) was recently nominated for "Best Featured Actor in a local musical" by the Broadway World Awards for his performance as Captain Walker in THE WHO'S TOMMY at The MET Theatre in Los Angeles. To vote for Geoffrey, visit BroadwayWorld.com. |
 |
 |
Kagiso Paynter (M.F.A./Acting ’11) recently worked with Apple to shoot their promo introducing the new iPad mini. See the video at Youtube.com. Look for her at 0:36 & 1:36 in the video. |
|
| Amy Perkins (B.A./Drama/Honors In Music Theatre '11) as Emily Benson in OF THEE I SING at Theatre at Monmouth, ME (10/12). |
 |
 |
Bob Gunton ('68) starred in WALKING ON WATER, billed as “an evening of musical theater and song.” The production opened May 18, 2012 at Cumberland County Playhouse in Nashville, TN where he first debuted in 1965 in TENNESSEE, USA! Read more at BroadwayWorld.com. |
|
Quinn VanAntwerp, center (B.A./Drama/Honors in Music Theatre '08), with his fellow JERSEY BOYS cast members on the Today Show. Ann Curry on left.
In the second photo, see the latest publicity shot of Quinn (B.A. Drama/Honors in Music Theatre '08), third from left, as he continues on as Bob Gaudio in JERSEY BOYS at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway. (2012) |
|
 |
Sean Tarrant (M.F.A./Acting '06) starred as the Cat in the production of CAT IN THE HAT at the Singapore Repertory Theatre in Singapore. Read the review here.
|
| Joel Goldes (M.F.A/Acting '90) reports the following exciting news: "Here are the deets on that big project I created the accent for: Premiering in June, 2013, it's called AFTER EARTH and stars Will And Jaden Smith in a sci-fi story about a father and son's journey through a desolate Earth after their spacecraft crashes on the long-barren planet 1,000 years in the future. They asked me to create an accent of American English that sounds like it's been acted upon by the dominant world languages over the thousand years since people left Earth. We shot in Costa Rica, Philadelphia (on soundstages), Eureka, CA and Moab, UT and had English, Australian and Norwegian actors in addition to several Americans; I coached the whole cast so it was quite a challenge!" |
|
 |
Teal Wicks (B.A./Drama/Honors In Music Theatre '05) in Broadway bound national tour of JEKYLL & HYDE as Emma, with co-stars Deborah Cox and Constantine Maroulis. Read more at Broadway.com (9/12). |
| Lital Abrahams (B.A./Drama/Honors in Music Theatre '10) as Judy in 9 TO 5 at The Roxy Regional Theatre in Clarksville, TN (10/12). |
 |
 |
Amanda Shay (B.A./Drama '12) is appearing in TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING at Bally's in Las Vegas, NV. |
| Jeff Greenberg (B.A./Drama '72), Emmy Award winning, and current Emmy nominated, casting director of MODERN FAMILY was recently interviewed by Backstage about his work on the show. Visit Backstage.com to read the interview. |
 |
|
|
Jenn Colella (M.F.A./Drama '02) currently appearing as Hedda Hopper in CHAPLIN on Broadway (9/12). |
| Andrew Samonsky (M.F.A./Drama '03) recently joined the cast of the new Broadway musical SCANDALOUS: THE LIFE AND TRIALS OF AIMEE SEMPLE MCPHERSON. The show's book and lyrics are by Kathie Lee Gifford with music by David Pomeranz and David Friedman. Visit PlayBill.com for more informarion. |
 |
 |
Alums Jeff Meek (B.A./Drama '83) and R. Michael Gros (M.F.A./Drama '81) are now the co-artistic directors of Playfest Santa Barbara, which will have its Inaugural Festival in January 2013. Alum Amanda Kramer (B.A./Drama '10) will also be working with Jeff and Michael as managing director. More info at playfestsantabarbara.org. |
| Selah Victor (B.A./Drama '03) on left, and Carrie Madsen (B.A./Drama '87) in THE WORLD GOES ROUND at Actor's Co-op in Hollywood (9/12). |
 |
 |
Visit Playbill.com for information on ALLEGIANCE, a new musical premiering at The Old Globe featuring choreography by our new drama professor, Andrew Palermo, and alumnus of the Drama Department, Kurt Norby (B.A./Drama '04) in the acting company. |
| Deanne Lorette as Mrs. Mullins (M.F.A./Drama '92) on left, and Teal Wicks as Julie (B.A./Drama/Honors In Music Theatre '05) in CAROUSEL at Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam CT (8/12). |
