Alumni Success Stories

Transferring to UW-Parkside after my sophomore year of college was, hands down, the best decision I've ever made. Coming from a program in which I'd felt that my needs as an actor and student weren't being met, I was amazed by the faculty's instant commitment to my success. Within weeks of joining the department, I found myself actively involved in the first main stage production of the year and being happily challenged by not only my classes in acting, but in other areas of theatre, as well. The department gave me a chance to "spread my wings" in areas of dramaturgy and design, greatly strengthening my appreciation and understanding of theatre as a multifaceted craft. Learning how to communicate both on and off stage during the life of a production has been invaluable; since moving to Chicago, I've been lucky enough to work with a variety of theatres, from storefront companies to equity houses like the Goodman, in multiple capacities. The tenacity required to seek out and successfully obtain and complete these projects is undeniably a product of UW-Parkside's theatre department. They prepare students to be bold, resourceful and relentless – without that precedent during my academic training, I would not be the successful young professional I am today.

Chad Bay, 2011
Production Assistant – American Players Theatre 2009
Acting Intern – Riverside Theatre 2010
Company Member – Riverside Theatre 2011
Professional Actor, Design Assistant, Graphics Designer – Chicago, IL
Co-founder The Framework Theatre Company, Chicago, IL

When I first got accepted into the theatre program at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, I was dead set on becoming an actor and only an actor. My professors soon taught me that I needed to do more than just act, because it is a lot easier to market yourself as a theater artist than it is to market yourself as only an actor or only a technician. They were right. By the time I graduated, I had already worked for American Players Theatre as a Production Assistant and the Assistant Company Manager. It was a really great feeling to be leaving college with two resumes, one for acting and one for production, with professional-level work on them. I was able to start finding jobs immediately after graduation because of the large range of knowledge my professors gave me. I am currently working for five different theater companies in many different aspects. I have to thank all of the UW-Parkside Faculty and Staff for opening up so many doors to me. I don't know where I would be without having gone to UW-Parkside.

Brandon Herr, 2011
Acting Intern - Milwaukee Repertory Theater 2012
Project Manager/Group & Rental Sales Representative - Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
Director - Milwaukee Youth Theatre
Theater Manager - Marcus Center for the Performing Arts

After graduation, I recall Professor Dean Yohnk telling me I was resourceful, and I would definitely have to give credit to UW-Parkside's Theatre Department for this valuable skill. Prior to transferring to UW-Parkside, my views of what I could achieve and what I wanted to achieve in professional theatre were limited and a bit narrow. But as I was given opportunities to explore all facets of theatre at UW-Parkside, I realized the possibilities were incredibly broad. The boldness, creativity and passion the faculty and students at Parkside possess is infectious, and the environment they created gave me the permission to follow suit. I entered Parkside's theatre program focusing on acting. I left the program with a valuable set of skills that I have applied to acting, design, education and direction. Because of the breadth of training I received at UW-Parkside, I found employment immediately after graduation. I have to thank UW-Parkside's faculty for the breadth of training they offer. The experiences I have had as a student, artist and individual at UW-Parkside have been incredibly rewarding and have taught me to be versatile, persistent, and very rescourceful.

Amanda Kay Thomm, 2010
Prairie Fire Theatre - Actor/Director
CLIMB Theatre - Actor/Educator

Majoring in Theatre Arts at UW-Parkside was a perfect choice for me. At UW-Parkside I was encouraged and expected to learn about all aspects of the theatrical arts. This allowed me the opportunity to appreciate theatre on many new levels, not just as a director or actor but also as a designer and technician. This breadth of knowledge helped me to explore and clarify my artistic and career goals and objectives and eventually led me to my choice to become a director. But the most important aspect of my UW-Parkside educational experience was the depth of practical knowledge and skills that I gained in the program-knowledge and skills which helped me become unbelievably prepared for a career in the professional theatre. As I began to look for professional theatre work prior to graduation, I was surprised by the number of potential employers who were impressed by the variety and depth of knowledge that I possessed about the theatre and my ability to communicate with all the members of a production company. I was employed as a professional theatre artist prior to my graduation because of the range and depth of knowledge and skills that I possessed about life and theatre as well as my abilities to apply this information in real-world settings and in an exciting and rewarding career.

