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TDPS Virtual Graduation Reception 2020

TDPS Virtual Graduation Reception 2020

In anticipation of the virtual UMD Main Commencement and ARHU Commencement ceremonies airing on Friday, May 22, the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies is hosting a virtual reception on Thursday, May 21 to celebrate our school's graduates and their accomplishments with their families.

Join us here or on our Facebook page on Thursday, May 21 at 10AM as our faculty speak to our students' accomplishments.

Download the program and access the event's transcript live.

 

TDPS Virtual Graduation from The Clarice on Vimeo.

About our 2020 graduates

M.F.A. in Dance

Ronya Lee Anderson With degrees in dance, English and theology, Ronya-Lee is an artist and educator. A former member of the Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble, and Liz Lerman’s Dance Exchange, she has performed nationally and internationally. In her own work, she incorporates movement, original music, costume design and fine art. Graduating with an M.F.A. in dance, she will continue at UMD in the fall to pursue a Phd in Theater and Performance Studies.  

Heidi McFall created a number of works during her time at UMD, collaborating with artists in TDPS as well as the School of Music. Outside of UMD these pieces have been performed in Wisconsin, Virginia, DC and New York. Her thesis concert, Corpora Caelestia: A Movement Opera blends music, dance and design. While here, Heidi presented papers at three conferences, wrote program notes for the Maryland Opera Studio and published a review in Opera Today! 

M.F.A. in Lighting Design

Lauren Gallup has designed several mainstage shows at UMD including Citizen, Tides and The Visit. In town, she's assisted at Studio Theatre, and designed for Imagination Stage, Signature in the Schools and Nu Sass. During her time at UMD, Lauren was a lighting design fellow at The Hangar Theatre and one of ETC's 2019 Fred Foster Mentorship students. She's excited to continue working with wonderful collaborators in DC and around the country.

M.F.A. in Scenic Design

Ryan Fox has designed six productions while at the University of Maryland: Solstice & Equinox, Akwantou: Plight of the Immigrant, Citizen: An American Lyric, Street Scene, Mahagonny, Zaubernaucht and Noises Off. He has assisted on a wide variety of shows throughout the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. This fall he will be joining the faculty of Rockford University as an assistant professor of theatre design. 

Grace Guarniere designed 6 main stage shows in the Dance, Kogod and Kay Theatres and assisted Professors Dan Conway and Misha Kachman on several professional productions. She is excited to move to New York to pursue the next step of her career. A special thanks to her advisors and faculty that have given her the confidence and vocabulary to fight or “lawyer” her designs. Her degree is dedicated to her friends and family!

Yunpu Hu designed Heidi Chronicles and assisted in several shows with TDPS. In town, he has assisted on Chicago Shakespeare theatre and Studio Theatre. After graduation, Yunpu is going to China and will keep working as designer in the theater field.

M.F.A. in Costume Design

Kiana Vincenty has designed five mainstage shows at UMD including The Visit, She Kills Monsters Virtual Realms, Citizen and Burnish (Magenta #8). In town, she has assisted at Studio Theatre, Round House Theatre and Imagination Stage, as well as held an associate position at Olney Theatre and designed for Imagination Stage, Keegan Theatre and 4615. Kiana looks forward to being able to design professionally full time and pursue amazing productions with even better collaborators. Here's to the class of 2020!

M.A. in Theatre and Performance Studies

Medha Marsten

Ph.D. in Theatre and Performance Studies

Nur Qasdina Jeeta Abdullah's research focuses on the exploration of original practices in the United States, specifically its relationship with education programs. Her dissertation focused on two case studies, the American Shakespeare Center and Atlanta Shakespeare company, and their commitment to original practices. Jeeta is currently teaching at the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts at University Malaysia Sarawak in Malaysia.

Elisabeth Fallica

Les Gray's research focuses on Black cultural production and its relationship to trauma and terror. Their dissertation case studies performances of spectacular Black pain as well as considering the potential for joy, healing, and solidarity. Les has most recently presented work at conferences including The American Society for Theatre Research in Arlington, VA and The International Federation of Theatre Research in Belgrade and has also worked on dramaturgy and audience connection for UMD and Woolly Mammoth. In the fall, they are excited to begin a postdoctoral fellowship in the department of theatre at the University of Missouri. 

B.A. in Dance

Sandra Bazubwabo is graduating with two degrees, one in government and politics and one in dance. She has danced in a Second Season work and an M.F.A. Thesis concert as well as choreographing for the undergraduate production of UMoves. She has also participated in a work shown at Joe's Movement Emporium last fall. After graduation, she will work with Americorps in DC for a year and will pursue work in dance, performance, and research.

Sarah Budlow is graduating as a CAPA Scholar with a B.A. in dance and public health and human behavior. She has performed in second season pieces Doubled Bodies and Finding Space Between as well as in UMoves. She loved giving tours to prospective students and is excited to be teaching dance at a camp this summer.

