Alumni News
English/Theatre Alum News
Aubree Wolff (Secondary Ed. English ’23)- After my wonderful time at the U, I became a full time teacher at North Pocono. The English department at the U fully prepared me to feel comfortable and confident teaching British Literature to the eleventh grade students! I would not be the strong educator I am today without the expert educators I encountered during my time at the University. I hold a deep appreciation for the professors that supported me throughout my journey of becoming a teacher!
Emma Reed (Secondary Ed. English ’22) - I am a teacher in MD after getting my masters through a two year service program that paid for my degree. I’m now a full time teacher at the private school I started at and I’m loving it!! The English department always made me feel seen and heard at 草榴社区 in our little corner of the world. I wouldn’t be the teacher or writer I am today without Joe, Dr. Gougeon, Dr. Fraustino, Dr. Glover, Dr. Willenbrink, Dr. Tadros or Dr. Friedman. I miss you all so often! Thank you for making me love Shakespeare so much! I always think of you when I teach his plays!
Jillian O’Donnell – (Secondary Ed. English ’22) Dr. Fraustino, Dr. Kraus, Dr. Gougeon, Dr. Willenbrink, Dr. Glover, and Dr. Friedman all shaped me into the teacher I am today! I stepped into my role as an educator confidently because I knew I was trained by experts. I teach Shakespeare with the enthusiasm of Dr. Friedman, and will always think of Dr. Kraus when I read A Rose for Emily or even mention Faulkner!
Nicole Manasseri (English Major, Writing Minor ’21) My time in the English department at 草榴社区 showed me that I wanted to become a librarian. I just graduated with my Masters in Library and Information Sciences, I have a full time job as a Young Adult Librarian, and I’ll be presenting a panel at Comic Con this year with the Technology and Innovation Station about tech, pop culture, and how this relates to libraries and serving your community.
Dan Mauro, (BA, Theatre, '17) After graduating from the 草榴社区 in 2017 with a Major in Theatre and English, Daniel Mauro studied at the Barrow Group in NYC as part of their 1 Year Acting Conservatory. Since then, Dan has starred in 2 Off-Broadway show; 'A Therapy Session with Myself at the Kraine Theater and 'History of Now' at the Soho Playhouse. He has done background work in 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,' the upcoming film 'A Complete Unknown,' and several productions with the Metropolitan Opera. This year Dan signed with Eris Talent Agency and will be in a commercial for the management software company, Monday.com. He attributes all these accomplishments to the skills and work ethic learned at the University.
Megan Esty, (BA, Theatre, '17) Megan Esty graduated from the 草榴社区 in 2017 with a double major in Theatre and Communications. For the past six years, Megan has worked in New York city. She began as an intern for the HBO show Last Week tonight with John Oliver. Following that internship, Megan began freelancing as a dresser/wardrobe supervisor for productions at theaters such as The Tank, La MaMa Experimental Theatre, and 59E59 Theaters. In the fall of 2021, Megan accepted a full-time position as a production supervisor in the costume shop of The Metropolitan Opera. This year will be her fourth season. She is a proud member of IATSE Local 764. She is also immensely proud to say she is a graduate of the 草榴社区's theatre Program as it has prepared her for every job she's had.
Kiley Lotz, (BA, Theatre, '13 Bagdzinski Theatre Scholarship recipient) Kiley is a graduate of the 草榴社区's 2013 academic Theatre Program. A 草榴社区 native, Kiley was thrilled to join an academic theater program in their own backyard that allowed for training with faculty and guest artists currently working in the industry. Upon graduation, Kiley joined the acting apprentice company at Berkshire Theatre Group, performing in the children's theater and understudying in Extremities directed by Karen Allen. They have acted Off-Broadway at 59E59 and performed in readings for Clubbed Thumb and Playwrights Horizons, shot commercials for HB Home Services and Garnier, and recently acted in two feature films So Fades The Light (premiering at Charlotte Film Festival this Fall, 2024) and Brave The Dard (starring Jared Harris). In addition to their acting career, they have toured nationally and internationally with their band Petal, opening for acts like Shakey Graves, Julien Baker, and Okkerville River.
