Christine Ebersole - American Academy of Dramatic Arts

AADA
The Journal of
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Fall 2007
AADA Alum
Christine
Ebersole
2007 Tony Award ©
Winner for
Actress in a
Musical
“I really believe in
The American Academy
of Dramatic Arts.
It’s an establishment
that has proven itself
over and over again.
I’m proud to have
gone to that school.”

From Roger Croucher
AADA President & CEO
Dear Students, Alumni and Friends:
On both coasts another Academy School year has begun and we are truly
excited about the year ahead. Among all our activities we are proud to boast
of fine Companies in New York and Los Angeles. I invite you to go to our website to check the schedule
of shows and to join us for one or all of these performances.
I am also pleased to welcome internationally acclaimed actor Alfred Molina to AADA as a member
of our Adjunct Faculty in Los Angeles and Dr. Neal King to our Board of Trustees. Dr. King’s extensive
experience as an educator makes him a wonderful addition to our board.
In this issue of the Journal we feature an interview with two-time Tony Award winning actress and
alum Christine Ebersol as well as news of many of your classmates and colleagues. Your response to
this new Journal format has been most gratifying and, as a result, many of you have gotten back in touch
with us after several years. I urge you to keep in touch through our website or through our Alumni
coordinators; Joe Garcia in Los Angeles or Hope Ewing in New York. Information on how to get in touch
with Joe and Hope directly is enclosed within. We love hearing from you and sharing your news and hope
that you visit us soon either in Los Angles or New York.
Best wishes,
AADA Welcomes
Neal King, PhD, to our Board of Directors:
In a previous issue of our Journal, we announced our articulation agreement with
Antioch University, Los Angeles and it is our pleasure to welcome its president ,
Neal King, Ph.D. as the newest member of our board. Dr. King has been President of
Antioch University Los Angeles since February 4, 2007. He was previously its Provost
and VP of Academic Affairs and joined Antioch University in the fall of 2004 at its New
England division. Dr. King is a psychologist by training and was in private practice in Northern California for
fourteen years and has served in a variety of faculty and administrative positions in non-profit, public
and private for-profit and state settings. In addition to serving in an advisory capacity to three of the six
regional accrediting bodies for Higher Education in the U.S. he also taught high school English in California,
London, Laos and Algeria. We are delighted to have Dr. King join our board.

Legends of the Academy
AADA celebrates its
rich heritage at a gala
evening in New York
Tony Award
Winner, and
Mistress of
Ceremonies,
Julie White
On Monday March 26,AADA
celebrated the careers of three
outstanding alumni at the Legends
of the Academy gala dinner and
award ceremony held at Broadway’s
historic Hudson Theater in New
York City.
The evening, hosted by Tony Award
winner Julie White, celebrated the
careers of Anne Bancroft, Charles
Durning and Gena Rowlands with a
combination of still photographs,
film clips and tributes by friends,
colleagues and associates of the
honorees. Among those present
to salute our honorees were actor
Denis Leary and legendary
director Arthur Penn. Among
the AADA alumni entertaining
that evening was Lisa Brescia
(currently entertaining New York
audiences with her appearances
as Elphaba in the hit musical,
Wicked) who brought the gala
audience to its feet.
The Legends Gala was chaired by
Sam Gores, AADA alum, board
member and Chairman of
Paradigm. Over 500 patrons,
friends, alumni and guests of the
Academy attended the evening.
The awards themselves, engraved
sterling plates, were a
contribution of the prestigious
English firm Asprey.
Honoree
Gena Rowlands
Star of Rescue Me,
actor Denis Leary
Charles Durning
AADA Students celebrate the evening
Honoree Charles Durning with actor Denis Leary
and AADA President and CEO Roger Croucher
Legendary Director, Arthur Penn
Academy Alumni and Staff
Academy Trustee and Event
Chairman, Sam Gores and his
wife, Jensen
Academy Board
Chairman Sam Davis

Three time Tony Award nominee
and AADA Alum, Christine
Ebersole, in her critically acclaimed
role in Broadway’s Grey Gardens.
“I think Grey Gardens is a defining
moment in my life. I recognized
when I was 20 years old that this was
what I wanted to do in my life and I
have always had a passion for it.”
Christine
You’re best known as a musical theatre
performer. Why did you choose AADA
over schools or conservatories that
specialize in musical theatre?
It’s interesting because I didn’t get into this
business to pursue musicals but to pursue
acting. I was a student at McMurray College
(Jacksonville, Ill) and I was sent an AADA
brochure from a friend. My theatre teacher
urged me to leave and to go to New York. I
went to the regional audition and from that
I was accepted. My very first show was a
play on Broadway and I do more television
and films than Broadway musicals.
What did you learn at the Academy
that you still use today?
The work ethic that AADA stresses is really
important and the service to the play.
Servicing the play and servicing the character
is the most important thing and that
was emphasized at AADA. Acting on the
stage is a team sport. The importance of all
that was really emphasized at the Academy.
Do you still take any classes?
No I don’t. I haven’t taken acting class
since the early 90’s when I studied in
Los Angeles with a wonderful teacher,
Harry Mastrogeorge. [Harry Mastrogeorge
is an AADA alum, class of 1950, and a former
Academy instructor]. It was important
for me to do that then because it’s a way of
reconnecting with your craft that I think
sometimes gets lost in television and film.
Is acting on the stage different than
acting on film or television?
It’s just a different animal than working on
the stage. The fundamentals are the same
and the foundation that you create – but
it’s a different muscle. There is a different
energy where something on television or
film is more contained. The energy has to
be contained and the movement needs to
be contained.
I am

an actor who happens
to be able to sing
Ebersole Interview by Kathleen Germann
Can you explain what you mean by the fundamentals?
It’s fundamental in terms of your training. I think it’s always
good to start with the classics and then you branch out from
there. That’s what AADA taught – it’s getting back to the
basics. And keeping it connected in that way to yourself and
to your craft.
In Grey Gardens you played two women who are
actual people.What sort of research did you do to
prepare for these roles?
Certainly the Act Two character was devised by the DVD
[the 1975 Maysles Brothers documentary, Grey Gardens]
and listening to the rhythm, music and cadence of her voice
as well as her posture and how she carried herself. Act One
was much more out of my imagination.
What is a typical day like?
Wednesday is really the hardest day of the week because
you’re still at the beginning of the week and you have two
shows but there really is nothing typical. It’s about conserving
your energy so that you can dole it out over the week and
you just take it one day at a time.
This role won your third Tony nomination. How did
this nomination differ from your previous nominations?
This time was more fraught with expectation because
everyone was expecting me to win so there was the
pressure of winning. More than that, when we [Grey Gardens]
received ten nominations that was really the win for me
because we worked so hard on this project for two and a
half years and when everyone said it’s never going to get to
Broadway, I just didn’t believe that.
You were instrumental in getting this show
to Broadway.
That’s really true. Everything I have done on stage on that
level had been a revival so this was the first time at this
level that I took on a project that I was on board with from
the beginning. In that sense that changed the dynamic and
changed my position because I wasn’t just a gun for hire – I
was an active participant in the development of the show.
Because I received the lion’s share of the accolades when the
show was Off-Broadway, that gave me the confidence to
move this forward. I wouldn’t have received those accolades
if I wasn’t a part of what I consider a great work of art and
in that sense it was an easy sell for me because I believed in
it so completely.
There is talk of Grey
Gardens going to London.
It’s something we are working on
right now. Talking to producers
and theatres.
Would you do this for something
you weren’t acting in?
Yes, absolutely.
You must have developed
some new skills during this
process.
Yes – certainly it’s been a
tremendous learning experience
for me – it’s something that
doesn’t feel like it’s foreign to
me – it’s like a natural fit for me.
Any other projects that you
want to let us know about?
On the producing end, I’m looking
at the next horizon, and the next
horizon for Grey Gardens is London
and then hopefully a film version of
the musical.
Are there any actors who you would like to work with?
There are a lot of people. The first person who comes to
mind is Alan Rickman. He is a friend and I would love to
work with him at some point.
Do you get nervous if you know that someone whose
work you respect is in the house?
I love knowing who’s out there. I really get excited and it
inspires me.
What advice would you give to our current students
who are just embarking on acting careers?
What sustains an artist is their passion because there is a
lot of rejection in the world at large and certainly in their
chosen career. Passion and commitment to sharing your
God-given gifts is really what can sustain you. Ultimately, you
are putting yourself in a position of service in helping the
world become a better place.

