Tameka Valeria Bennett: MFA – Drama: Acting

Tameka’s favorite role at UNCG was Berthe in “Pippin”. When asked for her favorite UNCG Theatre memory, she said, “One day we were in Movement class and Bradley was starving. His stomach kept growling and he burst out and said, “I’m hungry!”. Denise, with shock and amazement, made us all silently follow her to Pedro’s Tacos where we ate a full meal in honor of Bradley’s hunger.” Tameka’s advice for future Spartans is to, “Remember that all your fellow theatremakers are your family, not your enemy.”

Aaron Kristofer Botts: MFA – Drama: Acting

Aaron‘s favorite role at UNCG was Bruce Niles in “The Normal Heart”. When asked about his favorite moment at UNCG, Aaron said, “The feeling of seeing a colleague kill their scene in a production or hear their applause at the end of a show.” Aaron’s favorite UNCG Theatre memory was, “Seeing everyone come out to watch an invited dress rehearsal of “Flyin’ West” before COVID-19 locked the campus down.”

Bradley Randall Carter: MFA – Drama: Acting

Bradley’s favorite role during his time at UNCG was Fred Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” at Triad Stage. His proudest UNCG School of Theatre memory is, “Gaining lifetime friends from this program and knowing that this is just the beginning.” Bradley’s advice for future Spartans is, “Turn your work in on time, don’t make excuses, and take care of your mental health. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Don’t expect anything to be handed to you, because the real world won’t hand you anything.”

Joy Nayesda Diaz: MFA – Drama: Design

Joy’s favorite UNCG production is “The Tempest” and when asked to share her favorite UNCG School of Theatre memory, Joy said, “Any time the technicians pulled together to get the job done.” Joy’s advice to future Spartans is, “Do the work; the classwork, the homework, the self-work. It all pays off.”

Jessica Louise Hudson: MFA – Drama: Acting

Jessica’s favorite role at UNCG was for a director’s workshop of “All My Sons” when she had the opportunity to play Kate. When asked about her favorite UNCG School of Theatre Memory, Jessica said it was when she had, “the opportunity to witness the ‘Urinetown’ team perform a rehearsal (and final performance) of their first act.” She said she was, “overwhelmed by the performance in the best possible way.” Jessica’s advice to future Spartans is, “Education is a springboard, not the final word… Discomfort is ok. Be vulnerable. Do the work.”

Taylor Brooke Isaacs: MFA – Drama: Acting

Taylor’s proudest moment at UNCG was, “When Jim Wren said my ‘Macbeth’ scene was compelling!” When asked to share her favorite UNCG School of Theatre Memory, she said, “The hour from 11:00 – 12:00 when all of us MFA Acting grads were in our offices at the same time! There was never a dull moment.” Taylor’s advice for future Spartans is to, “Find your people… Life is so much more fun when you have people that love you by your side.”

McKenzie Deanté McGill: MFA – Drama: Acting

Kyle T. Metzger: MFA – Drama: Directing

Kezia Lertrice Moore: MFA – Drama: Acting

When asked about her favorite role at UNCG, Kezia said, “Pippin player period”! Kezia’s favorite class at UNCG was, “Anything with Paw Paw (Jim Wren) or FlanFlan, those are my guys.” Her advice to future Spartans is, “Do YOU. Do what’s best for YOU. Take care of YOU. Take some time for YOU… at the end of the day, it’s only ONE you. And we need you! It’s okay not to be okay, but always remember there is someone, somewhere rooting for you… So drink your water, mind yo’ business, and always show gratitude…”

Chad Stuart Parsons: MFA – Drama: Theatre for Youth

Chad’s proudest moment while at UNCG was, “receiving a scholarship to attend the Pride Youth Theatre Alliance conference in Pittsburgh, along with getting the opportunity to present the work that Deepmala and I facilitated on Gender Stereotypes.” His favorite UNCG Theatre memory was, “When I saw ‘HAIR’ my first semester here. ‘HAIR’ was my senior show in undergrad; I played Steve. It was a beautiful connecting moment for me.” Chad’s advice to future Spartans is, “Stay curious! Follow your gut! And support one another.”