Dylan S. Roberts, 2010
Professional Director/Actor
Missoula Children's Theatre Company
Co-founder The Framework Theatre Company, Chicago, IL

Let's be honest. When I entered UW-Parkside as a freshman, I didn't really want any more formal schooling. I knew that I wanted to be a professional actor, but I didn't want more books and classes to postpone the art and acting that I felt I had to create and do on my own. I was also 18 and well, naive. Now, a few years later and as a working professional actor, I can honestly say that I would not be the actor and professional that I am without the UW-Parkside theatre program and its dedicated faculty and staff. They cultivate a company-like environment with rigorous and professional standards, encouraging their student's to achieve their fullest potential as artists and as students-and I know now that you need both to survive and be successful in the real world. The theatre faculty and staff are demanding and they do not expect, nor accept, anything less than your best and because of that, UW-Parkside has become a theater department that produces some of the best multi-disciplined theater practitioners this side of the Mississippi. I am a successful working theatre artist and a well-rounded successful person today because of the time, effort, and dedication afforded to me by the UW-Parkside Theatre Arts Department faculty and staff. The hard work and persistence is worth it . . . every last bit of it.

Derek Ewing, 2010
Professional Actor and Company Member
Climb Theatre Company
Company Member, Urban Samurai, Minneapolis, Minnesota

For me, the best part of the theatre program at UW-Parkside was how much it felt like a family. The closeness of all the students, faculty, and staff really made the place feel like a home. The faculty and staff truly care about the academics and personal well being of their students. I know part of this comes from the small size of the program. With the program being audition only and having a cap on the number of theatre majors, everyone in the program benefits. This gives every student personal attention and a ton of opportunities both on and back stage working on shows. Also, classes are never so big that you feel like a number in the crowd. While there, I also had the opportunity to be a studio art minor, which was wonderful, helping me both grow as an artist and broaden my horizons. In my final year at UWP the faculty and staff did everything they could to help me achieve my dream of being a college professor by helping me find an appropriate graduate school. With their help, I am happily in grad school now and wouldn't change a thing. 

Mike Kaukl, 2009
MFA Stage Design Graduate
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX

Getting the opportunity to create theatre and music at UW-Parkside was one of the best experiences of my life as an artist. UW-Parkside has a small, but very balanced theatre department. You get a balance of academic and practical coursework, diverse directors and productions, and an amazing staff. The theatre department was an excellent guide in discovering my goals and helping me achieve them in my four years there. I can't imagine that I would have felt more well-rounded and prepared for work in regional theatre having gone anywhere else.

Bradford Chapin, 2008
Professional Sound Designer and Engineer
San Francisco, CA
MFA Candidate, Sound Design
University of IL-Urbana-Champaign

My experience at UW-Parkside really shaped who I am as an actor today-how I work, how I approach challenges, and how I balance life in the world of theatre. During my time there, I not only had the opportunity as an actor to create various roles on stage, but I also assistant directed two productions, opening my eyes to new possibilities and making me a more well rounded actor. Above all, the faculty and staff really impacted me in my growth as a student, artist, and individual. They challenged me, encouraged me, and were always honest with me. I took the faculty's feedback and recommendations to heart in academic and artistic situations, and their direct and honest critiques and recommendations completely changed how I approach work in the theatre and life then-and to this day. My experience at Parkside prepared me for the intense acting internship I did at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, as well as the challenging and exciting life as an actor in Chicago.

Jacquie Beyer, 2006
Professional Actress
Milwaukee/Chicago Regional Theatres

The first moment that I knew I belonged in UW-Parkside's Theatre Program was my initial audition into the department. UW-Parkside was the first and only school that I auditioned for and I was nervous prior to the audition because I wanted to do so well. But when my very positive audition was over, Chair Dean Yohnk walked me out to the lobby where my Dad was nervously awaiting for me and as I found out later, he went up to my Dad and told him not to be nervous for me because I did a such a great job. That gave me a lot of confidence. One of my last memorable experiences at UW-Parkside was playing Lady Macbeth opposite of my acting coach and friend, Jamie Cheatham. That experience alone was rewarding and as I walked out to take my last bow at UW-Parkside with Jamie, the entire cast cheered. I will never forget that. These memories just go to show how supportive both the professors and the students within the theatre department are and continue to be.