An interview with Carol Nadell,
Owner and Founder of
Selective Casting
Working in Industrials
Can you explain to us what an
“industrial” is?
I like to say that an industrial is a film, a
video, a play with a purpose. It may be
to educate, to train, to market. It can be
very entertaining but, unlike other areas
where the purpose is solely to entertain,
an industrial has another purpose,
usually to educate, as well.
How much money can an actor
expect to earn doing industrials?
An actor can make as much money
doing an industrial in one day as they
will make in a week doing an Off-
Broadway play. There is usually a flat
fee – no residuals although the rules
are changing.
How did you become a Casting
Director?
I was an actress and I had a friend who
worked in one of the major corporations
– this was before there were
independent casting directors – and
they needed actors. I brought in my
friends and the company was very
happy with them and told me that this
could be a terrific cottage business for
me. Initially I declined, because I was an
actress. When I left acting, I didn’t
immediately turn to casting, it took five
years. But I would do some casting
occasionally. One day the New York
Times was doing a story on corporate
television and the reporter had heard
that I was an “expert” in this field.The
story came out and I was quoted, and
people told me that I was good in business,
so I took a business course, and in
1988 my agency, Selective Casting was
born. It feeds me both financially and
emotionally because I am able to help
actors and run a business in a way that
I would like to be treated.
How do you audition actors?
I bring actors in when I have something
for them. I don’t do generals. I don’t see
monologues; I hear them on scripts in a
cold-reading. I sit with them and I talk
to them and I get to know them.To be
an effective casting director you have
to like actors.When spending the time
this way I get to form an impression of
them. I like to say that I don’t have a
pool of actors, I have a river – actors
are constantly changing.
How much input do you have
as the CD?
It depends upon the client.As a job
comes in, actors will immediately come
to mind.The initial session with the
client is small – approximately 6-10
actors.The client relies upon me to be
the screener. After the initial session I
will be in the room with the director,
producer and the client who will
choose their favorites.They show their
client (who may be a corporate client)
their choices and then the field is narrowed
down.There have been times
when I have been asked for my input.
And this is when having personal
knowledge of the actor is important.
What is a typical Day?
It depends upon the industrial. Like on
a soap, there is not a lot of rehearsal
time.An actor has to do his homework.
Acting is acting. It’s playing off someone’s
behavior. It’s [an industrial] hard
because it’s done for a purpose; they
are not necessarily a piece of cake – it
can be difficult because it’s not organic
and the actor has to make it organic.
There may be language that is difficult
as in the case of an industrial for a
pharmaceutical company.
What is one of the more interesting
projects you have worked on?
I was working for a religious theme
park in Branson, Mo. when I was asked
to find an actor to play Jesus. I found
an AADA alumnus for the part!
Sometime later, the theme park was
working on a piece about Adam and
Eve, and they asked me to find the
same Jesus. I called the actor, who happened
to be vacationing in Singapore at
the time. My client flew the actor in for
one day to play Jesus and flew him back
to Singapore.
Any Pet Peeves?
Actors who don’t come with a headshot,
don’t take responsibility and who
have such insecurities that they come in
with a chip on their shoulder. Being so
focused on getting the job as opposed
to having the experience of auditioning.
When actors come in they should make
decisions and bring something to the
table. I would rather see an actor make
a strong choice, and from there I can
make adjustments.
Any advice?
An audition starts the moment you
come into the room. Be yourself and
see it as an opportunity. I want actors
to be wonderful as much as they want
to be wonderful. In the end, it may not
be the role for you but that doesn’t
mean that you are not right for something
else. We’re all in this creative collaboration
together.We all have roles to
play; you’re allowed to ask questions.As
Kipling wrote, “If you can dream and
not make dreams your master.” It’s a
tough business. If you have the dream –
pursue it. Give yourself five years and
after those five years give yourself
another five years…

Who is Training
Ivana
Shein,
Toronto,
Ontario
“I chose AADA because I wanted
to train with teachers who were living
and working in LA”. Before auditioning
for AADA, Ivana had studied at the Lee
Strasberg Theatre School in NYC and
at the Public Theatre’s New York
Shakespeare Festival Summer Lab. She
had had two supporting roles in feature
films but felt that she was missing a
foundation. “I wanted the experience of
waking up every day and going to study
acting whether or not I was in the
mood.”
Ivana also studied playwriting at the
National Theatre School of Canada and
chose AADA because the Academy
would allow her the freedom to
continue to write in the afternoons
while keeping up with the standards of
a conservatory.
Do you remember your
audition pieces?
Yes! Hermione from A Winters Tale and
a piece from a play everyone should
read that is a Canadian classic called
The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine. I
played Ernestine and in the piece she
enters into their apartment really mad,
so I used the door of the audition
room. I remember the audition was in
The Four Seasons in Toronto. And I
thought to myself, if I work really hard,
maybe one day I’ll be staying here as an
actress. But what I really remember
about that day was a feeling of excitement
and that anything was possible.
There was a lot of light in the Four
Seasons that day.
Tim Covington,
Eastpoint,
Georgia
Tim participated
in the drama
program in his high
school and took a
drama class in his
senior year.
Did you consider any other
training programs?
Yes, I remember applying to Valdosta
State University in Valdosta, GA and I
looked into AMDA, but I did not apply
there because they focus on musical
theatre and that did not interest me. I
wanted to pursue a career in film and I
was confident that the Academy offered
the training that I wanted. I chose the
LA campus because of its location and
my interest in film, but the Academy
has opened my mind to acting in many
areas.
While at AADA Tim has played Tom
Clayton/Agate in Waiting For Lefty, Jack
in Boys Life,Tabu in Hotel Paradiso,
Robert Obosa in Advice to the Players,
Delbert Tibbs in The Exonerated and Sir
Anthony Absolute in The Rivals.
Do you remember your
audition pieces?
Yes! Tom’s monologue in The Glass
Menagerie and Trinculo in The Tempest.
Jennifer
Fouché,
Detroit,
Michigan
Before
auditioning for
AADA, Jennifer
had been singing
professionally for
several years and
had an album
that went Gold
in the UK.
“A year or so before I came to the
Academy I landed a role in The
Cincinnati Black Theatre Company’s
production of A Tribute to Motown. Once
I got the role and found out I had to
act as well as sing. I realized I loved
acting on stage and that I could be as
happy acting as singing but I knew in
order to do that I needed the training.
I only applied to this school. It was
my mother (who had been an actor
during the entire time I was growing
up) who knew about the Academy. She
and my father have always taught me to
be specific in my goals and really go for
what I want.”
at AADA
Do you remember your
audition pieces?
Definitely! I auditioned with a piece
from Euripides’ Hecuba and for my
contemporary piece I did Jeanette
from Neil Simon’s The Last of the Red
Hot Lovers. The Hecuba monologue is
one that I keep in my audition
repertoire. It’s so beautiful and powerful,
not to mention it must be good luck
since I got into the school! I thought
I was a singer who would probably
never act.The Academy showed me
that all my life, I’ve been an actor who
could sing...
Declan
Sammon,
Dublin, Ireland
Declan performed
in plays
and musicals in
high school
before enrolling
in AADA. He first
heard about
AADA when his
father saw an
advertisement in the Irish Times in
December of 2004.
Did you consider any other
training programs?
Yes, I did consider other conservatories
and actually was accepted into three
schools in London (Arts Educational,
Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School).As
tempting as each one of those were,
the pure gravitational pull of New York
City made up my mind for me.
Do you remember your
audition?
Yes, very well. I auditioned at a hotel in
London for Roger Croucher in January
‘05. I auditioned with a speech by
Berowne in Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s
Lost which was really a meditation on
falling in love with someone not so easy
on the eye! My modern piece was from
All My Sons by Arthur Miller - George’s
incendiary speech in the Keller’s house
toward the end of the play; nice and
explosive, so that’s why I chose it!