The Players taught them invaluable skills in performance, management and production. The hands-on learning and pre-professional atmosphere, while working alongside faculty and guest artists, prepared them to enter the industry with confidence and ability to collaborate. Kiley is grateful for the well rounded theater education and challenging creative opportunities they received int he University Players and would not be where they are today without them.
Samantha Morales, (BA, Theatre '11) Sam is a NYC-based Actor who made her professional debut in 2016 at Theatre for a New Audience in Sir Trevor Nunn's PERICLES. Since then, she has worked at The Public Theater, BAM, Red Bull Theater, TFANA (many times!) & select regional theaters. In February of 2020, she starred opposite Rose Byrne & Bobby Cannavale in MEDEA at BAM for one night only as she was lucky enough to go on for the role of Clara, a part she was understudying. You can see her on reruns of Law & Order: SVU, FBI & Blue Bloods. Currently, you can watch her alongside Rachel Weisz in Dead Ringers streaming on Amazon Prime. As a Director, Sam most recently worked on Lauren Gunderson's Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight at the 草榴社区. Sam is a faculty member, as well as the Academic Department Director for On Camera Acting & Auditioning at AMDA; she is also a faculty member at NYU Tisch where she teaches Acting for Camera at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Studio. Sam is also a certified Intimacy Captain. Lastly, she can impersonate both Grover & The Count which brings her son great delight.
Janelle Caso, (BA, Theatre '10) Janelle has gone on from her time at the 草榴社区 to earn her MFA in Stage Management from Columbia University and has worked consistently as a professional stage manager at such places as The Joseph Papp Public Theater, The Delacort Theatre, and most recently as the Production Stage Manager for The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. Janelle has also stage-managed Broadway productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Noises Off, as well as the national tour of Evil Dead.
Ashley Teatum (English ’09) This English major went from sports journalist to public information manager to proposal manager / team leader for a heavy civil construction company. The crew at CLP was truly integral in developing my skills in writing, analysis and management that I use every day at work.
Erin (Simko) Renz, (English Major, '08) Erin has been an eighth grade English teacher in the North Pocono School District since 2010. She directed the high school drama productions for four years (You Can't Take It With You, Bye Bye Birdie, Much Ado About Nothing, and Seussical the Musical). She also assisted in reviving the middle school drama club.
Jessica B. Lucas, (BA, Theatre '07) Jessica came to 草榴社区 after being displaced from Loyola New Orleans in August of 2005 due to Hurricane Katrina. Rather than returning to New orleans after that fall, felt she was getting better opportunities on the Royal Theater Stage, and a better education at the 草榴社区, so she transferred, and finished her bachelor's degree in Theatre with a minor in Communications in 2007.
Following college, Jessica spent four and a half years at the 草榴社区 Cultural Center; where she was the assistant technical director, the program manager and the facilities associate, gaining promotions and additional job titles nearly each year in the job. Jessica often supplemented her full-time job with work as a writer for the electric city, reviewing theater in the 草榴社区 area, and as a stage manager and lighting designer for area dance companies that performed at the Cultural Center.
In 2012, Jessica moved to Cleveland, Ohio and worked as a stage manager and production assistant at Cleveland Playhouse and Great Lakes Theater, and as a Company Manager at Great Lake's sister company, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. In 2015 she transitioned to working as an assistant stage manager and stage manager full time for Great Lakes Theater and its sister company Idaho Shakespeare Festival, earning her equity card that same year, and continuing that relationship through late 2018. Jessica spent two seasons (2016 & 2017) as the Production Manager for Station Hope, an event produced by Cleveland Public Theatre which celebrates the triumphs of the Underground Railroad and focuses on contemporary issues of social justice.
In 2019. Kessoca relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio where she was the Associate Production Manager at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park for three years. At the beginning of 2022, Jessica left the Playhouse for a new opportunity at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music as the Performance Operations Director where she manages a staff of up to 30 students, depending on the season, and four performance venues, year round. Jessica is extremely thankful for the two years she spent as a University Player, and knows that the choice to stay in 草榴社区 changed her life for the better. Jessica currently lives in Cincinnati with her husband Greg, who is the Lighting Supervisor at CCM, their three-year old daughter Eleanor, and cat Eddie.