Amy Malcom, 2008
Actress (Milwaukee/Chicago)

As a transfer student I found the theatre company at UW-Parkside very open and welcoming.  I soon found myself very assimilated and involved with the department.  The UW-Parkside Theatre Department offered me an education in every aspect of theatre from acting to design to directing.   With the help of a supportive and qualified teaching staff I was able to tailor my classes to suit my specific needs.  The collaborative team spirit and hands on experience I had really helped me learn and apply just exactly what it takes to become a professional theatre artist.  Immediately after graduation I was hired at a CLIMB Theatre based in the Twin Cities.  The leadership skills I acquired at Parkside not only prepared me to act at CLIMB, but also direct, tour manager, playwright and design.  I believe I received an invaluable education at Parkside that I would not have gotten otherwise in any other undergraduate program!

Neil Schneider, 2007
Company Manager, CLIMB Theatre
Coordinator, Twin Cities Unified Theatre Auditions (TCUTAs)
Company Member, Freshwater Theatre, Minneapolis, MN

When I first arrived at UW - Parkside's theatre department, I was immediately welcomed by students and faculty alike.  I wanted to get involved in the program as soon as I could so I approached one of the faculty and asked how.  I very promptly found myself working on the first main stage production of the year as an assistant stage manager.  From then on, I was constantly involved in shows and outside projects.  The UWP Theatre Arts Department afforded me the opportunities I needed to hone my skills, not only as a stage manager, but in every aspect from design to directing to acting.  By the time I was ready to graduate, I was facing some questions on where I should go and exactly what I should do with my new degree.  The faculty was there every step of the way to guide me in those decisions so that I felt I could venture out into the "real" world and apply myself.  I can definitely say that my time spent at UWP was worth every minute.

Alexa Border, 2007
Professional Stage Manager
Univeral Studios (California)

As a transfer student from UW-Milwaukee I found Parkside very welcoming. The theatre program at Parkside helped me grow and develop into a confident and well-rounded designer. As a design focus I was encouraged to explore all the design elements of theatre. The“theatre company” gave me a chance to design five shows which has helped build my portfolio. Designing for shows also helped me understand the process, commitment and drive it takes to become a professional theatre designer. Looking back at my experiences at Parkside I can certainly say that transferring to Parkside was the best decisions I could have made. I recommend anyone who wants to become a well-rounded theatre artist to pursue an education at UW-Parkside.

Erica Kollatz, 2006
Wardrobe/Wig/Make-up Assistant
First Stage Childrens' Theatre (Milwaukee)

Through the support of the dedicated theatre staff at UW-Parkside, I was able to custom fit my education to suit my unique needs. In a program where I was exposed to every aspect of the art, from acting to design, it was easy to find my place in the world of the theatre. I also left UW-Parkside with the skills I needed to be confident in myself and to further my education and career. I truly believe that I would have never received the opportunities that I was given at a larger university with a bigger name. The personal hands on training that I received allowed me to hone my skills and become a well rounded artist and theatre professional. With the help of this incredibly collaborative and supportive program, I was able to take what I learned at UW-Parkside and transfer it into an acceptance letter from an internationally competitive program in Musical Theatre Writing at NYU. My time at Parkside was exactly what I needed to give me the confidence and skills to pursue my dreams and make them a reality.

Brandon Anderson, 2005
MFA New York University Tisch School of Drama
Professional Composer, Singer/Songwriter, New York, NY

I entered the UW-Parkside theatre program as an actor, but quickly realized that my interests and talents fell in many different categories. I was encouraged to explore these areas and found myself immersed in directing, designing, and acting. Because of the opportunity to explore and develop my skills in so many areas, I have become a skilled, confident, well-rounded theatre artist with a strong work ethic. Artistic opportunities were endless at UW-Parkside. Not only was I able to design shows at school, I was supported in my decision to direct and design shows at other theatres in the community, building a resume that has earned me an assistantship and tuition waiver to the University of Florida-Gainesville where I will receive my MFA in costume design.