Habeas Corpus by
Alan Bennett,
director Paul Blankenship
Cover of Life by R.T. Robinson,
director Charles O’Hara
A Lie of the Mind by Sam Shepard, director Barbara Rubin
New York Graduation Plays
Anna K by Eugenie Leontovich,
director Jack Wann
Come Back to the Five
and Dime, Jimmy Dean,
Jimmy Dean by Ed Graczyk,
Director Lisa Milinazzo
Move Over, Mrs. Markham by Ray Cooney and John Chapman, director Jonathan Bolt

Los Angeles Graduation Plays
Necessary Targets by Eve Ensler, director Debra DeLiso
The Exonerated by Jessica Blank and
Eric Jensen, director Scott Reiniger
The Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov,
director Tim Landfield
The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde, director Jules Aaron
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/
When the Rainbow is Enuf by Ntozake Shange,
director Shirley Jo Finney
The Curate
Shakespeare of As
You Like It
by Don Nigro,
director
Karen Hensel

Guest Speaker and Tony Award nominee,
Eve Best
Student Speakers Jennifer Fouché and Klemen Novak
President and CEO Roger Croucher with award recipients Sarah
Ahlgren, Molly Donovan, Declan Sammon, Selene Beretta, Nicky
Villiarimo, Eve Best, Gemma Fearn and Lyle Blaker
New York Class of 2007
Roger Croucher with Guest Speakers Alan Cox and Eve Best

LA Division President,
James Warwick
Los Angeles Class of 2007
Graduates
John Canizzaro
(with camera) and
Andrew Boryski
Guest Speaker Alfred Molina,
AADA student Alex Woronuk and
LA Division President James Warwick
Guest Speaker
Alfred Molina
Graduating seniors
Giordana Diaz,
Oriel Martin and
Marilyn Chase
Graduating seniors Floriane Merzougui,
Larissa Bonaci,
Kirsten Buch and Gianna Elice
New alumni Edward Chavez, Kathryn Bridal,
Adrian Harrell and Robert Booker
Nia Witts and
Jeronimo Hill show
off their diplomas

AADA Alum Lisa Brescia
Soars as Elphaba in
Broadway’s Wicked
As the understudy for Elphaba
how much notice are you given
before you actually go on?
It varies, depending on the cause of Julia
Murney’s (current Elphaba) absence. If
she has a planned absence due to a
scheduled concert or a vacation, I am
notified far in advance, as soon as the
schedule is confirmed and approved. If
she is feeling a bit under the weather, it
could be as little notice as one and a
half hours, though Julia is extremely
considerate, and understands that hair,
makeup and wardrobe all need time to
prepare for an Elphaba switch. She generally
gives at least two hours notice,
and usually more.
How long does it
take to get into
costume and
make-up?
The folks who
make it all happen
are who we call
The Green Team.
There is one
fabulous dresser
Kathe Mull, who is solely there for
Elphaba. She has the perfect mix of
costume expertise and all of those
other invaluable characteristics that
make a fantastic dresser like focus, generosity
and intuition. A very talented
makeup artist, Jimmy Cortes begins the
“greenifying” at 7:30 and wraps it up
just after the “places” call. Usually he’s
completed the face, neck and ears and
is finishing up the hands by the time the
show begins. And Chris Clark, the head
of the wig department, does a fantastic
job with Elfie’s hair. There are a couple
of wigs which are re-styled throughout
the show as Elphaba evolves.
What is that process like?
It’s a chance to simply sit still before
the show, connect with the “Green
Team” and mentally prepare for the
performance. It’s actually
a great pleasure getting
ready for the show.
Getting the make-up off,
on the other hand, is not
my favorite activity. It’s tedious.
Do you have to be
in the theatre every night?
No, though I do need to be within a
five block radius of the theatre in case
of an emergency. Both witches
(Elphaba and Glinda) have standbys, and
we both need to be close by. I’m taking
college courses to complete my undergrad
degree, so generally I’m at the
theatre in my dressing room, studying,
though I do venture out to see other
shows which are within five blocks.
All this and you’re in school?
I’ve always wanted to get my undergrad
but was at a loss about how to travel
to regional jobs and deal with the
quirky scheduling in shows while trying
to attend classes with any consistency.
A friend mentioned Empire State
College, part of the SUNY system,
which has an online degree program. I
started a year and a half ago, part-time,
and it’s been fantastic. All the course
subjects are general education requirements,
so the people at the theatre
tend to get an earful about things like
nutrition, the Middle East, feminism or
psychology...psychology in particular has
been fun. I go around asking everyone
about their fears and encouraging them
to devise treatment plans...they humor
me and treat me well despite my
badgering.
Were you familiar with the show
and/or book before you accepted
the role?
I had seen the show on Broadway
during previews with the original cast.
I was blown away. The writing, the performances,
the designs, direction and
Lisa with makeup artist Jimmy Cortes
choreography....all of it left me breathless.
I was unfamiliar with the book, but
recently received it as a gift and will be
reading it while on a break from school.
Is it fun to fly?
I was absolutely terrified for the first
few performances, now I feel pretty
comfortable.Without giving away any
technical secrets...I am very secure and
safe when flying. Our crew is top-notch
and makes certain that all of the actors
who are airborne during the show are
safe, whether harnessed, on a moving
platform or in a “bubble” (like Glinda
the Good Witch).
What was the audition
process like?
I auditioned three years ago in an initial
screening process, and at the time, it
ended there. Then, last fall, I played
Cleo in Twyla Tharp’s The Times They Are
A-Changin’ on Broadway, and I believe
that some creative team member(s)
saw my performance in that production.
As a result, I was brought in to
sing and read for the entire creative
team. A couple of days later, I got the
news that they wanted me to join the
NY company.
How long will you be with Wicked?
Do you have any projects planned
for after this show?
My contract at Wicked ends mid-
November, and nothing is clear beyond
that at this point in terms of the show
or other projects. I’m optimistic. For
now, I’m just enjoying the show, my
schooling, the summer and the privilege
of working in the theater. These ARE
the good days!