Ayanna Byrd will be graduating with a B.A. in dance and a B.S. in community health. During her time in undergrad she has participated in various shows with TDPS, including Sarah Oppenheim's Satch, and Alex and Xan's 2018 UMoves piece. Upon graduation, Ayanna will be working for the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Pharmacy, while also furthering her passion for dance. 

Nana Edu is graduating with a B.A. in dance. While at UMD, he’s been a part of plenty of pieces and shows, as well as performed with Breathe Dance Project and Contra-Tiempo Urban Latin Dance Theatre. He is also a proud member of DCX. After graduation, Nana is looking forward to freelancing and teaching in the DC area.

Joseph Gipson

Gabriela Grant is graduating with a double major in dance and social change through dance, which she designed through UMD's Individual Studies Program. She was named a Creative and Performing Arts Scholar for the 2018-2019 academic year and the Spring 2020 semester, as well as the very first Alvin Mayes Leadership Scholarship Recipient in 2018. She has enjoyed working with various artists in and outside of the UMD community, including but not limited to, Abby Zibikowski, Fresh Redding, the JaM Youth Project, Culture Shock DC, Ronya-Lee Anderson and Kendra Portier, to name a few.

Ira (Atlas) Hill

Hana Huie is graduating with dual degrees in dance and theatre. She has worn many hats as a performer in dance and theater productions, Second Season producer, choreographer, playwright and costume designer. Hana has served as the president of Delta Chi Xi and dance liaison for UTAS and plans to pursue dance in New York City in the (hopefully) not-so-distant future.

Marianna Kurban

Jemma Lehner is graduating from the University of Maryland with a dual degree and dance performance and business management. During her time at Maryland, Lehner performed with Unbound Dance Team, in UMoves: undergraduate dance concert, DCX's New Dances, the Faculty Dance Concert and The Visit. 

Sydney Lemelin is graduating with a B.A. in dance and a B.S. in information science. At UMD, Sydney choreographed and co-choreographed Second Season productions Rockfish and Champagne Party for Time Travelers. Next fall, she looks forward to performing with BANDportier and Britta Joy Peterson. 

Anna Liddle is graduating with degrees in psychology, dance and Spanish. She will be moving to Austin and completing her Master’s in industrial/organizational psychology through George Mason University.

Brianna Nelson is graduating with a B.A. in dance. At UMD, she performed in several works presented at The Clarice, Joe’s Movement Emporium and The Kennedy Center. She was a member of many groups including Delta Chi Xi Honorary Dance Fraternity and the UMD Treblemakers a cappella group. After graduation, Brianna hopes to end up at either Disney or Broadway to continue performing, and eventually receive her Masters.

Rylee (Leo) Simmons is graduating with degrees in dance and mathematics. She was in Zaubernacht and involved in many student-led performances. After teaching dance and math at New Hope Academy this year, she has decided to continue in education and will be joining the teaching faculty at Foxcroft Boarding School this fall. 

B.A. in Theatre

Diallo Adams is graduating from TDPS with a focus in stage management. He is proud to have been co-artistic ddirector of Kreativity Diversity Troupe. He has worked on Eurydice, Citizen, UMoves, Soundtrack and She Kills Monsters. He is excited to pursue a career in theater, in whatever form that may be!  

Kathleen Arnold

Kelli Barfield is graduating with a double degree in communications and theatre. She has directed two full length shows, acted in various graduate and undergraduate student shows and is currently the managing director of an all women’s theater organization at UMD called The Muses.

Zavar Blackledge is graduating with a B.A. in theatre. At UMD, he has been a part of the lighting and props team for three years. His aspiration is to one day become a production team member in local DC theatre.

Jamie Bokman is graduating summa cum laude with a B.A. in theatre and philosophy. She is the UTAS director of communications and The Muses’ associate producer. At UMD, she most loved performing in Melancholy Play, Hamlet: Replayed and Noises Off. After graduation, Jamie is attending graduate school for television writing.

Des’ree Brown is graduating with a B.A. in theatre and a minor in arts leadership. She is the founder and artistic director of The Muses. She has been involved with many staged readings, workshops and four main stage shows since her time at UMD, including Citizen, Hamlet: Replayed, Flyin’ West and A Doll’s House. She will be attending the Kennedy Center Directing Intensive in July.

Ariana Caldwell is a senior communications and theatre double major. During her time at UMD, Ariana has participated in three main stage shows, both as an actor and assistant director, two Second Season shows and two short films. She is also an alum of the UMD Arts Scholars Program and a proud member of the University Film Forum. As a lover of all things cinema, Ariana hopes to continue her journey into the film industry post graduation, whether it's through writing, directing or acting. 

Ryan Coia

Chloé Costello is graduating with a double degree in theatre performance and government and politics. During her time in TDPS, Chloé enjoyed performing in four mainstage productions: Little Shop of Horrors, Hamlet Replayed, The Visit and Noises Off.  She is excited to begin acting, singin and working professionally in the DC area! 