Ashley Elizabeth Sarver: MFA – Drama: Directing

When asked about her proudest moment at UNCG, Ashley said, “I want to brag on the design team, tech students, and students who worked on ‘The Tempest’. It was an amazing and beautifully chaotic journey creating and building that world… I’m honored and thrilled that I got to work with and learn from all of you. A huge thank you for teaching me. Though running every day with ‘The Wolves’ was no feat either.” Her advice to future Spartans is, “Try to learn as much as possible from your professors. They know what they’re talking about.”

Deepmala Tiwari: MFA – Drama: Theatre for Youth

Deepmala’s favorite role in a production was, “Directing ‘Arabian Nights’ by Barry Kornhauser”. Her favorite class at UNCG was Theatre in Education with Rachel Briley, and her favorite UNCG memory was, “Working on ‘Tales of the Arabian Nights’ and collaborating with amazing actors and designers.” Deepmala’s advice to future Spartans is, “Buy a planner!!”

John Tyler Anderton: BFA – Drama: Design and Technical Production

Ania Monét Archie: BFA – Drama: Acting

Ania’s favorite productions from her time at UNCG are “The Wolves” and “Stuart Little”. Ania’s proudest moment at UNCG was, “In January of this year, I made the best decision for me as far as what I wanted to do after I graduated…. though the reaction I received from making that decision wasn’t the best, here I still stand, confident in what I know is best for me.” Her advice to future Spartans is to, “Come to UNCG and allow yourself to be a sponge: a sponge to the education, the experience, and the process…”

Alicia Linn Balser: BA – Drama

Alicia’s favorite productions from the UNCG School of Theatre are “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Heathers”. Her proudest moment at UNCG was her final performance in Acting II class. Alicia’s favorite class was Acting for Film with Michael Flannery. When asked to give advice to future Spartans, Alicia said, “College is some of the best years of your life! Don’t forget to enjoy every minute of it!”

Grace Adell Bollinger: BFA – Drama: Acting

Grace’s favorite role at UNCG was when she played Jeanie in “HAIR”. When asked about her proudest moment at UNCG, Grace said, “Serving on several Q&A panels for prospective Spartans! I LOVED getting to share my LOVE for this school!” Grace’s advice for future Spartans is, “Listen to your heart and body. Take a break when you need to! Do stuff that scares you. Go to more school sporting events. I know, sports are gross, but do it.”

Haley Brooke Brantley: BA – Drama

Haley Brantley’s proudest moment from her time at UNCG was, “Performing a 30 minute setlist underneath the caf”. Her favorite class was Singing for the Actor, and her favorite UNCG Theatre memory was participating in a Fit for Broadway workshop. Haley’s advice to future Spartans is, “Do not let anyone dim your light! College is temporary- do not let setbacks destroy your dreams.”

Ajé Brown: BFA – Drama: Acting

When asked about her proudest moment at UNCG, Ajé said it was during “Pinkie & Blue”, “We would wave goodbye to the kids when they were leaving. And being the only black Ballerina on stage, I was approached by all the beautiful and young black girls and boys in the audience that day. I was so proud to be on that stage, representing something bigger than me. It made me so happy to be a part of that show and the lesson it taught to the young world!” Ajé’s advice for future Spartans is, “Let every moment count! And make it yours!”

Annie Howard Conolly: BFA – Drama: Acting

Annie’s favorite roles from UNCG are, “The Voice” from “Step On a Crack”, and working with Dom on “Shakespeare in Love”. Their favorite class at UNCG was Jim Wren’s Acting III class. When asked to share advice for future Spartans, they said, “Don’t be destroyed by the gap between you and perfection! That’s why you are in school. Just take a deep breath, count to 3, and do the dang thing.”

Michael Everett Cook: BA – Drama

Andrew Cutler Cook: BA – Drama

Andrew’s favorite role at UNCG is Charles Guiteau in “Assassins”. His favorite UNCG memory is, “making some of my best friends for years at auditions.” Andrew’s advice to future Spartans is, “You have no limits save what you impose on yourself, so relax with the assurance that each setback is temporary. Nothing sucks the joy out like fatalism.”