Gabriel Barre Interview by
Kathleen Germann
I recently had the opportunity to talk with Gabriel Barre,
an AADA alumnus (1977), accomplished director and
Tony-nominated actor.
In what ways do you value the training you
received at AADA?
I came to AADA directly from high school. One afternoon I
was on the corner of 28th and Park and I was thinking about
class work and I realized how much of yourself you have to
invest in becoming a good actor. That as an artist you have
to be aware of everything – especially behaviors. The teachers
at AADA were instrumental in getting me to that point.
Ian Richardson, who directed me in A Mid-Summer Night’s
Dream and Herbert Maches also continue to influence me
today. Ruth Neuman would get us tickets to see Broadway
shows, and I formed lasting relationships with my classmates
by going to see plays with them.
Do you remember your audition piece?
Yes, it was the “nose” speech in which Cyrano lists the
myriad ways he might have been insulted had the young
nobleman,Valvert, who has just insulted him, possessed a
small portion of wit.Years later I would play Cyrano at the
New Jersey Shakespeare Festival where I met my wife
(actress Tricia Paoluccio) who was playing Roxanne.
What was your first acting job?
My first Equity show was Barnum. But my first job after
AADA was with Richard Morse who was an instructor at
AADA who taught mime. After graduation we toured
throughout the world including Greece and Afghanistan.
Eventually we operated our own theatre company in NYC,
and I stayed with that company for about five years.
Last year you directed a National Tour of Pippin
which originated at the Goodspeed Opera House.
Are there any particular challenges in directing for
a tour?
The casting for the tour took months because I was looking
for a group of people who could sing and dance and were
interesting and fun. I was able to find actors who worked
really well together and bonded together. Although that tour
is over, the actors continue to keep in touch and to get
together.Technically, there were also challenges.The space
at the Goodspeed was small with very limited wing space,
but we knew we would play larger houses on tour so we
had to work with two physical sets and scales.All the sets
were built a year before the tour.
As a director what type of input do you have
in the casting?
Usually 100%. Sometimes there is a collaborative process
involved in a new play – but generally as a director
I have the final decision. I look for people who have the
appropriate attitude, professionalism and behavior and who
will work well with others. If there is an actor I haven’t
worked with before, I call other directors they have worked
with and ask for their input. As a director I also receive
phone calls from other directors asking about actors.
Something that I learned at AADA is to have the proper
attitude and professionalism as an actor and I expect to see
this in others.
Do your acting skills help you in directing actors?
Very much so. I have also learned a great deal by watching
other directors.
You directed the Barnum & Bailey Circus.
What was that like?
It was a very different environment than theatre, closer to a
corporate atmosphere. I helped to develop the show that is
on tour now.
You have some interesting special skills listed on
your resume: wire walking, stilt walking, juggling
and unicycling. Did your special skills help you
with the circus?
I have always been interested in circus skills. I was in the
original cast of the show Forever Plaid, and because I could eat
fire, that became something my character did.That skill is
now in the character description, but other actors bring their
unique skills to that role.
You directed Eartha Kitt in the tour of Cinderella.
What was that like?
I have worked with Eartha Kitt seven or eight times now.
She is wonderful to work with.
Do you have projects coming up that you want to
let us know about?
I am working on a production of All About Us which recently
premiered at The Westport Country Playhouse. It’s a Kander
and Ebb musical based on Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our
Teeth, and I am currently working on getting that show to
New York.
Gabriel Barre, segued his
skills as an actor to become an
accomplished director. His
special skills run the gamut
from wire walking to fire-eating
and he has used his AADA
training in everything from
Broadway to the Ringling Bros
and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Around the World
Spotlight on Sweden
Within a year of graduating from
AADA in 2004,Yohanna Ida Hedlund
worked on the independent film Sex and
Sushi, was an extra in the blockbuster
Hitch and returned to her native Sweden
to pursue acting opportunities at home.
Since returning to Sweden she
played the lead role in the independent
film Molly i Världen (Molly in the World),
played a part in the television production
Beck (which is similar to the US
CSI series) and played the role of Sara
in the mockumentary The Scoop.
She is currently working on another
fake documentary Against a Deadline
which depicts the struggle of three
young people as they try to make it big
by making a film for the Sundance Film
Festival. She is negotiating a role in a
Danish feature to be shot next spring.
Meet Your
Alumni Coordinators
Originally from
Buffalo, New York,
Hope Ewing has
been working in
development for
New York City nonprofits
for the past
five years. She comes
to AADA from the
Metropolitan Opera.
After achieving her BA in English and
Women’s Studies from Binghamton
University, Hope followed her passion
for both art and activism by working
with a variety of modern dance and
human services organizations, including
Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre and
Advocates for Children of New York.
Hope has a lifelong love of theatre and
has studied dance since the age of five.
She is honored to become part of this
venerable institution.
When preparing for a role,Yohanna
remembers what she learned from
Jackie Bartone and other AADA instructors.
She tries to build her actions from
the story and the specific experiences
of the character. Most of all she says
that she has learned to be, “extremely
disciplined and to never take my acting
skills for granted.”
Joe Garcia is an AADA alumnus (1984).
He has worked as an actor in theatres
throughout the US and has been the
recipient of many awards including the
L.A. Ovation, Backstage Garland, MATY
and numerous Dramalogue recognitions.
Joe has been on the directing staff of
AADA Los Angeles for ten years and
looks forward to making new friends
in his new post as our LA Alumni
Coordinator.
Hope and Joe are looking forward to getting to know you.They can be reached via
e-mail at hewing@ny.aada.org or jgarcia@ca.aada.org.
Welcome
ACADEMY COMPANY 2008
In New York
Carmel Amite, Carmiel Israel
Ashley Anderson, Knoxville,TN
William Apps IV, Frazier, MI
Selene Beretta, Canberra,Australia
Jeanine Brinell, Copenhagen, Denmark
Amy Browne, Melbourne,Australia
Steven Lee Edwards,Austin,TX
Gemma Fearn, Cheshire, England
Jennifer Fouché, Detroit, MI
Gregory Henits, Stroudsburg, PA
Rick Kissack London, England
Matthew Krause, Fountain Hills,AZ
David Lanson, Scottsdale,AZ
Tommaso Matelli, Lake Como, Italy
Joshua Mayes, Romeo, MI
Phoebe Middleton, Manama, Bahrain
Klemen Novak, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Beky Parry, Manchester, England
Madeleine Pramik, San Francisco, CA
Declan Sammon, Dublin, Ireland
Jonathan Harper Schlieman, New York, NY
Katharina Stenbeck, Stockholm, Sweden
Vinicius Vieira, São Paulo, Brazil
In Los Angeles:
Marc Amadin,Turlock, CA
Ryan Beard, Southampton, England
Dan Behnke, Chicago, IL
Allison Bennett, Parkersburg,WV
Larissa Bonaci, St. Paul’s Bay, Malta
R. Benito Cardenas, Delano,CA
Krystle Connor, Las Vegas, NV
Timothy Covington,Atlanta, GA
Jolon Dante,Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada
Roff Grimes,Advance, NC
Jeronimo Hill, Mexico City, Mexico
Daniel Jeary, Ringmeo, England
Sam Krutzfeldt,Wetaskiwin,Alberta, Canada
Corey MacIntosh,Truro,
Nova Scotia, Canada
Jonny Marlow,Aspen, CO
Floriane Merzougui, Saint Etienne, France
Sarah Rosson, Long Beach, CA
Mary Grace Shaffo, Chico, CA
Jenna Shaw, Orange County, CA
Ben Stranahan,Aspen, CO
Kathy Thomas-Aldrich, El Paso,TX
Julie Vadnais, Ojai, CA
Nia Witts,West Palm Beach, FL
Diana Yekinni, London, England
The year will culminate in a Showcase for
industry professionals on February 20th
for our New York Company and March 31st
for our Los Angeles Company.

