William Baty, ACtor

​William Baty (he/him). William was in theatre classes at Waco High School his senior year in 2000-01. After he graduated, he spent 14 years as a part-time student at MCC, taking two classes a semester towards his degree. He was cast in Treasure Island, where he got to be a pirate and learn sword-fighting. He did more sword-fighting in The Three Musketeers as a Cardinal’s guard. When William danced as one of Motormouth Maybelle’s kids in Hairspray, audience members were amazed to find out afterwards, that William was deaf and used ASL.  He took Stagecraft and helped build the sets for all the shows he was in.  Along the way he was cast in two films: Nothing Left and Nowhere But Down, both in 2009.  William is continuing to pursue his dream of performing with Silent House Theatre, Waco’s only theatre company that focuses on theatre by and for the deaf community. 

Darlisha Blaylock

Darlisha Blaylock

Dani Blizzard, Musician

​Dani Blizzard (she/her) attended MCC with her older sister Rachael from 2007 to 2009. She majored in theater her first year and was cast in two productions. Her second year, she switched her major to music. She took private guitar, piano, and vocal lessons on top of her core classes. In 2011, she founded and became the front woman for the gothic electronica metal band, Autumn Stay. She performed about 100 shows a year for seven years. In 2018 Autumn Stay teamed up with multi-platinum award winning producer Kevin “131” Gutierrez  and released their first major single, “Confess”. The pandemic slowed them down a bit, but in August of 2021, they released their second single, “Closer to the Edge” along with a music video. Dani continues to pursue her passion for music while using her band’s live shows to showcase her theatrical and dramatic abilities. 

Rachael Blizzard, Teacher/Principal/Voice Actor

​Rachael Blizzard (she/her) attended MCC from 2005-2008. During her time at MCC, her emphasis was primarily in musical theatre. She never allowed  her studies to be compromised as she saw MCC as her way of changing her life and career choices. After MCC she went on to obtain her BFA in theatre and then her Masters in Education. She is now working as a theatre teacher in Fort Worth ISD but in her free time you can find her performing in musicals, doing voice overs for anime at FUNimation, modeling, and auditioning for TV and film. She truly believes you can do so much through MCC but you have to work. Believe in yourself. 

MIchele Cervantes, Musician

​Michele Cervantes (she/her). She is a graduate of McLennan Community College Theatre Program and of St. Edward’s University Bachelor of the Arts. Civil Engineering Graduate; Community College of the Air Force. She is serving in the United States Air Force as an Engineer. She speaks three languages: English, Spanish and German. Michele has studied violin and cello for 25 years and has been a private tutor. Her theatre credits are Scapin, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof. She has played with the Williamson County Symphony Orchestra, San Jose CA Community Orchestra, Austin Philharmonic, Anahadonia, and Disrupting TeaTime. She composed music for Scapin, Romeo and Juliet, The Odyssey, Arsenic and Old Lace, and The Russian Feud.

 

KeKe Chadwick

​Keyera Chadwick (she/her) started MCC in 2018 as a Criminal Justice major. She sang throughout her entire middle school and high school years. She began singing with MCC in 2019 with the choir and opera. She was given a choir scholarship while in the course. She has been involved with multiple MCC shows including Die Fledermaus, The Little Shop of Horrors, The Tinker of Tivoli, A Christmas Carol, and The Old Maid and the Thief. She graduated from Tarleton State University in 2022 through the University Center and will continue for her Master's Degree.

Tim Clark

​Tim Clark (he/him) graduated from Midway High School where he was involved in Marching Band and Theatre.  Tim attended MCC from 2005-07, doing Theatre, Choir, Tartan Chamber Singers, and Spotlight. He was also involved with the Waco Civic Theatre and Waco Children’s Theatre.  Tim transferred to the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Tim has been the Director of Music at his church for 10 years. He is involved with multiple theatre companies, either as conductor or keyboardist, and is approaching his 70th show.  Tim also assists with teaching the choir and theatre classes at Crestview Middle School. 

Sarah collins

Sarah Collin’s first experiences with piano involved learning simple duets with her Mom.  She began formal piano lessons at age six. As she grew older, her love of music extended into dance and musical theater, which led her to audition for her first musical Annie, at age eight. She was cast in a lead role and loved everything about the experience. She continued to perform in musicals through college, first at MCC, and then earning a B.F.A. in Musical Theater from Sam Houston State University. After graduation she moved to Austin and began performing in musicals professionally. At the same time, she began teaching voice lessons to kids. She enjoyed teaching so much that she became a preschool teacher at Childswork Learning Center soon after moving to Portland in 2007. I left Childswork in 2010 to teach piano full time and had the honor and great pleasure of teaching piano to 10 of my 12 preschool students (some of whom I'm lucky enough to still teach to this day).  https://www.sarahcollinsmusic.com/
​

Mandy Connor

​Mandy Conner (she/her) is the Theatre Director at China Spring High School.  She attended MCC from 1991-1993, appearing in Jerry Mac's Illusions, The Grapes of Wrath, and Fiddler on the Roof.  She also made later appearances in Guys and Dolls and Kiss Me, Kate.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Theatre.   She received the 2018 K-12 Educator of the Year from the Texas Educational Theatre Association and the 2020 UIL Sponsor Excellence Award. In addition to being a High School Theatre teacher for the last 25 years, Mandy is also a published playwright and motivational speaker across Texas. She has earned 10 trips to the Regional UIL One Act Play Meet (including her original production Ago), and has had six appearances at the UIL State One Act Play Meet (including her original production of Lafayette No. 1), earning First Runner-Up in 2010. In addition to teaching, directing, and writing, Mandy is a motivational speaker and conducts creativity workshops throughout the state. Mandy resides in China Spring, Texas with her husband Chris and two daughters, Edie and Josie.