 |
 |
Sheryl Liu (M.F.A./Scene Design '11) recently won a 2012 FringeNYC Overall Excellence Award in the area of design for her work on BITE THE APPLE which showed at the festival. Visit BroadwayWorld.com and NYTheatre.com for more information. |
| Joe Osheroff (M.F.A./Acting '01) has been nominated for a whopping four New York Innovative Theatre Awards (IT Awards) for Outstanding Choreography/Movement, Outstanding Director, Outstanding Innovative Design (Mask Design) and Outstanding Original Short Script for his play HOMUNCULUS: RELOADED which was produced by Homunculus Mask Theater. More information can be found at http://www.nyitawards.com/. |
 |
 |
Peter Leibold (B.A./Drama '12) just accepted a Resident Lighting Designer and Master Electrician position at Sierra Repertory Theatre in Sonora, CA. Exciting stuff! |
Eric Kunze (B.A./Drama) kicked off the BROADWAY AT THE CASCADE Cabaret Series at Palm Springs' Spa Resort and Casino on August 11 with a one night only concert reminiscing and performing songs from his many Broadway, touring and regional shows.. Read more at BroadwayWorld.com
|
|
 |
Courtney Evans Fero as Hope Harcourt (B.F.A./Music Theatre with Honors '10) on left, and Hannah Balagot (B.F.A./Music Theatre with Honors '12) as Erma in ANYTHING GOES at Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista CA (8/12). |
| Lauren T. Mack (B.A./Drama '10) as Tzeitel, on right, and current student Ben Gibson in the ensemble of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at The Sacramento Music Circus (8/12). |
 |
 |
Left to right, Jessica Reiner-Harris (B.A./Drama/Honors in Music Theatre '07) as Carrie, with ensemble members Alison Boresi (current student), Peter Leibold (B.A./Drama '12), and Kayla Hart (B.A./Drama '11) in CAROUSEL at Sierra Repertory/Fallon House in Columbia CA (8/12). |
| Katherine Brady (B.F.A./Music Theatre '11), pictured, recently appeared in The Theatre Group at SBCC's production of AVENUE Q along with Sean Jackson (B.A./Drama '08). Read more at BroadwayWorld.com. |
 |
 |
Jenifer Foote (B.A./Drama '00) is returning to Broadway! She has just been cast in the revival of THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD opening this fall. Read more about the production at Playbill.com. |
Two UCIrvine Drama alums are starring in the Goodspeed production of CAROUSEL this summer. Teal Wicks, pictured, (B.A. Drama/Honors in Music Theatre '05) is the lead role of Julie, and Deanne Lorette (M.F.A./Acting '92) plays Mrs. Mullins.
Check out Playbill for more information. |
 |
 |
Dennis Castellano (M.F.A./Drama '84) pictured with Oscar winner Shirley Jones at the Sacramento Music Circus where he served as musical director/conductor of THE MUSIC MAN starring Ms. Jones. |
| Allison Case, center in photo, (B.A./Drama '05) stars as Kelli in HANDS ON A HARDBODY currently showing at the La Jolla Playhouse. Read the New York Times review here. |
 |
 |
Nicole Erb (M.F.A./Acting '10) will star in Theatre Exile's production of Adam Rapp's THE EDGE OF OUR BODIES, running September 6-23 in conjunction with the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Visit TheaterMania.com for more information. |
| Joshua Finkel (B.A./Drama '84) is currently directing A RING IN BROOKLYN at the NoHo Arts Center. Visit Examiner.com for more information. |
 |
 |
Caitlin McGinty (B.A./Drama '06 - Honors in Music Theatre) as Maria in THE SOUND OF MUSIC at The TriArts Sharon Playhouse in Sharon CT. (8/12) |
| Erin Crouch Denmen (B.A./Drama '01) appearing as Lola in DAMN YANKEES at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit ME (8/12). |
 |
 |
Two UCI Drama alums, Jeanne LaSala Taylor (M.F.A./Acting '04), center in photo, and Megan Byrne (M.F.A./Acting '01) star in SERIOUS MONEY at the Atlantic Stage 2 in New York City. Read the New York Times review here. |
Jenn Colella (M.F.A./Acting '02), pictured on right side in photo, is starring in The York Theatre Company revival of CLOSER THAN EVER in New York City. Read the NY Times review here and another great review by the Epoch Times here.
