From backstage.com
Angelina Bell ’23
Angelina Bell ’23 returned to SUNY New Paltz in February to direct the Department of Theatre Arts' production of "Aaliyah in Underland," described as "a hip-hop remix of 'Alice in Wonderland' that explores the concepts of structural violence, anti-blackness, memory, and self-discovery."
From newpaltz.edu
Martin Benesh ’22
SUNY New Paltz class of 2022 valedictorian Martin Benesh ’22, current draftsperson for NBC/Saturday Night Live, has also been hired as a lighting supervisor at the Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico.
From @sunynewpaltztheatre on Instagram
Rachel Buchanan
Theatre Arts junior Rachel Buchanan has been hired at Adirondack Theatre Festival in Glens Falls, NY as a stage management intern.
From @sunynewpaltztheatre on Instagram
Julia Dubinsky
Theatre Arts senior Julia Dubinsky has been hired by the North Country Center for the Arts at Jean's Playhouse in Lincoln, NH, to perform in "The Secret Garden" and "Cats."
From @geedurante on Instagram
Gianna Durante ’21
Gianna Durante ’21 received her master's degree in stage management from Columbia University in May.
From newpaltz.edu
Benjamin Giordano ’24
Benjamin Giordano ’24 was named a spring 2024 Outstanding Graduate, which recognizes graduating students for academic excellence.
According to SUNY New Paltz, Outstanding Graduates "are truly the 'best of the best': students who have gone above and beyond as scholars and leaders in the classroom, and also in independent research experiences, engagement with clubs and honor societies, conference attendance and presentations, internships, jobs, and other co-curricular activities."
From @ribbittheatrecompany on Instagram
Katie Gudzik ’22, Kat Collins ’23, and Kiana Duggan-Haas ’23
Theatre Arts alumni Katie Gudzik ’22, Kat Collins ’23, and Kiana Duggan-Haas ’23 have officially launched the Ribbit Theatre Company, "leapfrogging sustainable and accessible TYA across the Hudson Valley." RTC continues the legacy that was "A Year with Frog & Toad," which Gudzik presented as part of her Honors Program thesis in November 2022. Their first local production is scheduled for fall. Learn more about Ribbit Theatre Company.
Duggan-Haas also performed recently in "Once, in the Time of Trolls" at Open Eye Theater in Margaretville, teaches acting to young adults at Shadowland Stages in Ellenville, and is working costumes at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.
From @parkerhowland_ on Instagram
Parker Howland ’23
Parker Howland ’23 recently performed in "The Elephant Man" at Tiahwaga Community Players in Owego, NY, and will perform in "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" at Chenango River Theatre in Greene, NY, this summer.
From actofct.org
Ethan Maguire
Theatre Arts senior Ethan Maguire has been hired by ACT of Connecticut as Production Audio Technician (A2) for "Kinky Boots."
From New Paltz Magazine
Lester Mayers ’19 returned to SUNY New Paltz in November 2023 to direct the Department of Theatre Arts production of "Hooded, or Being Black for Dummies." Written by playwright Tearrance Arvelle, the play is described as "a comedic drama that explores racial identity, privilege and pop culture."
During the closing weekend of "Hooded," Mayers presented his live musical poetic performance, "New Dream of Love," in Studley Theatre—and then again the following weekend at Ramapo College in New Jersey.
Learn more about Mayers on his website.
From @sunynewpaltztheatre on Instagram
Abby Rose Taylor ’24
Abby Rose Taylor ’24 has been hired for the summer as an assistant electrician at Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, and will then begin a full-time position with Upstaging, Inc. in Sycamore, IL.
From @sunynewpaltztheatre on Instagram
Sean Walsh ’23
Sean Walsh ’23 recently performed in "Stupid F*cking Bird" at Doctorow Center for the Arts in Hunter, NY; is the assistant technical director at Shadowland Stages in Ellenville, NY; and will begin his MFA at Wayne State University in Michigan this fall.
