Alumni
Wooster Theatre and Dance majors choose diverse career paths. Some pursue advanced study at schools such as Yale, Rutgers, Ball State, Columbia, Boston University, Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, Ohio State, Florida State, Texas Tech, The University of Illinois, and New York University. Some work for professional theatre or dance companies, while others join arts organizations.
The broad liberal arts background offered at Wooster and the research skills gained through I.S. prepare students for a wide variety of careers.
Stephen Quandt (’85) (MFA NYU) was a professional lighting designer located in New York city and also taught at Queens College. In 2018 he transitioned to a new career in animal welfare specializing in feline behavior. He works at the NYC animal shelter and as a self employed certified feline behavior consultant. He has also published a children’s book with his husband Thom Heyer (illustrator) about cat behavior called Happy Comes Home.
Sarah McGraw (’85) is an actor, director, instructor at Wexford Acting Studio.
Jonathan Becker (’86) Freelance Theatre Artist, has toured internationally as a performer and has received invitations from 31 institutions in 6 countries as a master teacher. He is the owner/operator and master mask maker at Theater-Masks.com shipping masks to educational institutions, professional theatres and individual artists in over 50 countries. Jonathan is a graduate of Ecole Lecoq in Paris, France. He has a BA in Theatre from The College of Wooster, an MA in Acting and Directing from The University of Akron and an MFA in Theatre Pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Martin McDougall (’86) is a London based film actor (Saving Private Ryan, Batman Begins, FDR, The Fifth Element).
Prester Pickett (’87) became the first African American to acquire an M.F.A. in Acting from CWRU. He’s written several social dramas and is best known for his play Eighth Day of the Week: An African American Family’s Journey with Alzheimer’s. He’s also known for his presentation of speeches by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and has toured Italy with his wife who enhances his recitations with songs by Mahalia Jackson. He’s served as the Coordinator of the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center for the past 25 years.
Claude Engle (’88) (MFA NYU) is an architectural lighting designer based in Washington DC.
Caty DeWalt (’88) is an English teacher at Upper St. Clair High School in Pittsburgh. She earned her Ph. D. in 2021 and will be retiring from Upper St. Clair High School in June. After a little rest, she will be looking for some good trouble to get into.
Miatta Wilson (’88) is an Associate for Christian Formation for the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.. She’s lived in Dallas Texas for over 30 years and through her ministry, community, and camp work used her directing, theatre tech, improv, and organizational skills for creative projects with all ages.
Raymond Inkel (’88) has been a production manager and Director of Production in many regional theaters from the Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts (CA), Utah Shakespeare Festival, Alley Theatre (TX) and most recently Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, FL.
Ellen Muse (’89) is Executive Director of the Kennedy Heights Arts Center in Cincinnati, OH.
Cathy Taylor (’92) (MA in Arts Administration, Indiana University-Bloomington) is the President of Cathy Taylor Public Relations, Inc., a media relations firm in Chicago specializing in theater and entertainment.
Beth (Moran) Reiten (’92) received her Master of Library and Information Science (MLS) from UW-Madison and over the course of her career has gained considerable experience with all aspects of the library profession. Trading backstage for center stage, she was a professional belly dancer for over 20 years. In addition to solo performances, she choreographed and staged shows for two dance troupes
Liz Staruch (’95) isan interdisciplinary artist and arts administrator. Liz currently serves as Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at West Chester University. In 2020, she founded Dance Professors Online, a peer support network for dance faculty in higher education that has grown to more than 3,000 members worldwide. Originally created in response to the global pandemic, the organization continues to foster collaboration across institutions and share strategies for pedagogy, recruitment, assessment, and navigating the evolving landscape of arts education. Her work as a director and choreographer has been recognized by the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF). She served for ten years on the Board of Directors of the American College Dance Association (ACDA). She holds an M.F.A. from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.
Ali Booher Evans (’95) (Professional internship Program -The Juilliard School ’96) (MA Puppetry Arts UCONN ’98): Currently the Theatre Education Director of Weathervane Theatre Academy at Weathervane Playhouse in Newark, Ohio.
Meredith Rucker Spitzmiller (’96) works as a screenwriter and novelist, and has published three books, and a short story collection under the pen name, Mere Walton including The Fair Oaks Four, Christmas Connections, The Stranger in my House, Abandonment Issues, a short story collection.