Florence
Henderson
Awards
Johanna Day (1984) was the recipient of the Helen
Hayes Award for Outstanding Actress in a Resident
Play for her work in The Rainmaker at Arena Stage.
Will Gartshore (1996) is the recipient of the
Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in
a Resident Musical for his role in Assassins at
Signature Theatre.
Linda Brennan (1983, and Faculty) was awarded
the Clinton E. Phillips Scholarship by the California
Association of Marriage and Family Therapists at
their awards ceremony last May.
Gena Rowlands (1952) was nominated for an
Emmy Award for Actress in a Miniseries or movie
for her role in What if God Were the Sun.
Mary Jo Slater (1967) has been nominated for two
Emmy Awards for casting; Casting for a Miniseries,
Movie or Special for The Starter Wife and Casting for
a Drama series for The Tudors.
1940’s
Lauren Bacall (1942) will star in the feature film
Wide Blue Yonder. She was the guest of honor at the
Haugesund Film Festival in Norway.
Charles Durning (1948) will be in the feature film
Audie and the Wolf.
Don Rickles (1948) received a life-time achievement
award – the Pinnacle Award at the Aspen Comedy
Festival. He was also the subject of a documentary,
The Rickles Factor, by director John Landis.
1950’s
Edwin Beschler (1951) received the Best Actor
Award in the 2007 Playwrights Platform Festival of
Short Plays in Boston, MA. He continues to act in
plays, films and commercials in the Boston area.
Florence Henderson (1953) unveiled her onewoman
show, All the Lives of Me, at Joe’s Pub, at New
York City’s Public Theater in June 2007. She was
also the recipient of the Gypsy Award, an award
presented by the Professional Dancers Society that
recognizes performers for long careers as stars of
musical productions in every medium. She can also
be seen in the film Venus and Vegas.
Neville Mur (1958) is a playwright residing in
St. Louis, MO. His play Brooklyn Bagatelle was given a
public workshop in St. Louis, and his two ten-minute
plays were finalists in the Spectrum Short Play
Festival at the First Run Theatre also in St. Louis.
1960’s
Danny DeVito (1966) was honored at the Karlovy
Vary Film Festival with the Crystal Globe for his
contribution to world cinema. His recent acting
credits include the feature films Reno 911!: Miami
and Nobel Son. He is at work on the upcoming
feature One Part Sugar.
Pamela Gray
with
Victor Garber
Jane Keitel
with actor
Brendan Burke
Alumni SPOTLIGHT
Craig Dudley (1966) played Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth
Night at the Tri-state Actors Theater in Sussex, NJ.
Elizabeth Franz (1962) was in The Autumn Garden
at the Williamstown Theatre Festival this summer
Jane Lynahan Karklin (1967) is now devoting her
time to writing.
Sandy (Burstein) Rochelle (1963) wrote, directed
and produced the feature length documentary Silent
Journey which profiles her son David who is autistic
and deaf.
Mark Sadan (1963) produces doc-dramas for the
National Road Safety Foundation. Most recently he
produced and directed The Other Breakfast Club,a
documentary about patients who suffered traumatic
brain injuries as the result of automobile accidents.
Mark is also one of the original film producers of
Sesame Street.
Wendy Tetley Tonkovich (1969) is a speech/language
assistant at an elementary school in Vermont.
James Whitmore Jr. (1968) has been directing
episodes of Jericho, NCIS and The Unit.
Richard Zavaglia (1968) appeared on stage with
Lou Diamond Phillips in A Few Good Men at the Casa
Manana Theatre in Fort Worth,Texas.
1970’s
Lee Colee–Atnip (1977) resides in Texas where she
is involved the music department at Texas Women’s
University as an actor and director with the
Wimberley Players.
Beth Broderick (1977) continues to work on
television’s Lost and will be seen in the feature
thriller Timber Falls.
Kim Cattrall (1974) is in the feature film Shortcut
to Happiness.
Rita (Cocchiarella) Conlon (1976) performed in
local and regional theatres, spent four years in the
US Air Force and is currently working for an
international law firm in Manhattan.
Michael Countryman (1976) was on stage at
NYC’s Second StageTheatre in the premiere of
The Butcher of Baraboo, directed by Judith Ivey.
Carol Crittenden (CJ Critt) (1976) recently
performed her solo show By Rail in NYC and in
Dallas.
Paul DeBoy (1977) covered two roles in Sarah
Ruhl’s, eurydice at Second stage in NYC.
Christine Ebersole (1975) will star in the role of
Margo Channing in Applause for City Center’s
Encores! in February. The role was created onstage
by Lauren Bacall (1942).
Michael
Countryman
Ann Marie Famularo (1979) lives on Long Island
where she is a dance teacher and choreographer.
Cristina Fontanelli (1977) appeared at Feinstein’s
at the Regency Hotel in NYC earlier this year.
Lance Hannify (1976) is on the executive board of
the San Diego Actors Alliance and is a special events
designer. He has two sons who are pursuing acting
and singing careers.
Dennis Haysbert (1977) will star in the feature
film Saravia.
Lori (Kornhaber) Kaye (1975) is the Executive
Producer for Bravo’s First Class All the Way.
Carmela Lanza (1979) moved to Baltimore last
year to pursue an MFA degree in theatre at Towson
University. She has been producing and directing
community inspired theatre that explores social and
emotional issues, and is also an artist-in-residence in
K-12 schools.
Wanda Libardi (1973) was appearing in cabaret
this summer in Williamstown, MA. In November
she will appear at the New Colonial Theatre in
Pittsfield, MA.
Jeffrey Markle (1979) co-starred in two episodes of
Grey’s Anatomy and will be seen later this year on Las
Vegas. On stage, he played Durdles in The Mystery of
Edwin Drood which was presented by the Sacred
Fools Theatre in Hollywood.
Dan McGeachy (1975) is currently directing and
performing in Nashville,TN.
Dennis Nichols (1972) and Michael Wilhelm (1978)
performed in the stage adaptation of All I Really
Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. The play was
produced by All for One Productions in Fort Wayne,
Indiana, of which Dennis is a charter member.
Donna Pescow (1975) recently guest starred on
The Soprano’s and Crossing Jordan.
Paula Rand (1978) has a studio where she teaches
many different styles of singing.
Eric Roberts (1977) will play a mafia kingpin in the
feature film The Dark Knight, the sequel to Batman
Returns and can be seen in the feature film Witless
Protection. On television he can be seen on the
popular series Heroes.
Hester (Mary Ann) Schell (1974) teaches film acting
at the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking
and Fine Arts Foundation. Along with acting, she
produces social conscious documentary videos. She
is currently in post-production on her short film
Ju$t Under a Million.

1980’s
Karen Abercrombie (1981) is an actress/singer/
songwriter who recently presented As Told by Mary,
a one-woman drama, at the Lamont Library in
McGraw, NY.
David Brian Alley (1989) appeared in Stones in His
Pockets at Playmakers Repertory in Chapel Hill, NC,
and A Flea in Her Ear with the Clarence Brown
Theatre at the University of Tennessee, where he is
a resident artist and member of the acting faculty.
Hank Azaria (Sum) will be back on Broadway this
fall when he plays David Sarnoff in The Farnsworth
Invention which is scheduled to open November
14th at the Music Box Theatre.
Douglas Carter Beane’s (1980) Xanadu will begin a
National Tour in summer 2008.
Eliborio Beltran (aka Eli Gemini) (1986) is the
director, host, editor and executive producer of That
Denton Show, a local cable program in Denton,Texas.
Kim Brockington (1980) continues to play Felicia
Bordeaux on Guiding Light. She will also understudy
the role of Mrs. Muller for the national tour of
Doubt.
Adrien Brody (Sat) is in the feature films The
Darjeeling Limited and The Brothers Bloom.
Anna Clinton (1990) is a psychotherapist. She
continues to sing and act part-time.
Angela (Egic) Collins (1986) helps to facilitate
local meetings teaching American Sign Language and
Law of Attraction. She has recently worked with
Manhattan Theatre Source and Medicine Show, was
the assistant stage manager for the New York Deaf
Theatre’s production of Brilliant Traces, and was the
stage manager for Theatre 5’s Madame Bovary.
Jennifer Coolidge (1982) appears on NBC’s improv
showcase Thank God You’re Here.
Richard Crowley (1980) resides in New Hampshire
where he works as an on-air personality for Nassau
Broadcasting. He is currently a performing member
of Northeast Shakespeare Ensemble and teaches
improv comedy at Northern Stage in White River
Junction.
Johanna Day (1984) will be featured on stage in
Edward Albee’s Zoo Story and Homelife at New York
City’s Second Stage Theatre.
Illeana Douglas (1983) is in the feature film Expired,
which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival
Mary Ellen Eppert (1986) is a freelance writer and
astrological consultant living in Toronto, Canada.
Will Gartshore
Johanna Day
Alumni SPOTLIGHT
Peter Gadjics (1984) published a 4,000 word article
in the July/August issue of The Gay and Lesbian
Review/Worldwide.
Steven Gallagher (1989) recently played Quince in
A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Riff Raff in The
Rocky Horror Show for The Canadian Stage Company
in Toronto. He also appeared in the Toronto premiere
of William Finn’s Elegies: A Song Cycle.
Beth Glover (1989) played Mayor Matilda Hyde in
the first national tour of All Shook Up. She also
appears in national commercials for ASPCA and
Verizon.
Acia Gray (1981) is the artistic director and
founder of Austin-based Tapestry Dance Company
which received an NEA touring grant to support a
tour of The Souls of Our Feet, a celebration of tap
masterpieces.
Pamela Gray (1986) was in Present Laughter at the
Huntington Theatre Company in Boston.
Bruce Greenwood (1981) can be seen in the feature
film National Treasure: Book of Secrets with
Nicholas Cage and Helen Mirren.
Wilbur Edwin Henry (1981) was onstage at Round
House Theatre in Bethesda, MD in Orson’s Shadow.
Cherie Young Hickman (1981) is a massage
therapist and energy worker in Sterling,VA. She is
also mentoring a program that is connecting a
Head-Start program in Loudon,VA. to the area’s high
school drama department.
Matthew Hughes (1989) is teaching drama at an
international school in Japan.
Jane Keitel (1983) was in The Good German at
Shadowland Theatre in Ellenville, NY, with an
extended run at Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey.
Elias Koteas (1983) will star in NBC’s Fort Pit about
a derelict police precinct in Brooklyn.
Jerry Lambert (1980) recently guest-starred on
television’s Brothers and Sisters and Til Death. He can
also be seen in the feature film Smother.
Kyle Larsen (1980) is part of the comedy team
“Buddy and Honey”. She is also a ballroom dance
champion.
Matthew Lester (1986) lives in Atlanta where he
does voice-over work. He is currently recording the
audio book of Hi, My Name is Jack.
Maria Lidstone (1985) is writing a book about her
childhood in South Minneapolis. She was recently
in the film Tusamehe about the devastating effects
of AIDS.
Jennifer
Coolidge
Patricia Lynn-Strickland (1982) is the music and
drama teacher at St. Bonaventure High School and
Our Lady of the Assumption School. Patricia also
serves as Artistic Director for the Ventura
Impromptu Players.
Shelley Malil (1987) played supporting roles in the
feature films Ping Pong Playa, Columbus Day and
Crossing Over.
Holly Martin-Baker (1986) made her Broadway
debut this fall in Rent.
Cheryllynne McNeil (C1987) is a stand-up comedian
who is currently performing at comedy clubs
throughout the west. She was recently featured on
Comedian X.
Brian Scott Miller (1987) co-wrote and co-directed
the film The Pink Conspiracy.
Carrie-Anne Moss (1988) played Julie in the feature
film Disturbia, a 21st century update of Rear Window.
Marie Oliver (1982) is running her own writing and
editing business, Clarity in Writing and Editing, in
Corvallis, OR.
Frank Patano (1981) holds an MBA degree from
Azusa Pacific University. He is the benefits manager
at the University of La Verne, in La Verne, CA and
also the Chairman of the Board of Directors for
Parson’s Nose Productions in South Pasadena. CA.
Lonnie Quinn (1987) became the weathercaster for
WCBS-TV in New York in April, 2007. He forecasts
the weather on the 6pm and 11pm newscasts.
Dan Remmes (1987) has been commissioned to
write the book for Grumpy Old Men the musical
which is expected to debut on Broadway in 2008.
Gerianne (Smith) Smart (Eve 1986) is President
and owner of Smart Communication, Inc., an
advertising sales and marketing firm located in
Ferrisburgh.VT. Gerianne produced and co-wrote
the film The Summer of Walter Hacks which she will
be submitting to film festivals at the end of this year.
Keith Randolph Smith (1986) played Snug in
Shakespeare in the Park’s A Midsummer Night’s
Dream.
Frank Spinelli (1983) has appeared in numerous
stage productions and independent films. He
co-founded No-Pants Theatre Company and is now
concentrating on writing. He lives in the Bay Area
with his wife,Angie.
Timothy Stickney (1985) played Hamlet for Take
Wing and Soar company in NYC and Prince Escalus
in The Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park’s
production of Romeo and Juliet.