Whitney Coulter, Teacher, Actor, Costume Designer

​Whitney Coulter (she/her) graduated from Connally High School and majored in theatre at MCC. Throughout college, she acted and did work study in the costume shop stitching, draping, handling alterations and serving as a Wardrobe Supervisor. Whitney transferred to Sam Houston State University where she earned her BFA in Acting and Directing (Cum Laude) in 2011. After graduation, Whitney moved to the DFW Metroplex where she has been working as a multi-faceted artist on the professional theatre scene for almost ten years with Soul Rep, Kitchen Dog, Jubilee Theatre, Theatre 3, Flexible Grey, Proper Hijinx, Watertower, SDCC, and Undermain. Whitney recently joined the Performing Arts Faculty at Ursuline Academy of Dallas. 

Kim Dembrosky, Nurse/Artist

​Kim Dembrosky (she/her) attended MCC from 2000 - 2005, first as a Theatre major, and then as a Nursing major. Kim returned to MCC in 2009 as an Art major, transferred to Southwestern University, and graduated with BFA in Studio Art in 2013.  Kim is a freelance abstract artist and has artwork in the MADI Museum in Dallas. Kim has worked as an ER and hospice nurse for 16 years.  She currently serves as a Covid Disaster-Response nurse, travelling to hotspots all over the country. Kim is also the Program Director for Woodenfish, a non-profit study-abroad program that takes place in China every July. Kim spends the month “living like monks” in a Buddhist monastery, learning things like meditation, martial arts, and philosophy.

Samantha Dunaway

​Samantha Dunaway was first introduced to theatre while at Temple High School, where she fell in love with the craft of making theatre! She got her collegiate start studying Theatre at McLennan Community College, where she met her future husband, Chad Moore. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education with an emphasis in Technical Theatre. She also has her Master’s Degree in Theatre from the University of Houston. Samantha is currently the Theatre Director at Cedar Hill's Collegiate Academy and High School in Cedar Hill, Texas where she teaches grades 6-12 Theatre Arts and Dual Credit Theatre Appreciation through Dallas College. She has additional educational experiences at theatre companies such as Steppenwolf and the iO in Chicago, The Lincoln Center in NYC, and the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. 

Emily "Snow" Foster

Emily Foster attended MCC from Fall of 2015 to Spring of 2018. She helped with countless shows behind the scenes, helping with makeup, costuming, and the building of sets. Once she achieved an Associates of the Arts from MCC, she went on to become a voice actress and online entertainer. She now is a successful cosplayer, voice actress and small business owner.

Amanda Garcia, musician

​Amanda Garcia (she/her) went to La Vega High School. Amanda was a voice student in the music department from 2009-2011. She performed in the operas Too Many Sopranos and Orpheus In The Underworld.  Amanda transferred to Stephen F.  Austin State University, where she graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Music. As a part of SFA Opera, Amanda performed in Amahl and The Night Visitors, La Traviata, and Street Scene. She competed in DFW & Panhandle NATS and won 1st place in the Adult Classical Division. Amanda has recently applied to graduate school and will begin her program in the fall of 2022. Aside from school, Amanda is a licensed Zumba Instructor and has a Singing Telegram business.

Saddiq Granger, Musician/entreprenuer

​Saddiq Khalid Muhammad Granger صديق خاليد محمد غرنجر (he/him) was born in Philadelphia to Muslim parents. Saddiq’s household spoke a mix of Arabic, Spanish and English and he was always surrounded by books. Music was too expensive,  so it was a passion that seemed like it would have no outlet. At twelve he spent time in North Africa staying with family, and got to experience his heritage in valuable ways. At MCC he gained an endless wealth of knowledge and skills that he will use for the rest of his life. Saddiq says that his teachers were some of the only real mentors he’d had. After leaving MCC  Saddiq has been actively performing in the community, teaching, and creating music.  Saddiq also has a side business creating unique and beautiful handmade soaps.

Chimmy Gunn, Technical Director

​Chimmy Gunn (she/her) graduated from Midway High School and went to MCC back in 2001-2003 where she did theatre and music classes. She transferred to Sam Houston State and graduated with a BA in stage management and piano performance in 2005. She did Roller Derby in Houston for ten years, worked for Cirque de Soleil for ten years. Chimmy worked professionally in New York as a technical director for many years. Chimmy recently graduated with an MFA in Technical Design and Production from Yale School of Drama in 2019. She is currently living in Las Vegas in charge of a multi-million dollar facility. 

 

Eric Gutierrez

​Eric Gutierrez (he/him) attended MCC from Spring '11 to Spring '14 studying theater. Eric worked in the admissions office during that time, helping perspective students find their way around the campus and helping them set up class schedules. After MCC, Eric transferred to SFASU for a year, studying Film. Nowadays, Eric works for a big plastics manufacturing plant, supplying automotive companies such as Toyota, Honda, and GM with plastic components. Although, he is not working in theater or film, his experiences at MCC and SFASU molded him into the person that he is today. Eric said, “Never did I think that I could dance, sing, help build sets or sew costumes” until I came to MCC.

Regan Haddock

Jessica Hall

​Jessica Hall (she/her) attended MCC as a first-generation college student. After graduating salutatorian from La Vega High School, Jessica dove headfirst into MCC’s theatre department with “overload” coursework status every semester. She maintained theatre and music scholarships and continued volunteering at her church. She completed her A.A. in two years with a 4.0 and then transferred to Baylor University with a full ride transfer scholarship from the MacGrant Program. Jessica completed her B.A. in Film and Digital Media in two years with honors. Jessica is a freelance photographer and but has held many positions and job titles to feed herself while making art. She even has an Off-Broadway credit. Currently Jessica is off adventuring in Alaska, which she says is very beautiful.