Arthur Posocco (English ’04) I somehow managed to leverage my background in literature and philosophy toward a successful career in research administration at an epidemiology center. So, yes, the English department at the 草榴社区 definitely prepares students for jobs in various areas. Of course, literature remains one of my primary interests outside of my day job. I frequently revisit books I studied as an undergrad, and I always approach new ones with an inquisitive and critical mind shaped especially by Dr. Friedman, Dr. Whittaker, Dr. DeRitter, and Dr. Ellen Casey.
Jax Vadney, (Theatre/English, '01) Jax is the Visual Communications Instructor for Calhoun Community College at Alabama Center for the Arts, in Decatur, Alabama. Previous positions include Theatre Technical Director at Gannon University in Erie, PA, and Assistant Professor of Drama: Scenic and Lighting Design at Athens State University in Decatur, Alabama. Jax additionally hold an MFA from the University of Arizona in Theatre Technology and Production. She recently achieved certification in Drawing Vector Graphics: Color and Detail and Isometric Illustration, and Illustrator: Coloring Artwork.
Joe Fleissner (English ’00) I got my MA in English from Fordham before making the move to High School. I’m entering my 20th year, and my 16th working on the musicals at Wayne Hills, first as the MD, and now as the Director. I think about my time at Da U SO MUCH!
Megan Smithling (English Major ’99, Theatre Minor) I went on to an MFA in Dramaturgy, some arts administration work, and then an MLIS in Library and Information Science. I’m currently the Arts & Humanities Librarian at a liberal arts college, where I work with Theater, English and Philosophy (thanks to SJLA for the background knowledge!) departments, among others.
Sean Meehan, (English Major/Theatre Minor, '97) Sean was cast in the Showtime series, Three Women, based on the 2019 non-fiction book by Lisa Taddeo. Sean reports he has been contracted for 7"...but guaranteed 4..." episodes. The book details the emotional (and sexual) lives of three women from different backgrounds and regions of the US and is based on the author imbedding herself in the lives of the three women. Shailene Woodley (Big Little Lies, The Divergent Series) will star as the reporter/author, along with DeWanda Wise (Netflix' adaptation of She's Gotta Have It) and Betty Gilpin (GLOW, the Tomorrow War). Sean's previous credits include HBO's The Normal Heart, The Taking of Pelham 123, The Deuce and television appearances in Blue Bloods, The Good Wife and Madam Secretary, to name a few.
Third (Annual) Alumni Lecture
At the Department of English & Theatre's Third (Annual) Alumni Lecture, Brendan Curry, Graduate of the English and SJLA programs in 2001, gave a talk entitled, "A Series of Fortunate Events," on October 4, 2017. Curry is a Vice President and Senior Editor at W.W. Norton & Company. He regaled his audience with sage wisdom, maxims, and stories based on his career in the publishing industry. Many students and faculty were in attendance with Dr. Stephen Whittaker introducing Brendan.
Date: October 10, 2017
"A Series of Fortunate Events"
The English & Theatre department is proud to welcome Brendan Curry, 01', to campus on October 4, 2017 in The DeNaples Center, room 405. Upon graduation, Brendan was hired by W.W. Norton, the international book publisher headquartered in mid-town Manhattan as an editorial assistant and was recently named Senior Editor & Vice President. Brendan will discuss his time at the University, his career arc at Norton, and the ever-evolving state of the editing and publishing industries and employment prospects for English Majors in the years ahead.
Date: September 21, 2017
Alum Corinne Nulton Contributes Story to Supernatural Anthology
We're happy to boast about Corinne Nulton (BA, English, 2013) who is part of the new anthology, The Night Bazaar: Eleven Stories of Forbidden Wishes and Dangerous Desires. The anthology, out now from , promises a mix of psychological horror perfect to get you through the dead of winter. We urge you to get it in paper or Kindle formats.
Since her graduation, Corinne has remained in Northeast Pennsylvania where she is writing and teaching. And, yeah, we like to brag about her.