Bruce
Greenwood
James Tunstall (1988) is at work on the film John
Wesley and was the company manager for Triad
Stage in North Carolina this summer.
Drew Ward (1980) is a theatre arts teacher at
Santiago High School in Corona, CA and is a founding
board member of Christian Arts and Theatre of
Corona. He is active in community theater.
1990’s
Rachel Archuletta (1999) brought her one person
show Do the Voices in My Head Bother You? to
Mendocino, CA.The show originated with a twentyminute
piece Rachel first developed in Debra
Deliso’s class. Rachel is next pursuing bringing it to
the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Timothy Babcock (1990) performed in I Am My
Own Wife in Provincetown this summer.
Eion Bailey (1996) will star in the indie film Canyon,
a film about honeymooners who have lost their way
hiking in the Grand Canyon.
Rene Bharti (1998) owns a music company and
recording studio in Toronto. She is also doing lots of
voice-over work.
Stephen Bowman (1995) can be seen on Bravo’s
reality series Flipping Out.
Stefan Brogren (1993) is currently in his seventh
season as Archie “Snake” Simpson on the Canadian
television series, Degrassi:The Next Generation.
Kathleen O’Rawe Clabby (1992) is a dance
instructor at the North Carolina Theatre
Conservatory and the Raleigh School of Ballet.
Valerie David (1996) and Aaron Fili (1996) were
seen in REVEAL, an evening of thought provoking
monologues by emerging playwrights at Roy Arias
studios in NYC. Valerie’s play Two-mur Humor: He’s
Malignant; She’s Benign was selected to be part of the
2007 New York Fringe Festival.
Jeremy Davies (1990) stars in the feature film
Rescue Dawn.
Brian Ferrari (1991) has been the host of the
weekly series Bri-Guy’s Media Surf on the Manhattan
Neighborhood network for the past 10 years. Brian
is also an actor and a writer who recently wrote
and starred in the short film Straighten Up.
Nicole Forester (1993) continues to play Cassie on
Guiding Light.
Will Gartshore (1996) appeared in Orson’s Shadow
at Round House Theatre in Bethesda, MD. He is
slated to appear in their upcoming production of The
Book Club Play next spring.
Mark Grinhaus (1998) has recently enrolled at
York University and is working toward his MFA.
Nicole Forester
with actor
Robert Newman
His theatre company, Bound to Create Theater has
been touring shows that he has written.
Tanja Grupp (1992) lives in Berlin with her family.
She is currently at work producing an independent
film.
Wesley (Managbanag) John (1992) has been busy
working on stage, television and in commercials. He
also appeared as a Samurai on Nickelodeon’s
Ned’s De-Classified.
Kim Marie Jones (1994) has her own health and
fitness business. Kim is a graduate of St. John’s
University.
Matthew Lillard (1990) will play an Air Force
colonel responsible for watching over an alien in
Area 52 on NBC. On the big screen he will be seen
in American Summer.
Zena Dell (Stephens) Lowe (1994) is writing and
directing a short film Hard Shell.
Galadriel Masterson (1992) has been writing and
producing music professionally. Her current band,
Pretty Boys, will soon make their UK debut headlining
a London festival.
Robin Matthews (1994) played Gail Borah in the
Sean Penn film Into the Wild. Robin was also the
head of the make-up department on this film and
she has worked on several other projects with Mr.
Penn including All the King’s Men.
Kelly Melachouris (1998) performed in Guys and
Dolls for the Gallimaufry Theatre Group in Laguna,
CA.
Sharon Moist (1993) works as a personal
development and career coach to entertainment
industry professionals.
Tim Stickney
Tony Nappo (1991) has been very busy acting in
the feature films Jumper, Killshot and Saw 4. He can
also be seen in the Canadian indies Hank and Mike,
This Beautiful City and in the Lifetime mini-series The
Gathering.
Dael Orlandersmith (EVE) starred in The Blue
Album, which she also co-wrote, at the Long Wharf
Theatre in New haven, CT.
Jessica Pimentel (1999) played the role of Mathilda
in The Clean House at the Wellfleet Harbor Actors
Theatre. She made her feature film debut in John
Singleton’s Illegal Tender.
Susan Porro (1994) stars in the film Able Killer and
will also be seen in the feature The Minsters with
John Leguizamo and Harvey Keitel.
Jose Restrepo (1992) is currently playing Sonny
LaTierre, one of the T-Birds, in the Broadway revival
of Grease.
Blake Robbins (1993) has been busy directing the
24 hour plays for the Elephant Theatre in Los
Angeles; starring in and producing the film Bunker
Hill and working on stage in the Monkey Puzzle Tree
at the Ojai Theatre Festival and Sometimes a Great
Notion at the Portland Center Stage. He recently
had a guest appearance on the television series,
Without a Trace.
Zuleikha Robinson (1997) will star in the television
series New Amsterdam about a police detective who
is secretly centuries old. Lasse Halstrom is the
director.
Emily Barnes-Rodrigues (1997) was the acting and
dialogue coach on the short film Love Like Wind.
Jaret Sacrey (1993) is living in Los Angles with his
wife Gillian Brashear (1993). He is the recipient of
the Ovation Award for his work in Killer Joe; has
designed sets for the LA theatre community and has
directed two short films. Jaret and Gillian both
starred in the musical Weedwacker at the Hayworth
Theatre Center in Los Angeles and are currently
on stage in Sylvie at the Odyssey Theatre in
Los Angeles.
Kathy Searle (1999) stars in the Off-Broadway
show My First Time.
Mark Shunock (1998) is currently playing Timon in
Disney’s national tour of The Lion King
Scott Stevens (1999) works in business development
in Bangkok,Thailand.
Stacy (KomLosy) Stewart (1995) is living in
Portland, Maine, where she works at the University
of Southern Maine as a student coordinator and
academic advisor. She acts and directs for local
community theatres and is the proud mom of
11 month old Ozzie.
Jason Tendell (1994) played Poins in Henry IV, Part I
at the Theatre Banshee in Burbank, where he will
also appear in Power. Jason has also done some
voiceover work for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead
Man’s Chest and a new Playstation 3 title.
After a career as an actor and theatrical producer,
Jason Wolk (1990) turned to producing films and
commercials. To date he has produced over 100
commercials for clients such as Nissan,Visa, and
Coca-Cola. Jason is a graduate of USC and lives with
his wife Jody and their two sons in Encino, CA.
Carrie Yaeger (1999) was in Write Club NYC’s
production of Growing Pretty.
Maeve Yore (1998) is currently on stage in Sister
Cities at the Gloria Maddox Theatre in NYC. Todd
Cowdery (2006) is the Medical Technical Adviser on
the production.