Amy Harvey Crowl

​Originally from Deer Park, Amy Crowl (she/her) was so lucky to attend MCC as a Theatre Major from 2004-2006. She was attracted to the small campus and the opportunity to build relationships with her professors and gain valuable experience before going to a "big" school. Amy had roles in 7 of the 8 shows and did sound design for the eighth. She built costumes for all of the productions. After  her parents moved to Alabama, Amy went on to the University of Alabama, where she took courses in theatre and got a degree in Secondary Education. Amy relocated back to central Texas and worked as a middle school teacher in Pflugerville and Leander. She currently teaches IB Theatre at Meridian World School in Round Rock. She serves as the Fine Arts department chair and directs the after school productions. Amy was honored to be awarded Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2019. Her biggest roles are as wife to Rob, who she met in the FA building at MCC, and mommy to their twins, Chaplin and Blithe.

Sami Helmick, Makeup Artist

​Sami Anders-Helmick (she/her) is a makeup and effects artist for film, theater, and TV. While at MCC (the first time, 2009-2011) she was a theatre major and performed in seven shows as well as the musical theatre group Spotlight!. After returning to MCC in 2017, she designed hair and makeup for South Pacific, All My Sons, and the Wind in the Willows. After completing her theatre coursework, she moved to Los Angeles in 2018 to attend Cinema Makeup School and work in the film industry. She has worked on five films and three TV series so far, various editorial projects, and with community theater & children’s groups. Sami says that “the well-rounded program at MCC laid a strong foundation that served me well”.

Kristie Hix White

Kristie Whites is a tech innovator, collaborative leader, mentor, and former theater major.
She studied Technical Theater/ Theater Design and Technology at McLennan Community College from 2005-2008. Kristie was part of a dozen plays, notably, she was the Stage Manager for Fortinbras and Master of Props for No, No Nanette; Pirates of Penzance; and Ramayana. Additionally holding roles as a costume designer, assistant lighting designer, and wardrobe assistant. Her excellence in theater received recognition in 2007 with the Stage Manager of the Year award and the following year in 2008 with a Certificate of Excellence in Design - TETA Design Fest. Soon after MCC, Kristie studied Business Management and Marketing at Temple College.
 
Taking what she learned from theater arts and business, Kristie continues to apply her skillset daily. That’s how she successfully launched her company Serving Social in 2014. After Serving Social’s acquisition in 2019, she assumed her current role as Partner and Chief Marketing Officer at MediaTech Ventures. Kristie has held positions along the way as the Marketing Director of Texas Women in Business, a non-profit serving women in business, and the Chief Operating Officer at Vetted Heroes, an organization focused on helping veterans transition after service.
 
Within all her various roles she has worked with organizations such as South by Southwest (SXSW), the U.S. Department of Labor, the University of Texas - Arlington, the DEC, Regions Bank, Harley Davidson, and more. Her leadership has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor for her efforts to support Veterans, and Texas Women in Business. Most notably, her company Serving Social was awarded the Moving America Forward award in 2015 for their achievements helping small businesses get online throughout the country. Much of her career success she contributes to leadership and directorial skills learned from theater arts. That’s why she never shies away from getting on stage and taking up a cause that calls to her.
 

Ty Hoppe Teacher/Playwright

​Ty Spencer Hoppe (he/him) is a graduate of The University of Texas with dual degrees in English and Theatre. He also holds a Master’s in Education from UNT. He has taught Advanced English on the secondary level for the past five years and currently works at J.B. Connally High School in Austin. He was previously One-Act Play director at Connally Jr. High in Waco for two years. He plans to pursue a graduate certificate in dramatic writing in 2022. He is a member of Austin Scriptworks and has presented work at FronteraFest, the Austin 1-Minute Play Festival, and the New Deal Arts Collective March Monologue Showcase.
 

Laura Hubbard

​Laura Hubbard (she/her) is an Assistant Attorney General with the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Texas.  She attended and graduated from University of La Verne in Southern California in 2013, and also holds a MBA (California Intercontinental University, 2015) and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (California State University at San Bernardino, 2006).  Prior to being an attorney, Laura worked in educational tech support for 10 years. Laura  loves the performing arts, she fronted a cover band, and relishes the energy hype that only comes when working with creative people. Her hobbies include gaming, writing genre fiction, and raising a very active and talented 6-year-old performer.

 

Heather Huggins

Heather Huggins (she/her) started at MCC in the theatre department as a triple threat.  She transferred to University of Texas where she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree.  She apprenticed Andrei Droznin at the Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow, Russia, graduating summa cum laude with her Master’s Degree in Dance. She returned to Austin where she and her partner Kirk German cofounded DA! Theatre Collective. Heather is a designated practitioner of the Lessac Training and Research Institute, and an advanced practitioner of Social Presencing Theater (Presencing Institute), serving on the global research team. Heather is currently an interdisciplinary artist specializing in embodied approaches to creating and collaborating. Her endeavors aspire to reclaim the wisdom of the body; she collaborates on new, devised, applied projects.

Andrea Burghart Hinojosa, Dance Professor

​Andrea Hinojosa (she/her) has been an arts educator in Texas for 20 years.  Andrea attended MCC from 1999-2000.  During those years, she worked onstage and backstage in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Appointment with Death, Richard III, Scapin, Grease and West Side Story.  Andrea also worked with the Spotlight Musical Theatre Group and sang in the Women's Choir.  Andrea earned her BFA in Theatre Studies from The University of Texas at Austin and her Masters in Dance Education from New York University.  During her time at NYU, she was a member of the first class to study abroad in Uganda. After earning her MA, she moved home to Texas and began teaching dance at University of North Texas and Tarrant County Community College  as an adjunct faculty member. She is married and has two daughters.
 