Rachel Jackson (’97) worked as an arts administrator for Pittsburgh Public Theater, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Peter Paul & Mary, London’s Bridewell Theatre, and the ISPA Foundation. As an actor, she appeared on The Other Two, The Last O.G., many indie films, and five years of Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl.
Gregg Licht (’98) is the Owner and Director of Elmwood Day Camp in White Plains, NY. He also is a partner in Camp Southwoods, a resident camp in The Adirondacks.
Ilana Brownstein (’98) (MFA Yale) became a literary manager and director of new play development and commissions at the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston.
Dan Hatt, LC (‘99), began his career in technical theater with stints at several theater and entertainment companies, including Walt Disney World, the Huntington Theater Company, and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. For the past 20+ years, he has been a consulting electrical engineer and lighting designer in Syracuse, NY, designing electrical and architectural lighting systems for higher Ed institutions and similar clients. He was a recipient of a 2022 International Illumination Engineering Society’s Illumination awards for his lighting design at the Schine Student Center at Syracuse University.
Craig Dorer-Abadia (’00) worked at Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Opera Idaho, and Boise Contemporary Theatre before leaving the industry to take a position at Synteract, a mid-sized Contract Research Organizations the Associate Director of Program Strategy in Dermatology.
Adam Howarth (00′) received his MFA from CalArts (05′) and is currently the chair of the arts department and technical director at BB&N in Cambridge, MA. He is also a freelance sound designer with Ovation Awards in L.A., Motif Awards in New England, Suzi Bass Awards in Atlanta, consultation for Disney and Universal theme parks, and themed sound installations worldwide. Formerly, he served as faculty at Emerson College and Product Manager at Eastern Acoustic Works.
Chris Matsos (’00) received his MFA in acting from the University of Florida and his PhD in theatre history from Ohio State University. Though continuing to work as an actor and director, his main focus is as department chair and Associate Professor of Theatre at Hillsdale College in Michigan.
Jim Beaudry (’01) (MFA Mills College) served as Executive Director/Producer at Timber Lake Playhouse, the longest-running, professional summer theatre in Illinois, then returned to NYC where he serves as Company Manager for New York Stage and Film.
Sarah Hamilton (’01), since graduating from Wooster, has fulfilled her arts habit by working at 4myBenefits, which builds and maintains websites structured for corporate benefit enrollment. Her habit has included work with Theatre IV, Cincinnati Black Theatre Company, Cleveland Opera on tour, Cincinnati May Festival/Symphony/Pops (singing with the symphonic choir), and a number of other choirs and choruses.
Jack Pitney (‘01) has worked at the Massachusetts State House as a Legislative Aid, as a Locations PA for the Motion Picture Industry, and is a Location/Propmaker with IATSE 481.
Clayton Drinko (’02) (PhD in Drama and Theatre Studies from Tufts, MA in Performance Studies from NYU, MS.Ed from LIU) Clay has published two books: Play Your Way Sane (Simon & Schuster) and Theatrical Improvisation, Consciousness, and Cognition (Springer). He writes for Psychology Today and teaches at High Meadow School.
Anne Medlock-Ely (’03) received an MFA from Kent State and is now a Professor of Costume design at West Texas A&M University as well as the Department head for the departments of Art, Theater and Dance, and Communication.
Katie Hammond (’03), a member of the actors equity, tours the country with musical improv group Broadway’s Next Hit Musical and is on a musical house team at The Pit in NYC. She co-wrote a musical, Season, that was produced in London summer 2013.
Rachel Kirley (’03) serves as the Deputy Director, Development and Individual Giving for the San Francisco Symphony. After graduating from Wooster, she earned her MA in Arts Administration and has spent 17 years working in performing arts fundraising. Her current focus is on board giving, strategic planning, and the growth of all areas of giving, including future capital needs.
Aaron Schwartzbord (’03) pursued a career in theatre marketing and management, receiving an MFA in Performing Arts Management from Brooklyn College/CUNY. He’s held jobs with The Arca Group (Urinetown, Wicked), The Pearl Theatre Company, Daryl Roth Productions (August: Osage County, Kinky Boots), Seattle Repertory Theatre, and The New Victory Theatre. Currently he is Marketing Manager at Patron Technology in NY.
Kevin McFillen (’03) is a playwright and teacher based in Columbia, Missouri. Kevin completed an MA in Theatre at Miami University before beginning his PhD in Theatre at the University of Missouri. He now serves as a UMLD at the University.