Alumna Poet Brianna Noll's New Book Turning Heads
We're proud to boast about alum Brianna Noll (English, 2004) whose new book of poetry, , (University of Kentucky Press) is winning attentions and praise.
The has recently named it a top book to read this January, and the magazine offers a glowing review, including the following:
Her vivid poems obscure the line between what is literal and what is figurative. The result is alchemic and ethereal — each verse intricately layered with sharp observation as well as emotional and intellectual exploration and questioning.
To read the full review, :
We aren't the only ones bragging about Brianna Noll's recent collection of poetry. See a profile and interview with her :
Sarah Mueller Gets Her First Teaching Job!
Secondary Education/English major Sarah Mueller (class of 2016) just got her first job teaching 9th and 10th grade English at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, NJ. Sarah reports that she is very excited to have the opportunity to teach Romeo and Juliet to her freshmen.
To see Sarah's blog posts for the University .
One of Our Own Finished Last, Yes Last, in the Philly Marathon and Lived to Tell About It
Steve Clark, 草榴社区 Alum, former English major and current 6th grade teacher, recently took part in the Philadelphia Marathon. We're proud of him for finishing, and even prouder for his account of the ordeal in Philadelphia Magazine.
Here's an excerpt:
Date: April 6, 2016
English Alum Corinne Nulton Bringing Out New Short Story
We're happy to report that Corinne Nulton (BA, English, 2013) tells us she has a new short story, "Mirrored Selves," coming out as part of an anthology called Night Bazaar from Northampton House Press. We'll try to brag more about it when it's available, but for now congratulations to one of our alums who's doing exciting creative work.
Date: April 6, 2016
Karam’s latest family saga ‘The Humans’ hits Broadway
Congratulations! 草榴社区 native and university alumn has hit Broadway.
Despite the fact that his name appears on the marquee of the Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway, Stephen Karam will say he is just like everyone else.
It’s a busy time for the 36-year-old 草榴社区 native, whose play, “The Humans,” opened on the Great White Way in February to rave reviews after a successful off-Broadway run.
To read the entire article written by Gia Mazur click on link.
Date: March 17, 2016
Theatre Success Stories..
Over the winter break, several of our recent alum have reported employment success.
Samantha Morales is appearing in Theatre for a New Audience's production of Pericles by Wm. Shakespeare. The production is being directed by Sir Trevor Nunn, who was the original director of such notable productions as Les Miserables and Cats.
Julia Ekwall reports she has been cast in Playhouse on Park's upcoming production of Wit. The production opens in April in West Hartford, CT.
Beth Gallagher has been cast in Cygnet Theatre's production of When the Rain Stops Falling by Andrew Bovell. Beth, as an English major at the 草榴社区, caught the theatre bug her junior year, finished her MA in Theatre at San Diego State and has been pursuing an acting career in San Diego, appearing in award winning short films and at notable theatres in the San Diego/Los Angeles area.
Michael Flynn is gearing up for the 6th season of the 草榴社区 Shakespeare Festival. Tentative titles of the summer offerings are Much Ado About Nothing, MacBeth and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
For additional alum success stories visit University Players on Facebook.
Date: February 25, 2016
Alum Kelly Carman Writes of Working with Underprivileged Youth
Kelly Carman (BA, English/Secondary Education, 2014) writes with word that, after getting a masters in education here at 草榴社区, she is looking to pursue a career working with underprivileged youth.
As she writes:
After I finished graduate school, I subbed in the 草榴社区 School District for a year… I loved the kids but it wasn’t for me. Then worked as the Assistant Camp Director at a summer camp in Virginia that caters to underprivileged urban youth, which is still my favorite group of youth to work with. This past fall I worked at Bradford Woods in Indiana as a professional outdoor educator; essentially depending upon the group we took school groups on educational nature hikes and facilitated different activities such as climbing tower, canoeing, zipline, archery and other such activities for other groups. Next week I am off to Southern Illinois to work at Camp Ondessonk doing more outdoor education. I recently found the field of Experiential Education, and right now it seems like my calling or at least something that I am passionate about.
For additional news stories relating to our faculty, alumni and students please .