Jen Korte

Jen Korte blew into Colorado from Austin, Texas in 2005.  She came guided by the momentum of Americana and Caribbean rhythms, a prowess for distinctively intricate guitar lines, and the grit and power of a Western storm in her voice.  Since forming her Denver-based band, The Loss, Korte has been mesmerizing audiences at festivals and concerts across Colorado, for over 15 years.
Jen Korte is also an award winning musician, producer, actress and educator. She has played everything from Red Rocks to the Caribbean with her band, Jen Korte and The Loss, and her solo project, Lady Gang, and has opened for such acts as The Pharcyde, Too Short, Nappy Roots, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Flobots, Gregory Alan Isakov, Bitch, Tegan and Sarah, and many more. She also fronts the band The Dirty Femmes: A Tribute To the Violent Femmes and has opened and sang with The Violent Femmes at Denver Botanic Gardens in 2018. 
She is also an innovative collaborator and show conceptualizer, and has written music for aerial troupes, podcasts, and television. She has also directed and performed in shows that paid tribute to Billie Holiday, Nirvana, The Cranberries and more, earning her a reputation as a multi-genre guitarist and vocalist. 
She is also an LGBTQ rights advocate and is the co-owner of a lesbian social monthly meet up group called Hip Chicks Out. 
She also volunteers for Girls Rock Denver and is a musical mentor that teaches production, guitar, and song writing to women of all ages. She has also spoken at leadership conferences for young women who are interested in pursuing a career in the arts. 
 
Awards:
Best Singer Songwriter of Denver 2019 : Lady Gang
Best Folk Band of Denver 2018: Jen Korte & The Loss
Best Tribute Band of 2013: The Dirty Femmes
 
Nominations:
Best Singer Songwriter 2008, 2009, 2015, 2017
Best Tribute Band: The Dirty Femmes - 2012, 2013
Best Hip Hop Band: Def Knock  2018
 

Elle LaMont, Actor

​When Elle LaMont (she/her) was at MCC (2003-05) she was only cast in two shows--Dracula: The Curse of the Silver Scream and Ramayana, but she worked steadily in the costume shop, scene shop, and doing hair. She left MCC in Dec. 2005 to be a bit player on the TV series Friday Night Lights. She appeared in Season 1 and the first half of Season 2.  She left FNL to appear in two feature films--The Devil’s Gravestone and Strings. In 2014 she played Kalina on From Dusk til Dawn the TV series, Elle has worked professionally for the last decade and has 46 film and TV credits, winning 42 awards with 23 nominations. Her latest projects are Screwhead in Alita: Battle Angel and Lizzy in Playing God.  She recently finished filming a music video for Miranda Lambert’s “If I was a Cowboy”. 

Jayla Lane

​Jayla Lane (she/her) is from Dallas, Texas. Growing up, Jayla was involved in sports and many activities in the arts. She performed in elementary, middle school, high school, and college theatre, transferring from McLennan to Baylor University and graduating with her BA in Performance.   Jayla has a strong presence for Beauty & Cosmetics as she is the CEO of Lady Lingo Cosmetics. She strongly believes that Beauty & Cosmetics is a language in which she speaks and communicates. Art has truly healed her soul and she is excited to share with others in that form with hopes to help them as well.

Amanda Slamcik Lassetter

Amanda Slamcik Lassetter enrolled part-time at MCC in Fall 2005 as a 30-year-old mom of two boys; the following year, she joined the Theatre Department as a full-time student. During her time as an MCC Theatre major, she served as the stage manager for Six by Six, Pirates of Penzance, and Anything Goes; dramaturg for Anna in the Tropics (assistant), Pride and Prejudice, and Tartuffe; and technical director for Treasure Island. She received a KCACTF Excellence in Dramaturgy award in 2007 for her work on Pride and Prejudice and advanced from the Region 6 Festival to participate in a residency at the National KCACTF Festival at the Kennedy Center, where she participated in workshops and intensives with leading artists in both production and new play dramaturgy. She was also a recipient of the Dorothy Richards Fornoff Performing Arts Scholarship and was an active member of MCC's Pi Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, serving as Scholarship Officer. Upon graduating from MCC with her Associate of Arts degree in May 2008, Amanda was selected as a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, which allowed her to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technology at Baylor University, where she focused primarily on stage management. After a few years of freelancing and recalibrating after her 2010 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, Amanda returned to graduate school, again with the assistance of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, to obtain her Master of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts. The focus of her thesis, "Politics, Patriotism, Pageantry: Performing Power at the Texas Cotton Palace of 1910-1930," centered on the underlying civic narrative of performative public events. 
 
In January 2015, nearly 10 years after taking her first classes at MCC, Amanda joined the faculty of Baylor University's Department of Theatre Arts, where she currently serves as Production Manager--maintaining the production calendar, coordinating reservation events, establishing production area budgets, and facilitating all aspects of production for the mainstage season--and Senior Lecturer--mentoring student stage managers and teaching classes in stage management, production management, and introduction to theatre for non-majors. She is a member of the Production Managers Forum (PMF), Stage Managers’ Association (SMA), Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA), and United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). 
Amanda also currently serves an editor for the Texas Theatre Journal and was co-editor of the recently published book At the Intersection of Disability and Drama: A Critical Anthology of New Plays.