Kristen M. Singer , 2005
Certified/Experienced Theatre Arts Teacher
Freelance Music Director/Accompanist/Costume Designer, New York, NY

As a transfer student to  UW-Parkside's Theatre Arts Program I was welcomed immediately into the department and felt right at home among the rest of the "company."  The staff was very flexible and helped me to make the most out of my time there.  One of the great things about the department is the encouragement I received from its staff to help me find and make my own opportunities.  Because of this I was able to intern as a theatre teacher and director at a local school during my senior year.  This afforded me the chance to apply what I had learned in all of my classes, allowing me to sharpen the skills I had acquired .  It also gave me a chance to experience my chosen career path before graduation.  The knowledge and skills that I am taking away with me have not only prepared me for a career in theatre but life as well.

Liz Caronti, 2006
Theatre Teacher

UW–Parkside has provided me with the know-how and drive to pursue my varied desires and goals in theatre. I was able to become completely immersed in all aspects of theatre from the very beginning and was provided innumerable opportunities to advance myself. The faculty support was immeasurable and invaluable to my academic, theatrical, and personal growth. I was given the ability and tools to cultivate myself into a confident theatre artist and as I look back I can, with certainty, say that my time in the UW-Parkside Theatre Arts Department was one of the best experiences in my life.

Nathan C. Stamper, 2006
Professional Freeland Stage Manager and Theatre Educator

As a transfer student, I have found Parkside's Theatre Arts Department to be very welcoming and helping each and every incoming student's transition between schools come with ease. While here, each student is taught and encouraged to be leaders. This eclectic program offers a wide range of courses preparing us to be well-rounded majors with an understanding of several areas of theatre. I feel confident in pursuing my career as a stage manager leaving UW-Parkside as I have learned effective communication, organization, and a collective and collaborative effort to bring to any production team.

Barbara Lawrence, 2006
Stage Manager

My experience in the UW-Parkside Theatre Arts Department couldn't have been more fulfilling. Academic and artistic opportunities here are endless. I am leaving UW-Parkside with skills in all sides of theatre, including technical, design and performance. As a transfer student to UW-Parkside, I believe that here I received the most well-rounded education possible and had opportunities to be on stage, design and work on shows as soon as I arrived here. It is a wonderful place to be!

Carina Henderson, 2005
Freelance Theatre Artist and Educator

The theatre staff encouraged me to develop my own personal artistic "eye" and aesthetic. Using this skill as a filter, I was able to make experienced and informed artistic choices in my own ventures, providing me great personal strength and confidence because I knew I could trust my artistic eye and gut – and that is important in the 'great, big world'. Another aspect I greatly appreciate about the UW–Parkside Theatre Arts Department is the fact that there is space for the students to suggest and put up their own projects and ideas — to take their own initiative as artists. Gaining independence as an artist in an environment where mentoring is accessible is one of the greatest strengths one will find in any theatre program.

Benjamin Komistra, 2005
Freelance Scenic and Lighting Designer

The UW-Parkside theatre program has been a great springboard for me.  I have designed eight different designs for shows at Parkside and have built up a strong professional resume and portfolio during my time here.  Parkside also has an active Drama Club which produces shows, providing the students with even more artistic and managerial skills and experiences necessary to create theatre professionally in the real world.  I am now a confident and competent theatre designer and artist with a background in all aspects of the art form. 

Fionnegan Justus Murphy, 2005
MFA in Sound Design from the California Institute of Arts
Professional Sound Designer and Sound Technician at
Univeristy of California - Los Angeles

What really makes the UW-Parkside Theatre Arts program special is the faculty and the focus they place on the students. The faculty here is a wonderful source of support and encouragement who showed me how to use my talents, sharpen my assets, and then how to apply them to the theatre. They treated me as an equal, encouraging me to participate in production meetings and in the process of designing and building a show. This encouragement and trust allowed me to become a well-rounded, able, and confident designer and artist who has the tools to head into the “real” world and be as successful there as I have been here at Parkside.