Brian Zarka (1998) focused his career on directing
and is currently directing a music video for the band
Sapo Sue. He also directed a short Super16 called
Sunshine.
2000’s
Robert Adamson (2004) will be seen in the ABC
Family series Lincoln Heights, a new series about a
family living in an inner-city neighborhood.
Derek Ahonen (2001) will be directing his play The
Pied Pipers of the Lower East Side at the Gene Frankel
Theatre in NYC.
Patrick Allen (2006) performed in Rosecrans at the
Santa Monica Playhouse.
Emily Barlow (2005) is featured in the short film
The Query, directed by Lisa Milinazzo (faculty).The
film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier
this year.
Joe Bartolotta (2004) recently participated in two
staged readings of new plays at the KNF Festival in
New York.
Edward Bennett-Coles (2004) wrote and performed
in Two Storm Wood for Shotgun Theatre
Company in London.
Artie Ray Bergeron (2004) has been busy with
various types of work including commercials and
films. He is currently filming the lead role in the
indie film Em.
Sarah Berry (2006) plays a cheerleader in the film
Gracie.
Julian Brennan (2005) has enlisted in the US
Marines for four years of active duty.
Kacie Brown (2002) and Leena Lambert (2006)
were in South Coast Repertory’s Educational
Touring Program.They appeared in the musical Bad
Water Blues, A Coral Reef Mystery.
Brittany (Sarkisian) Carson (2006) has been busy
with voice-over work for commercials and video
games and acting in the feature film Bratz. She is
working on stage in the new musical City Kid.
Michael Cortez (2007) was in NYC’s Fringe
Festival in To Be Loved along with AADA alumni
Nicholas Gorham (2003). Michael was also in
Goodnight Bobby, Goodnight John at the Richmond
Shepard Theatre in NYC with alumna Roisin
Donnelly (2007).
Scott Cote (2001) has worked with Disney
Creative Entertainment as part of their new musical
Twice Charmed, which is based upon Cinderella. Scott
can be heard on the original cast recording.This fall
he will play LeFou in Beauty and the Beast at
Max Crumm and
Jose Restrepo
Elizabeth Franz
with
Mamie Gummer
Alumni SPOTLIGHT
Northern Stage Theatre in White River Junction,
Vermont.
Max Crumm (2006) is starring on Broadway as
Danny Zuko in the revival of Grease. Max won the
role on the reality television series Grease:You’re the
One That I Want.
Ewa da Cruz (2004) continues to play Vienna Hyatt
on As the World Turns. Ewa was an award presenter
at the NY graduation ceremonies.
Danny DeLillo (2005) recently completed a UK
national tour of Romeo and Juliet and Richard III.
Ambr Falck (2006) appeared in several short films
and on stage in Derek Ahonen’s (2001) While
Chasing the Fantastic at the Krane Theatre in NYC.
Adam Fujita (2006) was in Dark of the Moon at the
Chashama Theatre in NYC and played Borrachio for
The Drilling Company/Shakespeare in the Parking
Lot’s production of Much Ado About Nothing.
Olga (Mougoyianni) George (2001) teaches
Meisner technique at the Theatre of Changes in
Athens, Greece.
Luke Grimes (2004) has worked on the indie films
War Eagle and All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, which
premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and will have
a wide theatrical release later this year.
Heidi Lind Hopstock (2005) has been accepted
into the theatre program at Rose Bruford College in
Sidcup, England.
Phillip James (Phil Brown) (2005) recently played
Hal in Henry IV Part I for the Richmond Shakespeare
Festival in Virginia.
Natasha Kozaily (2007) is studying music at Cardiff
University in Wales.
Kristin Leim (2005) did some studio recording in
Nashville and worked on the feature film Let Them
Wait. Kim Hamilton (2005) also worked on the
film.
Karla Menjivar (2003) recently performed her
one woman show, Middle School, at Highways
Performance space in Los Angeles.This is a piece
she first developed in Felix Pire’s class at AADA.
Karla also finished a run of Los Illegals for the
Cornerstone Theatre Company also in Los Angeles.
Judy Merrick (2007) played the lead role in
Knuckleball in the Iowa Fringe Festival. Judy also
produced Pigeon Man Apocalypse for the New York
Fringe Festival
Angela Milton (2006) made her directorial debut at
the 78th Street Theatre Lab with A Night in 1948.
She also appeared in the plays Moll and Spontaneous
Combustion #29 in NYC.
David Newham
Ewa da Cruz with
Assistant Director
of Instruction,
Jackie Bartone
Jared Morgenstern (2005) was on stage in Porn and
Happiness:You Can’t Have Both at the Gene Frankel
Theatre in NYC earlier this year.
Puy Navarro (2001) produced and starred in Life is
a Dream, a pro-human rights theatrical event at The
Culture Project in NYC.
David Newham (2005) landed a recurring role on
the hit TV series 24. David can also be seen on the
big screen in Charlie Wilson’s War with Tom Hanks,
Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman, and in
The Invasion with Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig.
David Orta (2002) is working as an associate producer/personal
assistant on the children’s television
show The Magic Paint Box.
Mary Anne Puntoriero (2000) owns and operates
a slipper design company with her mother in
Sydney, Australia. Mary Anne was married earlier
this year.
Leslie Rishkofski (2005) worked on the indie films
Stan and A Quiet Little Marriage.
Colt Romberger (2005) enlisted in the US Air
Force.
Stephan Rumphorst (2005) lives in Berlin where
he produced the short film Voll Krass. He also directs
plays for the Theater der Erfahrungen.
Rodrigo Santacruz (2001) resides in Mexico City
where he plays Willy in the Mexican Soap Opera
Codigo Postal. He also plays a nightclubber in the film
The Air I Breathe.
Jessica (Wilson) Savage (2005) co-founded the
dance troupe The Peach Tartes and she has been
performing with them and producing shows
throughout NYC.
Kim Shaw (2004) can be seen in the feature films
The Babysitters with John Leguizamo and Cynthia
Nixon and Greetings from the Shore.
Trace Sheehan (2005) has moved to LA where he
is working as a development coordinator for Prana
Studios, an animation company based in India with
offices in Los Angeles; and for Flame Ventures, an
independent production company, where he helps to
pitch and develop new ideas.
Melia Smith (2006) has completed work on the
indie short Lightening and the feature film Rich From
Within.
Holly Stotelmyer (2006) worked as an extra in the
feature film I am Legend.
Lisa Tamashiro (2004) performed in the sketch
comedy, Monty Pythongs, at the Next Stage in Los
Angeles.