Gary Leonberger

​Dr. Richard G. Leonberger is a native of Waco and began his musical studies at MCC in 2004. He transferred to Stephen F. Austin State University in 2007, receiving the Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance in 2010. He began his graduate studies later that year at Binghamton University, in New York. While there, Leonberger performed a number of opera roles with Tri-Cities Opera. In the summer of 2011, he joined Opera Nova Costa Rica as a voice instructor and guest artist, performing the role of Jason in Medée. Leonberger earned his Master of Music degree in opera performance from Binghamton University in 2012. He went on to doctoral studies in vocal performance with a minor in vocal pedagogy at Louisiana State University, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, completing his doctorate of musical arts degree in 2016. Selected professional performances given during his doctoral studies include Schubert’s song cycle Die Schöne Müllerin at McLennan Community College, the tenor solos in Mozart’s Requiem Mass in D minor with Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, and the creation of the role of Gabriel Lajeunesse in the new opera The Return, with the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Dr. Leonberger served on the member voice faculty at Stephen F. Austin State University since August from 2016 to 2018. He then joined the faculty at McNeese State University for the 2018 - 2019 school year, before returning to Waco to join the voice faculties at McLennan Community College and Navarro College in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Alex Lerma

​Alex Lerma (he/him) is an award winning designer, actor, prop master, curator, and costume designer working and living in El Paso, Texas. In high school he won numerous awards in UIL and attended workshops in New York City. He got a theatre scholarship to MCC and qualified for Federal Pell Grant where he pursued an AA degree in theatre. Alex then moved to Phoenix to study animation for three years. He moved back to El Paso and has been working professionally ever since. Alex’s latest project is Escape from Tornillo, a play about unaccompanied refugee minors in detention centers like those found in Tornillo, Texas, by Afro-Chicana playwright and musician Nancy Lorenza Green. Alex designed props for Escape from Tornillo as well as acted in it. Alex is also an award winning cosplayer whose design recently won Best Costume at the Dia de los Muertos Festival in El Paso.

Julie Linnard, Voice actor

​Julie Linnard (she/her/they/them) attended MCC from 1998-2000. While at MCC, Julie had brilliant professors who opened her eyes and heart to performing, singing, dancing, costuming, stagecraft…even box office. She took this passion with her when she transferred to Sam Houston State University where she went on to earn her BFA in Acting. After graduation Julie moved to NYC. She was so thankful that she knew how to sew and do hair/wigs because that’s how she survived her nearly six years in the Big Apple. She worked Off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theatre  as well as with actor/writer Charles Busch on his shows. Then, she made her way back to Austin, signed with the best agency in town and is a working Actor/Voice Over Talent and Writer. 

Andrew Love, Actor/Voice Actor

​Andrew Love (he/him) went to MCC in 2000-02. Andrew graduated with a 3.1 and then transferred to University of Houston. He worked at The Alley and then got into Voice Over work. Andrew has voiced over 100 characters since 2006, He has done voices for Akainu (One Piece), Takeo (My Love Story), Daigoro Banjo (My Hero Acadamia) among others. Andrew performed motion capture and facial capture for Starship Troopers: Invasion and Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars, as well as lending his vocal talents to each. He also did the motion capture in Appleseed Alpha and was a part of the voice acting ensemble. When he is not voicing characters, he is part of the Classical Theatre Company's acting troupe in Houston. He is an avid comic book reader.

Joseph Mabbitt

​Joseph Mabbitt (he/him) earned his AA with Field of Study in Music in 2013. While here he sang in the choir, performed in Orpheus in the Underworld and The Chicken Opera with McLennan Opera. He transferred to Baylor University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Russian and completed the ROTC program on his path to joining the Air Force. From there, Joseph went through extensive flight training before becoming a Weapon Systems Officer on the B-1B supersonic bomber. He was a bombardier for two years flying out of South Dakota. The Air Force recently relocated him to California. 

Dorothy McCraken

​Dorothy McCracken (she/her) started her journey at MCC in 2017. Dorothy was cast in South Pacific. Studying through the theatre program here at MCC has not only challenged her on stage but off stage as well. She applied what she learned in her classes to her current job as a Specialist at HEB. Dorothy is currently on her way to becoming a Unit Director with HEB. Eventually, Dorothy hopes to open her own business that will allow musicians and artists alike to have a public practice community when they cannot practice at home. Dorothy has many pleasant and fond memories at MCC.

Matt McMahon

​Matthew McMahon (he/him) is an elementary music teacher for Waco ISD. This would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the wonderful faculty at MCC. There, Matt had the one on one mentoring from multiple professors that made him feel that choosing Music was the right path for him. Being a part of the musical and opera performances was truly inspiring and the classes were well equipped to ensure I was going to receive the proper education, especially those wonderful practice rooms! After graduation, Matt moved on to Tarleton State University to complete his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Music Education. Matt is currently on his fifth year of teaching, and he loves each and every day that he is with his students.

Misty Mikes

​Misty Mikes (she/they) was a homeschool student who started at MCC when she was seventeen years old. During her three years, Misty participated in both music and theater classes, leaning more heavily toward music and the opera program in her last year. Misty went on to study music therapy at Texas Woman’s University, where she received a Bachelor’s in Music with a concentration in piano. After graduation, Misty pulled away from performance arts to build her writing skills. Today, Misty publishes novels under a pen name.