Claire Panger, 2005
Professional Actress (Chicago)

“As a Theatre Arts major at UW-Parkside I always felt as though there were no limits to what I could accomplish. If I was interested in exploring some aspect of theatre the faculty would find a way for me to gain both knowledge and hands-on experience in that area. I feel that the training and opportunities that I was given during my time at UW-Parkside made me well-prepared to complete a stage management internship at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago at the end of my senior year and for further graduate studies in the MFA program at the University of Alabama. I would recommend UW-Parkside’s Theatre Arts program to any student ready to make theatre their life as well as to those who are just interested in learning more about the art.”

Melissa Van Swol, 2003
MFA in Stage Management from the University of Alabama
Professional Stage Manager at Alabama Shakespeare Festival (Alabama)

“I always knew that I wanted to be an actor and a theatre major in college and just assumed that I needed to go to a “big name” school on the east or west coast. When I discovered UW-Parkside I found what I like to call a ‘diamond in the rough’ right here in the Midwest. UW-Parkside has a great theatre program that allowed me to get a lot of personal attention and opportunities to grow as a student and as an actor. As I look back, I am thrilled that I chose UW-Parkside. The education that I have received from my professors was at a level that I originally expected from those “big name” schools – and I know that I have the tools and passionneeded to succeed as an actor in graduate school and in the professional world beyond.”

Lenny Banovez, 2004
MFA in Acting from Ohio University
Professional Actor and Director - New York City
Artistic Director TITAN Theatre Company, NYC

“When I first came to UW-Parkside I admittedly knew very little about the Theatre Arts Department. But the more that I delved into the wealth of opportunities offered at UW-Parkside, the more amazed I was that I hadn’t heard about this outstanding program previously. In my four years at UW-Parkside I had the pleasure of working on almost every production in a variety of roles, both on stage and behind the scenes. I had my hands in every portion of theatre and, as I ventured out into the real world, it was amazing to discover the high level of training that I had received when compared to that received by graduates from other schools. UW-Parkside gave me all of the tools that I needed to feel competent and confident entering the uncertain and difficult field of professional acting. I will always treasure my years spent herewith this wonderfully talented and dedicated faculty and staff.”

Danielle Siver, 2004
Professional Actress and Theatre Entrepreneur (Minneapolis, MN)
Company Member, 20% Theatre Company, Minneapolis, MN

“I transferred to UW-Parkside because I found the department to be an intimate educational setting where my personal talents, skills, and interests could be developed with attention by the faculty. I knew that I would never be just a ‘number on the roster’ at UW-Parkside. I found that the students, faculty, and staff were eager to welcome me into the ‘family.’ I learned that it is indeed true that a great theatre company becomes an extended family with the common goal of creating great theatre. I found this at UW-Parkside.”

Kristie Kearney, 2004
Professional Theater Educator (Minneapolis, MN)

“The Theatre Arts Department at UW-Parkside provided me with excellent educational and artistic opportunities, preparing me well for graduate school and a career in the professional theatre. I got extensive practical experience in virtually every aspect of theatre including acting, directing, stage combat, costumes, make up, design, and much, much more. I was able to leave the program with a very strong and diverse resume. I am proud of the work that I did while at UW-Parkside, and am proud to tell others that I am a graduate of this fine program.”

Timothy Bohn, 2002
MFA in Director from the University of North Carolina - Greensboro
Assistant Professor of Theatre at Arkansas State University

“As a designer and theatre technician at UW-Parkside, I had the opportunity to learn about theatre while doing theatre, both on campus and at a variety of professional theatres. My resume is filled with many valuable and diverse design and production credits, all of which have helped me land an exciting apprenticeship at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. I know that I’m ready for a career in the professional theatre.”

Steve Sorenson, 2002
Lighting Apprentice
Milwaukee Repertory Theatre

“Although I considered attending many larger, more ‘famous’ theatre training programs around the country, I chose UW-Parkside because of the amazing opportunities that it provided for me in the classroom and in the theatre. As I graduated and headed off to graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University, I realized that I had been very well-prepared educationally and artistically at UW-Parkside.”