Caitlin Isabel Cook: BFA – Drama: Design and Technical Production

Thomas Roger Crosson: BFA – Drama: Acting

When asked about his favorite productions and roles from UNCG, Tommy said, “Will Shakespeare from ‘Shakespeare in Love’, Inkling from ‘Pinkie & Blue’, Preppy Guy/Officer Milner from ‘Heathers’. But, really all of them, it’s always been incredibly fun.” His advice to future Spartans is, “Take advantage of everything that you’re paying money for here! You have a ton of resources here that are only available when you’re a student, so don’t let those go to waste.”

Toni DePaoli: BA – Drama and Dance Studies

Toni’s favorite role at UNCG was playing Lilly in “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse”. Her proudest moment was when she was cast in “South Pacific” at Triad Stage. Her favorite class was Musical Theatre Rep. Toni’s advice to future Spartans is, “Take advantage of the opportunities around you. You will receive whatever you put into your degree and time at UNCG.”

Juaquin Thiez Flowers II: BA – Drama

Jasmine Alyssa Fuchs: BA – Drama

Jasmine’s favorite class at UNCG was Acting I. Her favorite roles and productions were “Flyin’ West”, playing Marty in “Cover”, and “Step on a Crack”. Jasmine’s advice for future Spartans is, “Go at your own pace. Live for yourself. Trust yourself. You are just as smart and as talented as everyone else.”

Alexander Wray Gillette: BFA – Drama: Acting

Alex’s favorite role from UNCG was when he played Actor #3/Another White Man from “We are Proud to Present…”. His favorite UNCG memory is, “The culmination of collaborating with my dear friends and creating interesting and provocative works…”. His advice to future Spartans is to, “Create your own work! Don’t wait for others to make your plans happen. Do work you would normally not get the chance to do outside of the university… Never turn down roles or opportunities to work, aside from being overloaded.

Clare Elizabeth Glenn: BA – Drama

Brandon James Guerrero: BFA – Drama: Design and Technical Production

Brandon’s favorite productions from his time at UNCG are when he worked on“The Tempest”, as props director for “Urinetown”, and as the scene designer for “The Wolves”. One of his favorite UNCG memories is, “Late night CAD lab sessions…” His advice to future Spartans is, ”You always have to remember to smile, even if you are at your lowest point. You’ve made it this far and that’s the strength that’ll keep you going… Strength is strength and everyone is capable of greatness.”

Mandi Lynn Hamilton: BA – Drama

Mandi’s favorite role from UNCG is Iris/Spirit in “The Tempest”. Her favorite class was Directing with Ashley Sarver. When asked to give advice for future Spartans, Mandi said, “Remember to do things that fill you up and not just things that progress your career/status. Relax and try not to take every single thing so seriously. Life is way more fun when we just let it be. Laugh, breathe, and be easy on yourself.”

Gitana Alicia Havner: BFA – Drama: Design and Technical Production

Gitana’s favorite role at UNCG was, “The Stage Manager for the MFA One Act, ‘Okay’. I completely loved that process. My ASM and production team was great! My cast was fabulous and my director was extraordinary… I also loved being a part of ‘HAIR’. I was an electrician on that show. I learned so much and found a new love of electrics.” Her advice to future Spartans is, “Don’t be scared to be yourself! Know that everyone else is just as confused as you are and that this is a new experience for everyone… the experience is what you make out of it.”

McKayliah Jamison Hester: BA – Drama

McKayliah’s favorite role at UNCG was, “Amy Stinney in ‘Georgey, Please Come Home’. Directed by my best friend and alum, Auntaius Faulkner. It was an opportunity to reach emotions I hadn’t yet tapped onstage.” Her favorite UNCG School of Theatre memory was, “Meeting one of my closest friends, Ms. Amber Moore.” McKayliah’s advice to future Spartans is, “Keep your head up and do what you have a passion for whether that’s by being on stage or doing it online (online), there is ALWAYS a way to perform.”