Tom Poston
Elyse Tirrell (2006) is living in Osaka, Japan where
she understudies the role of Elphaba in The
Universal Studios’ production of Wicked.
Nathalie Tolentino (EVE 2000) has been busy with
commercials, print work, short films and theatre.
Ryan Turner (2000) graduated cum laude from
Towson University with a BA in theatre.
Elizabeth Wehner (2000) has been contracted by
the Los Angles Opera and will appear in several
productions this season.
Ashley Williams (2005) has been involved with
NiteStar Theatre, an AIDS prevention theatre in
education company. Earlier this year Ashley cofounded
Mind the Art Theatre and Studio.
Nathan Willis (2006) was on stage at the Long
Island City Centre for the Arts in Atonement.
Haley Zale (2007) played Catherine Simms in The
Foreigner for the Chenango River Theatre Company,
a brand new professional equity theatre, located in
Greene, NY.
John Brant (2006), Mark Noonan (2005) and
Adam Vorrath (2006), were in Someone Who’ll
Watch Over Me at the Gene Frankel Theatre in NYC
earlier this year.
This spring the Hallmark Channel premiered
Pandemic with Academy alums Eric Roberts (1977),
French Stewart (1985), Renee (Wexler) Taylor
(1952), Scott Michael Campbell (1991) and David
Newham (2005).
Lester Thomas Shane (Faculty) directed Asylum as
part of The Wonderland One Act Play Festival.
Among the cast were Kiki Bertocci, Krystal
Blackman, Randy Blair,Tommy Buck, Natalie
Johnson, Ricky Johnston and Kat Procko all from
the class of 2006.
Alumni as Authors:
Hélène Cardona’s (1989) newest book The
Astonished Universe is a book of poetry written in
English and French.
Mary Carter’s (1990) second novel, Accidentally
Engaged, hit the bookshelves earlier this year.
Terry Farley’s (1971) autobiographical work Distant
Reaches was published earlier this year.
Basil Hoffman (1962) is the author of Acting and
How to be Good at It.
Julianne Lee (1982) is a novelist residing in
Tennessee. She is the author of an historical fantasy
series and she has published three novels to date:
Knight Tenebrae, Knight’s Blood and Knight’s Lady which
is due out in early 2008. Julianne is also active with
the Steeple Players in Hendersonville.
Accidentally
Engaged by
Mary Carter
Miriam Perrone (1987) is a playwright living in
Georgia. Her book of poetry Cry Me a River will be
published this fall.
Don Rickles (1948) released Rickles’ Book: a Memoir,
earlier this year.
True Grace:The Life and Times of an American Princess
was published earlier this year.
Celebrating:
Christine Arnold Schreoder, Director of
Development, Media and Strategy, and her husband
Bob welcomed baby Elizabeth Mata Schroeder on
July 19, 2007
Kathryn Haskett (2004) gave birth to Lochlyn
Amanda Cutt in October 2006.
Phillip James (Phil Brown) (2005) and Emily
Barlow (2005) were married September 28th in
North Carolina.
Sylvia Jefferies (1995) welcomed her son James in
October.
Brian Zarka (1998) married hair designer Lauren
Kristina Wise on May 19th.
Remembering:
Tom Poston (1947) passed away April 30th at the
age of 85. Poston was a versatile and veteran performer
who was best known for his roles as the
comic bumbler. He received an Emmy Award for his
work on The Steve Allen Show and was nominated for
his roles on Newhart and Coach. His numerous television
credits include guest appearances on Will &
Grace, Murphy Brown, Just Shoot Me, and That ‘70s
Show as well as regular work on Mork and Mindy and
Bob and a ten year turn as a panelist on To Tell the
Truth. Prior to his acting career Poston enlisted in
the Army Air Corps and subsequently flew troops to
the European War zone during World War II.While
searching for postwar employment he read an interview
with Charles Jehlinger and was inspired to
attend The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His
film work included roles in Cold Turkey, Rabbit Test,
Christmas with the Kranks and The Princess Diaries2:
Royal Engagement. Mr. Poston is survived by his wife,
actress Suzanne Pleshette.
Eleanor Renee Robinson (Eve 2007) July 19, 2007.
Eleanor graduated from the Evening Division on
Saturday, June 30, 2007. During her second year she
played April in Hot L Baltimore, Margaret Brennan in
The Marriage of Bette and Boo and Lula in Wedding
Band. To each role, she brought a sensitive understanding
of the human condition, growing more each
moment as an actor and a person. She had the
warmest smile and was everyone’s biggest fan. It is
well-known fact that she gave the best hugs.We are
so proud that she is an alumna of this program and
school.We will miss her dearly.
Rickles’ Book
James Bell (1973) May 4, 2007. James was an
accomplished musician, composer, lyricist and
producer. He played lead guitar with numerous
rock/blues bands.
Jimmy Bernstein (aka Jesse Black) (1955) January
8, 2007. His most notable role was in The Wrong
Man with Henry Fonda. He also had a successful
career in real estate and founded Delta Realty in
Athens, Georgia.
Susan (Robinson) Elliott (1963) April 12, 2007
in a fire in her home in London. Susan had been
married to actor Denholm Elliott and established
a hotel complex in his name in Ibiza Can Bufi
where people who are HIV positive can enjoy a
free stay. She is the author of Denholm Elliott,
Quest for Love.
Veronica Lally Kehoe (1976) April 7, 2007. An
actress and producer, she encouraged and supported
new American plays through the work of her
company Gypsy Road Company.
Alexander Molina (1963) April 12, 2007. Mr.
Molina appeared on One Life to Live, All My Children
and most recently on the prime time series Ed.
He appeared in numerous commercials and print
advertisements and on stage at regional theatres
such as the Goodspeed Opera House and
Cincinnati Opera House.
Sister Marguerite Morrissey (1942) May 5, 2007.
Sister Marguerite entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of
Peace in 1953. She taught and served as principal in
schools in Washington and California while she
earned her masters degrees in theatre arts and
theology. She was technical advisor and played the
role of Sister Immaculata in The Runner Stumbles.
Mary Margaret Sherer (Dillon) (1951) February
16, 2007 in New London, CT.
Hazel (Woodhouse) Shuster (1946) April 14, 2007
in New Jersey. She was a member of the Valley
Players in Watchung, NJ.
Please submit your news to news@aada.org, or to
The Journal of American Academy of Dramatic Arts,
120 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016.
Don’t forget to include your class year and campus.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Samuel Davis: Chairman of the Board
William Blinn, Vice-Chairman
Jolyon F. Stern, Vice-Chairman
Roger Croucher: President and CEO
E. Robert Goodkind, Secretary
Gregory Taft Gerard, Treasurer
Robert E.Wankel, Chairman Emeritus
Wallace Albertson
Mary de Liagre
Claudia Faris
Jeremy Feakins
Alan A. Fischer
Michael Gardner
Sam Gores
Felix Grossman
Brian Henson
Neal King, PhD
Jonathan Pollard
George C.White
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Conrad Bain
Roger S. Berlind
George Cuttingham
Lee Granger
Frank Langella
Robert Redford
James Warwick:
LA Division President
Robert Reddington:
Chief Financial Officer, COO
Dr. Nina LeNoir:
Director of Instruction, LA
Constantine Scopas:
Director of Instruction, NY
Christine Arnold Schroeder:
Director of Development and Strategy
Karen Higginbotham:
Director of Admissions
Elizabeth Lawson:
Director of External Relations
The Journal is published at
AADA New York and distributed
free to alumni, donors, press and
members of the entertainment
industry.
Executive Editor:
Christine Arnold Schroeder
Senior Editor: Kathleen Germann
Contributors:
Faith Ball
Elizabeth Lawson
Pete Tufel
Jill Van Hee
Design: J & E Design, Inc.
Photo Credits:
LA graduation series by Luke Moyer © 2007;
LA graduation by Maxine Picard © 2007;
NY graduation and play series by
Mark Wyville © 2007;
Gala photos by Scott McLane © 2007;
Florence Henderson by Kevin Yatarola/
Joe’s Pub © 2007;
Pamela Gray by T. Charles Erickson © 2007;
Michael Countryman by Joan Marcus © 2007;
Will Gartshore by Carol Pratt © 2007;
Johanna Day by Scott Suchman © 2007;
Jennifer Coolidge by Paul Drinkwater/NBC © 2007;
Nicole Forester by Lorenzo Bevilaqua/PGP © 2007;
Tim Stickney by Joseph Marzullo/Retna Ltd. © 2007;
Grease by Joan Marcus © 2007;
Elizabeth Franz by Carol Rosegg © 2007;
Christine Ebersole by Joan Marcus © 2007;
Cover photography by Mark Rupp © 2007;
Back Cover by Luke Moyer © 2007;
Jane Keitel by Carol Rosegg © 2007;
Joe Garcia and Ivana Shein by
Kathleen Hirai ©2007;
Both campuses are accredited by NAST,
the New York campus by MSCHE and the
Los Angeles campus by WASC/ACCJC.
America’s First Drama Conservatory
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