Alumni NEWS and Kudos

What are our graduate members doing? 

How did the experience with MYT effect their lives?

Here is what a few of them have said:

ADAM -

Adam graduated in 2007 from Oberlin College with High Honors. He was one of three graduates chosen to receive the Nash Drama Award. Adam's theatrical credits at Oberlin included performances as Katurian in "The Pillowman" and Romeo in "Romeo and Juliet".  As of this writing, Adam is in Chicago, where he recently received an After Dark award for his work in "The Merchant of Venice" with BoHo Theater, and received great reviews for his work as the Young Creature in "Playing with Fire," also at BoHo Theater.

STEVE -

Steven is currently working on his MFA at Florida State University's Asolo Conservatory in Sarasota Florida. His Undergraduate degree was completed at Oakland University, Rochester Michigan.  Between Oakland, prior to the three-year stint in Florida that began August 25, 2006, Steve worked with The Michigan Shakespeare Festival, Performance Network, Boars head, Waterworks Theatre Co. and Michigan Classical Reparatory Theatre.

"My foundations for theatre and my particular love for classical material was ignited when I haphazardly began working with Lisa Kander as one of her doubly cast Demetrei in "A Midsummer Night's Dream". This was, of course, Class Act 4-H, which for me has the same heart as MYT. From what I can see, what is being done is still fun and fantastic.  That which still lies to be realized is only that of your dreams - which you infuse with breath, life and passion. There is only infinite potential. Follow your Dream. Make it Happen. Where and who you are tomorrow is only a result of where and who you are today. Your life is a choice and that choice is yours. The constant is change. Embrace it. Cheers to today's generation of MYT."

MEGAN -

I'm currently finishing up my undergraduate work, and planning to pursue a career as a playwright. I am acting around the Flint area with various companies, most notably Flint City Theatre, and working on developing my playwright's portfolio. My time with Class Act/MYT has influenced my approach to theater immeasurably. It instilled me with a love for an excellent product and a collaborative process.  There is always more to learn, but I graduated from high school with a great deal of experience in theater, and a rather distinctive resume for someone my age.

*Megan also has taught a variety of our workshops after graduating from high school! 

BETH -

Beth went to Brandeis University in Massachusetts, where she was involved in many theatre projects; she then moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where she worked for a museum, and also founded the now-annual "New Play Project". She returned to Micigan to achieve a masters in social work at the University of Michigan, while working as a counselor and freelance writer.  She now resides in Jackson, Mississippi. She is part of the creative team of Eyevox, a film production company, and continues to write and perform. In 2008, Beth's play "Unshelved" was one of the Eudora Welty New Play Award winners. In 2009, her play "See Jane Quit" won the Mississippi Theatre Association Playwriting Award. She has had plays produced in Jackson, MS; in Normal, IL; in Boston, MA; in Detroit and other Michigan locations. In addition her one-woman monologue "Psychic" is  part of a program performed summer 2009 in New York City, and is also being published in the next "Stage This!" book. She credits Class Act Drama 4H and MYT for giving her great buzzword abilities like "excellent communication skills" and "strong public speaking", as well as fostering her love of theatre and her passion for playwriting.  She credits Drama Mama Lisa, for well, pretty much her whole entire life.

ANNE MARIE -

As a charter member of MYT, I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the start of something special.  I was in a group which values great theater.  Our original play,The Faust Project was an exciting exploration what we could accomplish as a group.  It was a treat to be able to take our play to perform in Canada (at the London, Ontario Fringe Festival).  Traveling all over the state with our Travel Troupe was a blast. 

MYT was not only concerned with theater, but it was a chance to get to know friends and mentors who encouraged me to do my personal best.  Now I can see how the theater arts are fun way to learn life-long values.  MYT caused me to take leadership roles within groups by co-directing, assistant directing, etc.  By nature I shy away from public speaking.  MYT allowed me to grow out of the fear naturally, while having fun!  Because people gave their time to instruct me in theater, it helped shape me into the person I am today.  My aspiration is to become a grade school teacher.

LEAH-

Leah went to University of Evansville on a talent scholarship. Notable roles there included Desdemona in "Othello" and the Madwoman in "The Madwoman of Chaillot." Leah continued her theater work post-graduate in Julliard's theater program, graduating in 2009. She is in New York City pursuing a career in the theater.

MORE COMING SOON!