Riley Maxted Hough: BFA – Drama: Acting

Riley’s proudest moment at UNCG was, “Performing ‘Okay’ and then doing an episode of ‘The Resident’ on Fox… I got out of my head as an actor and just let the work I prepared show for itself…” His favorite classes at UNCG were, “Denise Gabriel’s classes. They not only made me a better performer, but a better human being.” Riley’s advice to future Spartans is, “The only person who knows where you’re going to end up and who you will be in the future is you… Every great artist started as what you are: a student. So, if they’re out there doing the work you dream of, why can’t you?”

Iyanna Ziear Huffington: BA – Drama and History

Iyanna’s favorite role in a production at UNCG was when she served as a dramaturg for “We are Proud to Present…” When asked about her proudest moment at UNCG, Iyanna said, “Becoming a big in my sorority (TWICE).” Iyanna’s advice for future Spartans is, “Go to School of Theatre events! Do your best to make connections with your professors and peers.”

Chauncey Shamar James: BA – Drama

Chaucey’s proudest moment at UNCG was, “Performing in the one-act “Dutchman” for my friend Iyanna’s independent study. It was my first time ever being cast in a lead role. There was a massive ending monologue that I performed just how I intended, and it felt incredible finally showing my friends & professors what I’m capable of as an actor.” Chauncey’s advice to future Spartans is, “Never be afraid to ask for help. There’s resources all around you available in this community when you’re feeling lost or down on yourself. You’re never as alone as you think you are.”

Gray Lancaster: BA – Drama

Gray’s proudest moment while at UNCG was, “J. Andrew Speas throwing his shoe at me when I was singing ‘Clouds’ from BLooM in MT Workshop.” Her favorite UNCG School of Theatre memory was, “Getting pulled onstage at the end of ‘HAIR’ for a massive dance party… I wasn’t really working with the department before that, beyond classwork, and I think that was when I realized I wanted to audition, get involved, and become part of the family.” Gray’s advice for future Spartans is “Be brave and bold”.

Matthew Phillip Lopez: BA – Drama and Anthropology

Matthew’s favorite production from the UNCG School of Theatre is, “When She Had Wings”. His favorite UNCG Theatre memory was, “Children’s reactions to ‘The Witches’ and ‘Pinkie & Blue’.” When asked about his advice for future Spartans, he said, “Ask yourself, “What can I do to best serve and enrich others’ experience?”

Jasmine Marshall: BA – Drama and Arts Administration

Jasmine’s favorite roles from UNCG are Ann Deever from “All My Sons”, Player from “Pippin”, and Actress 1 from “Tales of Arabian Nights”. Her proudest moment was, “Watching how excited the kids were to take pictures with us after every touring performance.” Jasmine’s advice to future Spartans is, “All that matters is that you believe in yourself, everybody else will just have to fall in line later.”

Natalie Riverlyn Mishra: BFA – Drama: Theatre Education

River’s favorite production from UNCG was, “Playing the technician in ‘When She Had Wings’ and Assistant Directing for ‘The Witches’”. Her proudest moment was, “The performance of my Directing Practicum (The Yellow Boat)”. River’s advice to future Spartans is, “Do what you don’t have to do.”

Emmaline Claudia Montgomerie: BFA – Drama: Design and Technical Production

Emma’s favorite roles from UNCG School of Theatre are when she was stage manager for “Pippin” and “Silent Sky”, and as prop master for “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse”. Her favorite class at UNCG was Sound Design with Noah. Emma’s advice for future Spartans is, “Try your best to be communicative with your professors! Doing shows can be difficult to balance on top of classes, but most professors/teachers are very understanding if you actually talk to them about everything you’re dealing with!”

Amber Briana Moore: BA – Drama

Amber’s favorite productions from the UNCG School of Theatre were “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” and “Tales of Arabian Nights”. When asked about her proudest moment at UNCG, she said, “The ‘accuracy’ workshop my sophomore year got people talking about racism in casting, as well as BFA privilege at the university. I was proud of my team and myself.” Amber’s advice for future Spartans is, “Stay true to yourself, you all have something unique to offer. Don’t compare yourself at all! Stay strong!”