In addition, Jenn has also just been cast in the Broadway production of CHAPLIN THE MUSICAL. Read more at BroadwayWorld.com! |
 |
 |
Craig Fox (M.F.A./Acting '12), pictured on right side in photo, is starring in MISS MARY DUGAN at the Wild Project as part of the Fresh Fruit Festival in New York City. Read a review of show and Craig's performance at Backstage.com. |
| Eric Kunze (B.A./Drama) is apperaing as Prince Eric in THE LITTLE MERMAID at Music Circus, Sacramento CA. (7/12) |
 |
 |
Independent filmmaker Selah Victor (B.A./Drama '03) has launched a fundraising campaign using the new online crowdfunding website Indiegogo for her current project, 'Trainers', a comedy web series about a band of misfit personal trainers. Read more about the project here and visit the website here. |
Glenn Kalison (M.F.A./Acting '02) is currently starring in the short film KINDLING. He also served as the film's director and as one of it's producers. In the film, "a family gathers on a wintery weekend in the Berkshires to celebrate a father's birthday, when all the best intentions can't surmount a family history that has left old wounds unhealed...and opened new ones."
The first screening takes place July 20 at the New York Film Academy. |
 |
 |
Geoffrey Going (B.A./Drama '99) as Troy on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (CBS Television - June 2012) |
| Garrett Deagon (B.F.A./Honors Music Theatre '11) on left in LIFE COULD BE A DREAM at The Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland, OR (June - August 2012) |
 |
 |
Benjamin Mathes (M.F.A./Acting '08) stars as Matthew in Theatre Tribe's production of THE SLEEPER written by Catherine Butterfield. Read the Los Angeles Times review here. |
| Pat Burns (B.A./Drama '09), center in photo, recently presented his one-man show, From Foster Care To Fabulous, in New York, and in attendance were local children in the foster care system. The experience was chronicled by The Children's Aid Society. Pat even made a booking for his show in another city later this fall. |
 |
 |
Rob Salas (M.F.A./Directing '11), the founder and artistic director of the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble, has scored a major hit with his production of Shakespeare's HENRY V, playing now through July 1 at the UC Davis Arboretum. Critics are raving over the re-discovered and freshly revealed intimacy of the classic anti-war drama. "Director Rob Salas handles his cast well and makes savvy use of space," says Jeff Hudson of the Sacramento News & Review. Bev Sykes of the Davis Enterprise, says, "This production, directed by Rob Salas, works because of an amazingly talented cast, each of whom play many parts."
Read the reviews here and here. |
| Negin Singh (B.A./Drama '08) is currently featured on the White House's website in it's WOMEN WORKING TO DO GOOD series where she is spotlighted for her artistic pursuits in Los Angeles. |
 |
 |
The Drama Desk Awards were just announced and Andrew Samonsky (M.F.A./Drama '03) was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for his role in QUEEN OF THE MIST. Read the full article at BroadwayWorld.com |
| Grace Gealey (M.F.A./Acting '10) appears as Mimi in the American Theater Company's production of RENT in Chicago. Both Grace and the production are receiving great reviews. Read one here. |
 |
 |
Jamie Elvey, (M.F.A./Acting '08), center, recently starred as Hanan in the Mixed Blood Theatre production of LEARN TO BE LATINA in Minneapolis. Her performance in this comedy as an aspiring singer received rave reviews. Read a review here in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. |
| Kagiso Alicia Paynter (M.F.A./Acting '11) appears as Bianca in the May 9th, 2012 episode of the hit CBS Drama CRIMINAL MINDS. |
 |
 |
Katherine Brady (B.F.A./Music Theatre '11) is currently appearing in the North American tour of the Tony-award winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS with UC Irvine Drama grad, Perry Young (B.A./Drama '10). Read more here.