CHad Moore, Teacher

​Chad Moore (he/him) is currently the Technical Theatre Director at Cedar Hill High School in Cedar Hill, Texas! He has been teaching in Texas for twelve years and has additional experiences at theatre companies such as Steppenwolf and the iO in Chicago, The Lincoln Center in NYC, and the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.  He is an accomplished director and certified Contest Manager for UIL One Act Play and has competed at the State Meet three times. Mr. Moore also has notable accolades as a Tennis coach, a Texas Forensics Association judge and coach, a UIL Speech coach, with the Betty Lynn Buckley Awards, and with the Dallas Summer Musical High School Musical Awards. He is also active in his community at the Mainstage Classic Theatre. His interest in theatre began at a young age but really grew into a passion during his time at Alvarado High School. He got his collegiate start at McLennan Community College, where he began his pursuit of a career in Theatre and met his future wife, Samantha Dunaway. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education. He also has his Master’s Degree in Theatre from the University of Houston.

Scott Morales

Scott Morales (he/him) attended MCC from 2000-2002 as a theatre major. Attending MCC was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! The comprehensive theatre curriculum helped solidify that he wanted to have a career involving the arts. Scott has lived in New York since 2005, getting a BA in English at Marymount Manhattan College while continuing to audition and work as an actor. In addition to performing in everything from Shakespeare in Central Park and independent films to interactive bus tours, Scott has worked at Oxford University Press since 2008 where he’s leveraged his theatrical training to be a meeting facilitator in an organization filled with introverts! ​

Eddie Moralez

​Eddie Moralez (he/him) came to MCC on a Hearts in the Arts scholarship to major in theatre. Eddie acted, sang, and danced in six shows including both musicals, and built sets during his time in the program. After MCC, Eddie moved back to his hometown of Houston where he started a production company with two fellow MCC alumni. They produced local business commercials and short films. Later, Eddie transferred to the University of Houston and graduated with a BA in Business Administration. He secured an internship at NASA, Johnson Space Center and later moved to Indianapolis, where he worked on private defense and aerospace contracts for the government. Eddie uses his time management, ensemble experience, and leadership background learned at MCC in daily activities. Eddie currently lives in the Heights in Houston, with his yellow lab, Sally.

Malcom Morgan

Malcom Morgan (he/him) attended MCC from 2008-2011 where he performed in many shows and worked building costumes and doing makeup and hair. He received his BFA in Musical Theater from Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and worked for the university until its closing in 2018. As a member of the university’s lead-out team, it was important for Malcom to retain a sense of fun and normalcy for the final graduating class. While in Santa Fe, Malcom performed as Miss Coco Caliente in the local drag scene. He moved back to his home state of Texas for a year afterwards to work at a men’s counseling and support center, transplanting again to Santa Fe when he was offered his position at St. John’s. Malcom has a MS degree in Higher Education College Teaching and Learning and is finishing his doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Management from Walden University. He has a crown to go along with his credentials; Malcom was Miss Santa Fe Pride in 2017. He is still involved in the Santa Fe drag community as an MC and performer. He has also performed in, produced, or directed a production at every local theater in town, and hopes to bring performers to St. John’s from off-campus and link students up with theaters in town.
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April Neal-- Poet, Fashion Designer

​April Neal is a proud native of Waco, Texas. April attended MCC from 2008-2010. Theatre, performing, and singing are all things that make her heart beat. Being able to randomly burst into song and no one thinks it's odd, feeling like family as you see the same people every day in rehearsal...remembering everyone else's lines are her favorite memories. "Being a part of Spotlight was literally the highlight of my time there as a student." Since leaving MCC, April has focused primarily on Spoken Word Poetry Performance. Publishing her first collection of poems "Some Things Just Sound Better on Paper" in 2013 and releasing a EP "From Sunday school to Sunday Brunch" in 2019. Besides being a mom to Cadence, and a small shop owner (Etta Rose Boutique), April is still located here in Waco and is working in Law Enforcement.

Ryan Nevarez, SPED Teacher

My name is Ryan Nevarez, and I'm the new 8th grade ELAR special education teacher. This will be my second year teaching at Wilson Middle School.

Kenyai O'Neal

James Phelps

​James Phelps (he/they) was in MCC Theatre from 2013-2015, spending most of his time in the costume shop. James had minor roles in The Beaux Strategem, Spamalot, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. James graduated with an AA in General Theatre with Honors. He took a year off and then came back to the campus to attend Texas Tech from 2016-2018 through the University Center. He earned a BA in University Studies (History, Communications, Human Development) and worked at his home town school for a couple of years as an after-school tutor and substitute teacher. James is currently in Dublin, Ireland working towards an MA in Public History and he hopes to use his skills for a major Texas research project involving the tiny towns like the one he grew up in. “So at the end of this day, we give thanks for being betrothed to the unknown.”
-John O’Donohue

Jamie Price-Cacciola

Jamie Cacciola-Price (he/him/his) attended MCC from 1999-2001. He was awarded Theatre Student of the Year in 2001, and most recently named Distinguished Alumni in 2018. Both awards he shares with his twin brother, Jason. Following MCC, Jamie completed his BA in Theatre from California State University, Sacramento and then promptly moved to NYC to work as an actor. For almost a decade, Jamie worked on National Tours, in regional theatre productions, and produced and directed his own work in venues around NYC. In 2011, Jamie transitioned from theatre performance to educational theatre motivated by a need he saw while working with LGBTQ+ youth in NYC and the increased suicide rate in LGBTQ+ teens across the US. This vulnerable population, he felt, needed mentors in schools to help inspire and support them. In 2013, Jamie graduated with an MA in Educational Theatre and English from NYU Steinhardt. Jamie now serves as the drama studio chair and director of musical theatre at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in NYC. During his tenure at FSSA, Jamie has worked to reshape the theatre curriculum to center on voices under-represented in the traditional theatre canon, including playwrights and practitioners of color, LGBTQ+ identifying, gender non-conforming and women. Each year, his students write and perform an ethnodrama entitled Breaking Our Silence, where students speak on personal issues ranging from sexuality, race, sexual assault, gender stereotypes and peer victimization. His musical theatre program is nationally recognized with many of his productions honored by the Shubert Organization at the Shubert High School Theatre Festival. Jamie is the recipient of The Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award (2016); an honorable mention Tony Award for Excellence in Teaching (2018);  Lincoln Center Teacher of the Year/Big Apple Teaching Award (2019), and in 2020 Jamie was selected as a PBS Digital Innovator representing theatre educators. Jamie is currently completing his doctoral dissertation at NYU focusing on students with disabilities and performance. 