Maison O’Neil: BA – Drama

Maison’s proudest moment at UNCG was, “Either Chip giving me a carpentry assignment, or the ‘Parent Project’ workshop”. Their favorite UNCG Theatre memory was, “The week we got to spend with Die Cast.” Maison’s advice to future Spartans is, “Try everything! Respect technicians! Don’t be afraid to forge your own path!”

Parker Perry: BA – Drama

When asked about his favorite production, Parker said, “Every production is my favorite for different reasons, and every role means the world to me. I’ll especially cherish Margaret Mead and the gorgeous sweaty visceral world of ‘Hair’, as well as Daniel in Paul Dunn’s ‘Outside’, an unabashedly queer piece I was so honored to be a part of.” His favorite UNCG memory was, “Taking the one act play ‘Wolf Child’ to India and performing for schoolchildren… an experience that I’ll never forget.” Parker’s advice to future Spartans is, “Don’t hold yourself back because you’re scared to fail. Give everything your all and if you fail, fail spectacularly.”

Erica Danielle Roland: BFA – Drama: Theatre Education

Erica’s proudest moment at UNCG was student teaching, and her favorite class was Directing II. When asked about her favorite UNCG School of Theatre memory, Erica said, “‘Favorite’ is a stretch, but I was a light board crew member for the Opera when the UNCG Auditorium caught fire.” Erica’s advice for future Spartans is, “Do what makes you happy!”

Madeline Kendal Saintsing: BFA – Drama: Acting

Madeline’s favorite roles from UNCG Theatre is the character Viola from “Shakespeare in Love”, and Fastrada in “Pippin”. Her proudest moment at UNCG was when she got cast in a show at Triad Stage. She said, “It was a goal I had been working towards during all of my time in college, and I finally achieved it my senior year… I felt like it was the culmination of all of my education at UNCG.” Her advice to future Spartans is, “Keep a log of all the people you meet, where you met them, and what they do… it always benefits you to network and remember people. Also, write plenty of “thank-you” notes.

Jei Sanchez: BA – Drama

Randall C. Simmons, Jr.: BA – Drama

Randall’s favorite productions from the UNCG School of Theatre are “HAIR” and “Stuart Little”. His favorite UNCG School of Theatre memories are attending opening night performances with his fellow students. When asked to give advice for future Spartans, Randall said, “Make every attempt you can to study abroad as much as possible!”

Wytasha Lynette Spease: BA – Drama

Wytasha’s favorite productions from UNCG Theatre are “Heathers” and “HAIR”. Her proudest moment while at UNCG was being Audience Services Manager at Taylor Theatre. Wytasha’s favorite class is Theatre History.

Somer Alyse Stanfield: BA – Drama

Mia Logan Steffen: BFA – Drama: Theatre Education

Mia’s favorite UNCG Theatre memory was from, “NC Young Playwrights in 2019 when I got to act as a liaison for a piece written by a student from my high school. It felt very much like my theatre experience was coming full circle by carrying out this student’s vision for his play.” Their advice to future Spartans is, “Honor the process and focus on the work. Do not get bogged down in other people’s expectations, focus on you, your process, your education, and your work. The best way to make others proud is to make yourself proud.”

Aubrey Nicole Strickling: BFA – Drama: Theatre Education

Aubrey’s proudest moment at UNCG was when she adapted the children’s book, “Invisible Boy” into a play for children for the Short Tales Festival. Her favorite class was, “Acting I with Josh Purvis… The class was eye-opening and I developed my craft while making lifelong friends.” Aubrey’s advice to future Spartans is, “Be yourself. Trust yourself. Also, rush APO, I promise you won’t regret it. It’s the family you’ve been waiting for.”

Jacquelyn Marie Whiteside: BA – Drama

Jacquelyn was the costume designer for “Pippin” and she called it a, “wonderful experience that I will hold near and dear to my heart. I learned so much throughout the process and had fantastic mentorship.” When asked to give advice for future Spartans, she said, “You can do anything you set your mind to, and be kind to yourself and others.”

Allison Louise Wilson: BA – Drama

Jeffrey Forrest Wilson: BFA – Drama: Acting