|
| Skye Bronfenbrenner (B.F.A./Music Theatre '10) can currently be seen as a Townsperson/Enchanted Object in the national tour of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. |
 |
 |
Mikkei Fritz (M.F.A./Acting '11) is a member of the 2011-12 company of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He can be seen this year in OSF's productions of ROMEO AND JULIET and THE VERY MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, IOWA. Visit the OSF website for more information. |
| Louis Carazo (M.F.A./Acting '07) recently appeared in the Spanish-language Will Ferrell comedy CASA DE MI PADRE in the role of Young Miguel Ernesto. |
|
|
Scott Reardon (B.A./Drama - Honors In Music Theatre '06) appearing as Frank in SHOW BOAT at Fresno Grand Opera, CA (4/12)
|
| Michael Holmes (M.F.A./Acting '97; in green sweater) and Glenn Kalison (M.F.A./Acting '02 in jacket) in SMASH on NBC Television. Michael is a film director based on Billy Wilder and Glenn plays the playwright, Arthur Miller. |
 |
|
Nicole Erb (M.F.A./Acting '10) recently appeared as Juliet in the Lantern Theater Company's production of ROMEO AND JULIET in Philadelphia.
|
Betsy Mugavero (M.F.A./Acting '09) recently appeared as Suzanne in the production of PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE at The Complex (East) Theatre in Los Angeles. Read a review here.
|
|
 |
Kayla Hart (B.A./Drama '11) as Agnes in GYPSY at Sierra Repertory Theatre in Sonora, CA (3/12). |
| Left to right: Danny Moreno (B.F.A./Musical Theatre '10) as Princeton; current Drama student Rachelle Clark as Christmas Eve; and Nick McGee (B.A./Drama '00) as Brian in Theatre Out's production of AVENUE Q in Santa Ana CA. (2/12) |
 |
 |
Amy Perkins (B.A./Drama - Honors In Music Theatre '11) as Monteen in PARADE at the Cygnet Theatre Company, San Diego, CA (4/13). |
| Scott Reardon (B.A./Drama - Honors In Music Theatre '06) is appearing as Prince Dauntless in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS at Cabrillo Music Theatre in Thousand Oaks, CA (4/12). |
 |
 |
Roger Smart (M.F.A./Directing '99), the artistic director of Chicago's Shattered Globe Theater, will open his new show, IN HER NAKED SKIN, by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, on May 3 at the theater's Stage 773 on West Belmont.
Set in London 1913. Militancy in the Suffragette Movement is at its height. Thousands of women of all classes serve time in HollowayPrison in their fight to win the vote. Amongst them is Lady Celia Cain who feels trapped by both policies of the day and the shackles of a frustrating marriage. Inside, she meets a young seamstress, Eve Douglas, and her life spirals into an erotic but dangerous chaos. |
Windell Middlebrooks (M.F.A./Acting '05) star of ABC's BODY OF PROOF, onstage at the 9th Annual Ford Hoodie Awards show hosted by comedian, TV and radio host, Steve Harvey.
Click here and here for photos. |
 |
 |
Trevor Biship (M.F.A./Directing '06) is being honored as one of the top directors in the Los Angeles area. His staging of the Chance Theater's Southern California premiere of JERRY SPRINGER: THE OPERA is currently tied with the revival of Loraine Hansberry's RAISIN IN THE SUN for the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle special award. The two shows are tied with eight nominations each in the competition to receive the top award. The awards ceremony is set for Monday, March 19, 2012.
See the article for more details at Backstage.com |
Comedians Patrice O'Neal, Amy Schumer and Jon Lovitz (B.A./Drama '79) onstage at COMEDY CENTRAL'S ROAST OF CHARLIE SHEEN held at Sony Studios on September 10, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
Click here for photo. |
 |
 |
Stephanie Philo (M.F.A./Acting '09) is currently getting great reviews starring as Catherine Givings in the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center production of IN THE NEXT ROOM (OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY). Read a review here. |
| Jennifer Mandala Gravel (B.A./Drama '02) as Missy in THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES at Theatre Winter Haven in Winter Haven FL (1/12). |
 |
 |
Donetta Lavinia Grays, right (M.F.A./Acting '02), in RUINED at the Arena Stage, Washington, 2011. Read the article at Playbill.com. |
| Lital Abrahams (B.A./Drama/Honors in Music Theatre '10) was the principal singer in A GRAND CHRISTMAS a the Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood, SD. |
 |
 |
Marisa Baram (B.A./Drama '10) in GLEE on Fox Television. |
| Jessica Reiner-Harris (B.A./Drama/Honors In Music Theatre '07) in FORBIDDEN BROADWAY at The Cosmopolitan Cabaret in Sacramento CA (1/12). |
|
 |
Kimberly Faye Greenberg (B.A./Drama '98) as Fanny Brice in GHOSTLIGHT at the 2011 New York Musical Theatre Festival, pictured with Michael Hayden. (9/11) |
| Blair Hollingsworth (B.A./Drama/Honors In Music Theatre '10) as Tzeitel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre in Claremont, CA. (1/12) |
 |
|
Well known magical realist playwright ("The Blue House," "Harvest Moon," "Salt and Pepper") José Cruz González (M.F.A./Directing '86), a professor of theater arts at Cal State LA, returned to his UCI alma mater on January 14 to lead a seminar on playwriting as a major part of the Drama Department's World Premiere Weekend! |
Deanne Lorette (M.F.A./Acting '93) appears as Sheila in the Keen Theatre’s 2011 revival of THE BENEFACTORS at the Clurman Theatre on New York’s 42nd Street. Visit NYPost.com for a review.