Jenny Kostreva, 2002
MFA in Theatre Pedagogy from VIrginia Commonwealth University
Education Director at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre

"The Theatre Arts Program at UW-Parkside is a great experience. In my four years at UWP as an undergraduate I was able to design the make-up for six shows. Two of the six shows included the design and implementation of foam latex prosthetics. I was also able to design masks for two shows and costumes for one show. The amount of student designing that the program encourages is impressive and the instructor to student ratio is unbeatable. If you crave more than just the classroom and want to learn theatre through critical involvement in every production, the Theater Arts Program at UW-Parkside is for you."

Corey Welk, 2002
Professional Make-up Designer (Los Angeles, CA)

UW-Parkside was able to offer me something many other programs couldn't – a great amount of time on stage. While weighing UW-Parkside against other "big name" schools, UW-Parkside was clearly the right choice. I very much believe the best way for an actor to learn is on the stage. This is where talent is truly cultivated. My professors at UW-Parkside understood that. They put into practice the theory that studio class time is not an end of itself but rather an opening of doors for the actor to carry into production. Furthermore, because of the small class sizes, all of my classmates and I were given intense one-on-one training from day one. I can't explain how valuable that training has been for me. Because of the training I received at UW-Parkside, I was able to get accepted into the Milwaukee Repertory acting internship program and the American Players Theatre professional internship program. Since then, I have worked professionally in lead and supporting roles with New American Theater, Theatre X, Milwaukee Shakespeare Company, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, First Stage Children's Theater, and the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, having become a member of Actors Equity Association in 2002. After five years of acting professionally, I decided to pursue my MFA and was ultimately accepted into seven exceptional graduate programs. I truly would not be the professional I am or in such a prestigious MFA program without my undergrad training at University of Wisconsin-Parkside - a prestigious program in its own right.

Simon Provan, 2000
MFA in Acting from the University of Texas
Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Wisconsin College System

"As a young performer, the Theatre Arts Program at UW-Parkside allowed me to have many rewarding and memorable experiences. In the classroom, I was engaged by my professors and challenged to develop the skills necessary to perform effectively in production. I was also provided the opportunity to earn many different roles in a wide variety of styles and work with many different theatre artists. Most importantly, my experience at UWP gave me the confidence and necessary skills that it takes to compete and preserver in the entertainment industry. Since graduating, I have earned my MFA in Acting from the University of Virginia, performed and directed as a professional theatre artist throughout the country, and I have accepted a tenure track position at Whittier College. As I continue to work as an actor and director in the Los Angeles area, I have the opportunity to help develop and revitalize a budding theatre program as an educator. Fortunately, I have a great model and many experiences to draw upon from my time in the Theatre Arts Department at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside."

Gil Gonzalez, 2000
MFA in Acting from the University of Virginia
Assistant Professor of Theatre
Whittier College(Los Angeles, CA)

"I chose The University of Wisconsin Parkside because it offered me hands on training and personal attention in a fantastic and meticulously maintained facility. Because I learned while on stage, I am prepared to do my best work in any possible situation. Just before graduating from Parkside, I began working professionally on-camera in Milwaukee and Chicago. I was able to sneak in a few more shoots while on the East Coast, where I received my MFA from The University of Virginia. I am a member of The Screen Actors Guild, and am enjoying life as a working actor in Los Angeles. In addition, I occasionally teach acting, auditioning, and actor-marketing classes and workshops. The University of Wisconsin Parkside gave me my core foundation as an actor. It prepared me for graduate school, and for real life in the acting industry. While I continued training after Parkside, I attribute much of the actor I am today to the skills I gained there. It's a real gem."

Katie Liddicoat, 1999
MFA in Acting from the University of Virgina,
Professional Actress (Los Angeles, CA)

My training at UW Parkside way back in the early 90's was invaluable to me as a performer and a person. I enjoyed the more intimate setting and close attention of the faculty and staff, and I gained a varied amount of training in theatre, technical and on-camera. I was also first introduced to my home base -- New York City -- when I received the yearly New York trip scholarship. It was great to know what I was getting into in the professional theatre. I've been working successfully in Off-Broadway, New York and regional theatre ever since, and I feel confident about the springboard of training I received at UWP as an actor.

Thadd Krueger, 1994
Professional Actor (New York City)
www.thaddkrueger.com