Erin Koster (’04) completed her MFA in Stage Management from Columbia University in 2007 and went on to become a theatrical stage manager in New York. She is
currently a show caller for large events, corporate meetings, galas, fundraisers, etc., a stage management cover on various shows including The Play That Goes Wrong and Little Shop of Horrors, and a member of Caborca Theatre. In 2017, Erin was elected as a Councilor at Actors’ Equity Association–the union of theatrical stage managers, actors, and performers in the United States–and in 2022, she was elected the National 3rd Vice President at Equity, the Stage Manager Vice President.
Corrine (Brush) Gosling (’04) is currently a Masters Candidate in Publishing at George Washington University. In September 2018 she published a children’s book entitled Sherlock and the Baskerville Beast.
Whitney (Huss) Sherman (’05) studied Theatre for Development at Boston University, receiving a master’s in education and working for an arts for social change NGO in Niamey, Niger, West Africa. She received her Doctorate in Education at the University of Southern California where she researched intercultural communication and assessment. Whitney now works as an intercultural trainer and learning and development facilitator for various organizations, including the U.S. Agency for International Development and CEA CAPA: Education Abroad.
Ada Smith (’05) received her MFA in Scenic Design from Boston University, worked with Glimmerglass Opera, and in NYC developed a career in Film as an Art Director and Production Designer.
Andrea Hiebler (’05) is the Literary and Artistic Coordinator at the Lark Play Development Center in New York where she leads the organization’s writer selection processes and facilitates artistic programming.
Kate Anderson-Hall (’05) received an MA in English at Case Western Reserve before completing a PhD in Literature and Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia (UK) where she is currently a researcher, as well as at King’s College London.
Yining Lin (’06) is currently teaching preschool and is adjunct lecturer at Walsh University in North Canton in their Research and Composition program. She is also a freelance dramaturge and most recently worked with San Francisco Opera on their world premier production of The Monkey King by David Henry Hwang and Huang Ruo. She is also writing a lot with two articles in progress about The Monkey King and another about the portrayal of mental health in Chinese Theatre. She also serves on the boards of MotivAsians, an AAPI affinity group in Cleveland, and for Canton Ballet. She currently lives in North Canton with husband, Andy (’04), their two kids, and two dogs.
Kristen Cooperkline (’07) earned her MA in American Culture Studies at Bowling Green State University and her MFA in Stage Management at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has worked as stage manager for Bebe Miller Company and an event coordinator for the first ever American College Dance Festival Association’s South Regional Conference. After working for 7.5 years at Otterbein University as Production Manager for the Department of Theatre and Dance, she now works as the HR and Operations Manager
at ABA Consultants.
Patrick Midgley (’07) (MFA Purdue University) spent several years as an actor with the American Shakespeare Center in Virginia before completing a PhD at Texas Tech University.
Kellee Roston Edusei (’07) is Dance USA Executive Director.
Stefanie Genda (’08), completed her MFA in Costume Design at Rutgers and now works as a Freelance Costume Designer out of New York.
Amanda Barker (’10) is the Director of Account Management at Rise Interactive, a Digital Advertising agency based in Chicago, IL.
Alex Paolino-Gibson (’10) serves as Sr. Director of Client Services at The Trade Desk (within the advertising industry) in Chicago.
Laura Vandever (’10) is a professional voice actor in NYC. She currently works with The New York Times as the voice of their podcast advertising. Her work can also be heard in national commercial campaigns, documentaries, short films, and video games.
George Myatt (’11) is currently the Project Coordinator at Charles Schwab in Austin, TX
Jacqueline Komos (‘11) serves as Education & Engagement Manager and Teaching Artist at Nashville Children’s Theatre.
Kait Yankello (’11) is the Executive Assistant to the President and Head of Research & Development at Tango Therapeutics, a biotech in Boston, Massachusetts.
Annie Woller (’13) is working as the Operations Manager for the New York Philharmonic out of Lincoln Center. She also can be found performing & producing a variety of comedy improv shows throughout NYC.
Ben Pfister (’14) attended Yale School of Drama receiving an MFA in Stage Management. He is currently working in stage management throughout NYC.
Chelsea Gillespie (’14) is the Production Assistant for Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre in New York and tours internationally with Alvin Ailey II.
Kent Sprague (’14) worked as an assistant lighting designer and electrician for Florida Repertory Theatre before moving to New York City. Kent currently works as a freelance lighting designer, lighting programmer, and master electrician in NYC.