Deanne also appeared as Yvonne in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at the Repertory Theatre in St. Louis.
|
  |
 |
Betsy Mugavero (M.F.A./Acting '09) as Hermia in MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and Poppy Norton-Taylor in NOISES OFF at 2011 Utah Shakespeare Festival. Visit BroadwayWorld for more information. |
| Grace Gealey (M.F.A./Acting '10) recently performed at The Broadway Dreams Foundation Third Annual New York Benefit Performance, November 21, 2011. Visit BroadwayWorld and Playbill for more information. |
 |
 |
This past December, The Bakersfield Californian named Brian Sivesind (M.F.A./Directing '09) a 2011 "Entertainer of the Year." View the article at Bakersfield.com. |
| Evans Eden Jarnefeldt (M.F.A./Acting '08) played Bob Cratchit in the PCPA production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The production was directed by Mark Booher (M.F.A. Acting '90) and also starred Karin Hendricks (M.F.A. Acting '09), Andrew Philpot (B.A. Drama '90), and Kitty Balay (M.F.A. Acting '90). Visit the Santa Ynez Valley News for the review. |
 |
 |
Stephanie Philo (M.F.A./Acting '09) portrays Pamela and Andrew Philpot (B.A. Drama '90) is Richard Hannay in PCPA’s 2010-11 production of THE 39 STEPS. Visit PCPA.org for more information. |
| Deidre Haren (B.A. Drama - Honors in Music Theatre '09) in the national tour of the RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR. |
 |
 |
From Long Beach, CA:
"Bad behavior has never been so much fun. Artistic director Caryn Desai (M.F.A./Directing '90) jump starts International City Theatre’s 27th season at the helm of Yasmina Reza’s scathingly funny, Tony Award-winning GOD OF CARNAGE. The limited, four-week engagement runs January 27-February 19, with low-priced previews on January 24, 25 and 26. Here’s a chance to see this hilarious comedy in ICT’s more intimate setting and watch the fur fly up close!"
Much more detail available at http://ictlongbeach.org/?p=1093. |
| Carly Nykanen (B.A./Drama/Honors in Music Theatre '06) as "Trixie" in DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS at the Old Globe in San Diego. |
|
  |
Jeff Greenberg (B.A./Drama '72) has been having a fantastic ride on MODERN FAMILY where he serves as casting director. Jeff won his first Emmy for Casting after having been nominated 8 other times without winning officially ending his ability to play the Susan Lucci card! He's also won 3 Artios Awards for MODERN FAMILY, which the Casting Society of America bestows as it's highest honor. It's a dream job and he is thoroughly enjoying his 3rd season on the show.
Currently, Jeff is also casting UP ALL NIGHT starring Christina Applegate, Will Arnett & Maya Rudolph for NBC which is a blast. Also, he just cast the play, ART for the Pasadena Playhouse, starring Roger Bart, Michael O'Keefe & Bradley Whitford which opens in January 2012. |
Teresa Pond (M.F.A./Directing '03) is the newly appointed artistic director of Millbrook Playhouse in PA. Here's part of the company's formal announcement, http://www.millbrookplayhouse.com/:
"Meet our new Artistic Director: Teresa K. Pond is an accomplished director and producer of theatre and opera who has worked at companies throughout the U.S. and in Canada. She also served as Producing Artistic Director of A.C.T. Theatre in Alaska from 1993-1998. After receiving her M.F.A. in Directing from University of California-Irvine, she moved to New York City where her work has been seen Off-Broadway with such companies as New York Classical Theatre and Vital Theatre Company. Regionally she has built a successful freelance career directing with such companies as Anchorage Opera (AK), Pioneer Playhouse (KY), Cyrano’s Theatre (AK), and Western Stage Theatre (CA), among others. Teresa directed successful productions at Millbrook Playhouse between 2006-2008."