Jason Price

​Jason Price (he/him) is a theatre professor and the Head of Drama at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. Raised in Canadian, Texas, he attended McLennan Community College from 1999 to 2001 appearing on stage in Richard III, Scapin, Grease, Man and Superman and Kiss Me Kate. He would go on to complete a BA in Theatre Studies from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City; an MA in Drama Research and a PhD in Drama from the University of Exeter in Exeter, England. As a theatre scholar, he writes about the relationships and intersections between visual art, performance, politics and popular culture. In his book, Modern Popular Theatre (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016), he offers a history of popular modes of performance since the Industrial Revolution to the present time. He has also published articles in Theatre Research International, Contemporary Theatre Review, Early Popular Visual Culture, and other major academic journals. He was the joint recipient of the 2018 MCC Distinguished Alumni Award, an honor he shared with his twin brother Jamie. He lives in Eastbourne, England with his husband Thomas and their son Jasper.

Jennifer Ringer

​Jennifer Ringer’s theatre career started her senior year with Don Nigro’s Robin Hood for One Act Play at China Spring High School. After graduation, she decided to pursue a theatre degree at McLennan Community College. Some of her acting credits include: The Government Inspector, The Three Musketeers, The 1940s Radio Hour, The Beaux’ Stratagem, George M!, Spamalot, and Chemical Imbalance. Each summer, she performed in various Shakespeare shows in Salado, including: Twelfth Night, Comedy of Errors, and Much Ado About Nothing. After three years, she transferred to Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, Jennifer performed in several short plays. She graduated in May 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a Minor in Dramatic Writing. In addition to acting and directing, Jennifer has choreographed The Little Mermaid and The Lion King for China Spring High School. Currently, Jennifer is completing her alternative certification through Texas Teachers while teaching 6th grade English Language Arts at Clear Creek Intermediate in Houston. 

Sarah Rodriguez Nevarez

​Sarah Nevarez (she/her) My love of the arts has always been in the foreground of my work. At McLennan I was an actress and costume designer and it showed me that my life was moving in the direction of working with my hands. I had never considered costumes until I went to MCC. I enjoyed creating beautiful pictures with costumes, makeup, and hair. I had always resisted baking, because I thought it was just a hobby. I loved creating flavors and I took pride in making my food look too good to eat. I decided to combine my love of art and my love of flavor and go back to school. When I went to culinary school at Tarrant County College I became became a pastry chef for Texas Motor Speedway when I graduated in 2013. Then, at the Dallas World Trade Center, I moved up and became a sous chef in a male dominated field. My job allowed me to work for the Dallas Stars, the Mavericks, and the Denver Nuggets. Now I am an at home baker and have been growing my business for the last 3 years. I have used what I learned from MCC in countless aspects of my career. I have always been an artist and it all started with the theater at MCC.  

Jason Sanchez

​ Jason Sanchez (he/them) started his MCC journey right out of University High School and after twenty years, finally earned his Associate’s Degree. His time at MCC was extremely influential but it was not without its challenges. It was a constant cycle of quitting school to work to earn money to pay for more school. Jason has worked as the costumer for the Mainstreet Theater in Indiana and as a Wardrobe Head for Disney on Ice, which allowed him to travel all over the world.  Now he works as the Director of Marketing for an industrial supply company.  Jason also does freelance costume work, often for MCC, most recently on She Kills Monsters. Jason also serves as the Costume Contest Committee Chair for EGX, a local comic-con. He enjoys playing D&D, performing in Community Theater, and cosplaying at Comic-Cons. Jason lives with William, his partner of six years.

Kyle Sanchez

​Kyle Sanchez (he/him) was a Theatre major at MCC from 07-09. While there Kyle was in seven of the eight shows. After MCC Kyle went on to The University of Minnesota where he was a Dance major for a year. He was a dancer for two summers in Texas: a Musical Drama, as well as performed at Six Flags Fiesta Texas for three seasons in four of their shows. Kyle’s final professional theatre job was dancing for Carnival Cruise Lines for six months. Kyle has since been working in fitness as a personal training manager and District Manager. After everything closed for COVID he got back into acting. In the past year Kyle has done four short films, a feature film, a music video, and is currently in an ongoing television series.

Katie Sandifar

​Katie Sandifar (she/her) attended MCC from 2008-2012. Katie’s emphasis was in stage management and technical theater. She was also involved with Waco's Children Theater during the summers, and was a substitute teacher in her hometown of McGregor. Katie spent most of 2010-11 travelling the world. She’s been to LA, Chicago, New York, and Montreal. She backpacked across Europe visiting twenty countries. After MCC Katie attended Texas Wesleyan University where she received her BFA in Theater with a Minor in Education. Katie continued on to UNT for her Master’s Degree. Katie was a producer on a movie called Broken Kingdom and she currently works in property taxes.

Edgar Sierra

​Edgar Sierra (he/him) attended MCC as a first-generation student and son of parents who immigrated from Mexico. Edgar began as a general studies major and switched to music after realizing he could make a career out of it. MCC helped Edgar blossom as a performer and to not feel like a number due to its smaller size. Edgar has had opportunities to perform across the country as well as internationally in Italy and South Africa. After MCC, Edgar completed his studies at Baylor University in vocal performance, earning his Bachelor's and Master's degreees. Edgar currently is working on his doctorate degree from Texas Tech University and replaced Bronwen Forbay as the voice instructor at MCC in 2021.