Ben Fish is proud to be a member of TDPS' Spring 2020 graduating class! While at UMD, Ben performed in five main stage productions, including Citizen, The Visit and Noises Off. He also became a Spotify-published performer with Jewish a cappella group Rak Shalom. He's keeping his red sweater.

Miranda Hall is graduating with a B.A. in theatre and a minor in heritage language and Latino/a culture. She performed in The Heidi Chronicles and Flyin’ West, as well as assistant directed She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms. She would like to thank all of the wonderful professors and faculty at UMD for being in her life changing undergrad experience. 

Hana Huie is graduating with dual degrees in dance and theatre. She has worn many hats as a performer in dance and theater productions, Second Season producer, choreographer, playwright and costume designer. Hana has served as the president of Delta Chi Xi and dance liaison for UTAS and plans to pursue dance in New York City in the (hopefully) not-so-distant future.

Trayonna Hutchins has been a Creative and Performing Arts Scholar for four years and was blessed enough to have been a part of five mainstage productions during her time at UMD. After graduation, she plans to continue her education and develop her long-term creative projects. 

Jennifer Kasnadi

Molly Klezer

Sophia Mattison is a first-generation theatre graduate from the University of Maryland. She is a performer, director and educator. Her credits at UMD included: the Fearless New Play Festival and The Moms in The Muses production of Dance Nation. Outside credits include Rosemary from How to Succeed in Business and Jessie from Dog Lady. She has a focus on directing Children’s Theatre with credits including The Avalon, Kent Island Summer theatre and St. Anne’s of Annapolis. Sophia has also worked with special needs students and first graders in the classroom. 

Jasmine Mitchell is graduating with a B.A. in theatre. UMD Credits include Babel, Hamlet, She Kills Monsters. Kreativity Diversity Troupe. Jasmine also directed three Second Season production and was awarded Honorable Mention at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). She will work with Andy's Summer Playhouse this summer, and dreams to put her musical Rapunzel on Broadway one day. She wants to thank Jen, Scot, Jared, Caitlin, Lisa, Susan, the costume shop, her theatre tribe, her family and Jesus Christ.

Benjamin Panah is graduating as a CAPA scholar participating in several TDPS main stage productions. After graduation, he plans to continue to pursue his dream of acting. He would like to thank his friends and family for supporting him.

Nina Parekh is graduating with degrees in theatre and psychology. She is the president of UTAS and a Creative and Performing Arts Scholar. Her UMD credits include A Doll House, Hamlet Replayed, Citizen, Eurydice and Love and Information. This fall, Nina will be attending the University of Akron to pursue her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology!

Dion Denisse Macaraig Peñaflor  - a.k.a. Denisse with two “s”’s - is a proud co-artistic director of Kreativity Diversity Troupe and has performed in three main stage productions, including The Visit, for which she was nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Award. She has interned at Arena Stage where she worked with their community engagement and casting departments. Denisse is grateful for all of the lessons learned from her professors and mentors and for the crazy, wonderful memories she and her friends and colleagues have created. She plans on working in the DC area for a few years and hopes to create a larger space for Asian American artists across the country in the future.

Abigail Reno

Victoria Scherini

Amber Smithers is graduating with her B.A. in theatre. She was a part of the Sigma Tau society as well as a Kreativity Diversity Troupe member. She was blessed to be a part of  She Kills Monsters, The Kennedy Center American Theatre Festival, Fearless New Play Festival and The Heidi Chronicles. She is excited to continue cultivating the type of theater that brings her joy.  

Kyle Starling is graduating with a B.A. in theatre. He has represented TDPS as a CAPA scholar as well as the Director of Advocacy for UTAS. After performing for The Kennedy Center, at the National Portrait Gallery and in six main stage productions, Kyle is ready to take his training to the next level.  

Hunter Stempin

Taylor Stokes is graduating with a double major in theatre and English. She has performed in Little Shop of Horrors, The Heidi Chronicles, The Fearless New Play Festival, The Visit and Noises Off. She also completed a professional internship at Imagination Stage, and is extremely excited to launch her career in Washington DC!

Wileen Tam

Lucy Taylor is graduating with a bachelor's degree in theatre with a minor in rhetoric. Lucy performed in and helped devise CLOVE as well as Hamlet: Replayed with TDPS. It was Lucy’s honor to take several classes with Leslie Felbain, allowing the opportunity to develop characters such as Lala the clown and Dorothea Dix, who she portrayed at the National Portrait Gallery. Lucy is looking forward to moving back to New York City as a content creator and actor.

Savannah Verrette

Monique Wingo graduates with three B.A. degrees in journalism, theatre and communication. During her studies at UMD, she has worked at TBS and NBCUniversal in New York City. Monique looks forward to continued creativity in the leading market for film, media and theatre—hoping to change the world through art. 

Photos from our virtual graduation reception

TDPS virtual graduation ceremony 2020