This raises the total of our alumni artistic directors since '80 to an even dozen. Thirteen with Mark Booher from the acting program! |
 |
 |
Mark Bedard (B.A./Drama '06), pictured here, is starring in the Groucho Marx role in Oregon Shakespeare Festival's 2012 production of Animal Crackers. |
Jesse Sharp (M.F.A./Acting '11) is producing a new show/event called THE HAMLET PROJECT premiering on November 3, 2011 in which he plays Hamlet. It's a fun, interactive version of the play being done at a great little pub called St. Nicks that has a cabaret space above the bar and each show has an audience volunteer taking the role of Polonius.
It also features a cast almost entirely consisting of UC Irvine MFA grads including: Tyler Seiple (M.F.A. Acting '09), Nich Kauffman (M.F.A. Acting '11), Nicole Erb (M.F.A. Acting '10), Jennice Butler (M.F.A. Acting '10), Alison Plott (M.F.A. Acting '11) and Ryan Imhoff (M.F.A. Acting '11) and is directed by Beth Lopes (M.F.A. Directing '11). The idea is that this event will continue on with a new actor playing Hamlet every month. |
 |
 |
Perry Young (B.A./Drama '10, on right) stars in the leading role of Usnavi in the upcoming national tour of IN THE HEIGHTS. On left is the original Usnavi, Lin-Manuel Miranda who also wrote the music and lyrics.
View tour videos at http://www.intheheightsontour.com/tour-videos.html |
| Quinn VanAntwerp, on left in group shot, (B.A. Drama/Honors in Music Theatre '08) as Bob Gaudio in JERSEY BOYS at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway. |
  |
  |
Alan Mingo, Jr., (M.F.A./Acting '98) is currently playing the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles as part of the national tour of Shrek. Alan plays the leading role of Donkey.
|
Andrew Samonsky (M.F.A./Drama '03) in QUEEN OF THE MIST at The Transport Group, Off-Broadway. Read more about it here.
|
|
 |
Teal Wicks (B.A./Drama - Honors in Music Theatre '05) has recently ended her run as Elphaba in the Broadway company of Wicked and is now about to open in a new musical Off-Broadway. The show is called The Blue Flower and opens at Second Stage on Oct. 12, 2011.
Visit Playbill.com for more information. |
Jenn Colella (M.F.A./Acting '02) is starring in I'M GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER AND TAKING IT ON THE ROAD at The York Theatre, Off-Broadway. Jenn, on left, with original star and writer, Gretchen Cryer.
Jenn also received an Award of Excellence for Outstanding Individual Performance in the new musical, KIKI BABY at the New York Musical Theatre Festival. Visit the NYTimes for more information.
|
  |
 |
Jenifer Foote (B.A./Drama '00, on left) on Broadway in the revival of Stephen Sondheim's FOLLIES at the Marquis Theatre with Danny Burstein (center). |
| Michael Morgan (M.F.A./Drama '05) in the national tour of MARY POPPINS with Professor Myrona DeLaney backstage at The Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa CA. |
 |
 |
Eric Weaver (B.A. Drama/Honors In Music Theatre '09) in the national tour of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. |
| Ashley Moniz (B.A./Drama '09) is appearing as Amber in HAIRSPRAY at the John W. Engeman Theater, Northport NY. That's Ashley on the right. |
 |
 |
Pippa Winslow-Rolandelli (B.A./Drama '84) as Desiree Armfeldt in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, England. |
| Annie Nelson (B.F.A./Music Theatre) is playing Anna in SPRNG AWAKENING at the White Plains Performing Arts Center, White Plains, NY. |
 |
We're Also on Facebook!
You can now become a part of our UCI Drama & Alumni Groups on Facebook. It's another way to keep in touch with our department and your former classmates!
Find us at:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/219546571427877/
AND
http://www.facebook.com/groups/35605013001/