Amanda O’Donnell (’14) got her MFA in Theatre Education from Emerson College (Thesis: “A Girl Worth Fighting For: Stage Combat and the Adolescent Female Sense of Self”) and currently works as a performer, educator, and fight choreographer in the Boston area.
Colin Martin (’15) went to Second City and completed levels 1 & 2 of conservatory training. Since then, he has been doing comedic and dramatic improv in Chicago as well as working odd jobs to continue his passion for travel.
Emily Baird (’16) is the tenure-track Assistant Professor of Dance at The College of Wooster!
Emily Donato (’16) is the Career Development Coordinator at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, as well as a registered yoga instructor teaching anti-racist raja yoga.
Shannan Burrows (’17) currently works for High Output, a rental house for film, theatre, and event equipment/services based out of Boston.
Becca Snedeker-Meier (’17) is in charge of Development Operations and Events Manager for the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, IL.
Maria Witt (’17) received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Walsh University, and currently works as a pelvic floor physical therapist at Summa Health in Akron, Ohio.
H Rooker (’18) spent 2021-2023 as Northern Stage’s Production Manager, but as of the beginning of 2023 they are Store Manager at an independent bookstore in NH. On the side they’re working calls for IATSE local 919 and touring with a few small production houses as an SM/PM as opportunities arise. They think it’s likely they’ll go back to regional theatre in a few years but took some time off while the industry figures out its pandemic recovery.
George Marn (’18) is a Milwaukee based actor, producer, and teaching artist. Previously George has performed with Milwaukee Rep, Skylight Music Theatre, First Stage Children’s Theatre, Summit Players Theatre, the Ohio Light Opera, and the College Light Opera Company.
Cleo Potter (’20) is currently working at Encore Stage and Studio, a children’s education and theatre non-profit in the DC metro, as their Production Coordinator helping them produce shows and being a mentor to the children. Prior to that she was a theatre technician for NOVA Community College. She also does freelance lighting work in the DC area.
Juliet Merillat (’20) served as a Lighting Intern with Kalamazoo Theatre from Summer 2020-Spring 2022. While there she did Lighting Design work, head electrician, helping their live streams and digital content as part of their pandemic limited season work. Since then, she’s been freelancing in the Kalamazoo area.
Hayden Lane-Davies (’21) is a Chicago based actor, improvisor, and arts administrator. He is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory Program as well as the full time Ticketing and Audience Manager for Nederlander National Markets – the touring presentation arm of the Nederlander Organization. He has performed in several independent improv, sketch, and theatre productions in Chicago since 2025. Prior to that he was the Deputy Director at Farmers Alley Theatre – a professional regional theatre in Southwest Michigan.
Gabby Sullivan (’22) works as a case manager for disabled adults in the Twin Cities metro area while pursuing a masters in social work beginning in 2024.
Ivan Akiri (’22) was accepted to the School of the Art Institute’s MFA Performance program for the 23-24 academic year.
Jaz Nappier (’22) accepted a Fellowship with The Wexner Center for the Arts at OSU, in the department of Learning and Public Practice.
Cat Moreschi (’22) was a stage manager apprentice at Olney Theatre from end of Summer 2022 to Summer 2023 and now has a job working box office at Ford Theatre and an ASM post at Chesapeake Shakespeare Center. They will be freelancing in the DC area for a while.
Patrick Wellman (’22) was at Cortland Repertory Theatre in Cortland, NY as a Carpenter Summer 2022, then working at Wagner College, Staten Island, NY as a Master Carpenter for the 2022-2023 Academic Year. This past summer he did overhire work at Signature Theatre in Manhattan and just started a job at George Street Playhouse in New Jersey as a scenic carpenter.
Audrey Klosterman (’23) lived and worked in New York City from January to April of 2024 as a part of the New York Arts program before relocating to the greater DMV area. There she worked as the stage management apprentice at Olney Theatre Center from September 2024 to September 2025. She is currently freelancing as a stage manager/theatre technician and works part time in the box office at Ford’s Theatre.
Cody Clark (Greenhouse) 25’ is a Full-Spectrum Reproductive Doula by day, an independent choreographer in the evening, and a drag artist by night. You can also find him meddling in other professions of care worker, playwriting, and disability justice facilitation/workshops.
Lily Bulman (’25) is the 2026 Digital Marketing & Strategy fellow for Skene.pub, an independent, global digital publication and community platform dedicated to performing arts.