Israel Silva

​ Israel Silva (he/him) was a boy scout who grew up with thugs. Izzy graduated from University HS and started in the theatre program in 2011.  He was in Three Musketeers and Hamlet but mostly he built sets and ran lights and sound. He completed all his theatre courses by 2013, but then changed his major to EMT and continued taking classes until 2019 when he finally got his AA in General Academics. He currently works at the Family Abuse Center while he’s studying to become a therapist through the University Center. Izzy says he’s finally realizing how much God has watched over him all these years.

Katelyn Smith

​Katelyn Smith (she/her) attended MCC from 2008-2011. She made her debut in New Voices, New Beats in the hilarious short play "Superhero". She was also cast in Cabaret,  A Streetcar Named Desire, and Kimberly Akimbo. She transferred to Texas State University and graduated cum laude in 2013 with a BA in Theatre and her teacher certification. She has been teaching theatre at Midway Middle School since 2013. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, painting, playing board games or video games with friends. She loves to attend comic cons and cosplay.

Matt Smith, Costume Designer

Matt Smith (he/him) attended MCC from Fall 2011- Spring 2014. He appeared in numerous plays, musicals, and operas including Alice in Wonderland, Pippin, Hamlet, The Government Inspector, Three Musketeers, The Sorcerer, Hairspray, Spamalot, Alice in Wonderland: A Children’s Opera, Black Box One Act Play Festival, as well as performing with the musical theatre group Spotlight!. In 2014, Matthew completed his Associates in the Arts at MCC. He transferred to Santa Fe University of Art and Design and completed his BFA in Technical Theatre with an emphasis in Costume Design and minor in Theatre Performance in 2016. You can see Matthew’s costume designs for the one-night event, “Burning of Zozobra”, in Santa Fe, NM, which draws over 60,000 people annually. After graduating, Matthew interned at Baltimore Center Stage, the state theatre of Maryland and LORT member, for two seasons in the highly regarded costume shop. He has worked at other notable places such as The Glimmerglass Festival and Santa Fe Opera. Matthew continues to stay busy in the DMV area as a freelance costume designer and working full-time in the Baltimore Center Stage costume shop. www.matthewglensmith.com
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Aundrea Stephens Rodriguez

​Aundrea Nicole Rodriguez (she/her) I grew up as a professional dancer in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz starting at the age of 4. My senior year I won a runner up scholarship for dance, and enrolled into McLennan Community College for an Associates of Arts and Science. Throughout my time in the Arts department, I performed in numerous of musicals including Pippin!, Hairspray, Oklahoma, 1940's Radio Hour, Grease, performed for charities for the cultural arts festival, and became one of the Tartan MCC singers. After graduating MCC, I toured with a Dallas Dance Troupe for 2 months and did commercials in Austin and Waco,Tx. In 2017, I attended University of Houston, and graduated with a Bachelors of Health and Art Communications. I am now married and still performing, as well as, working as a freelance choreographer, zumba and yoga instructor, and a Licensed Life and Health Agent.

Angelita Thomas

Angelita Thomas grew up traveling the world as a military child. Eventually, her family ended up in Texas where she fell in love with the theatre. Never much of a fan of the limelight, Ms. Thomas enjoyed the technical side of theatre and dabbled in just about every role she could find behind the scenes. In her senior year of high school, she discovered stage management and instantly knew that it was what she wanted to pursue and thus she found herself attending MCC. MCC provided Ms. Thomas with an opportunity to gain experience as a stage manager and to build a solid foundation for a professional theatre career. Ms. Thomas transferred to The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University and earned her BFA in Stage Management. Ms. Thomas' professional credits include St. Louis Repertory Theatre, The Goodman Theatre, Utah Shakespearean Festival, The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Arena Stage, and the Smithsonian Institution. In addition to the arts Ms. Thomas is passionate about animal rescue, houseplants, travel, and roller skates. Ms. Thomas has played competitive roller derby across the US and internationally for one of the top WFTDA teams in the world.  ​

Brad Threadgill

​Brad Threadgill (he/him) started his time at MCC as a returning student. Brad focused on stage management and technical theatre. After MCC Brad transferred to the University of Mississippi where he received his BFA in theatre arts. He then accepted a position at Oklahoma University as the Scene Shop Coordinator and an adjunct professor teaching Stagecraft. Brad was there for five years before accepting a position of Theatre Coordinator at the Berry Center in Cy-Fair ISD. After his son was born Brad made the choice to leave theatre because of the long nights and weekends. Brad is now a high school teacher at Klein Oak in Spring, TX. Brad teaches entry level engineering and computer animation.

Amanda Tucker Roth

​Amanda Roth’s (she/her) first major at MCC was Business Management, mostly because she didn’t know what else to do. Amanda found the costume shop, since she had sewing skills, she felt like she really fit in. She got to teach other students how to sew, interact with others with the same passions, and develop her communication skills. It was a great experience. Amanda graduated with her Associate of Arts degree in 2005 still not knowing what she wanted to do. She transferred to Texas A&M and got her BS in Horticulture. Later she got certified in Biotech and became a research lab assistant.  For the last two years Amanda has worked as a Vet Tech in Temple and  just applied to do the world renowned Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at Texas A&M University.  Theatre gave her skills that helped her throughout her life.

 Melissa Tucker Little

​Melissa Little (she/her) started her college career in the MCC Theatre program. She was cast in Dracula: The Case of the Silver Scream and worked in the costume shop. She went on to transfer to Texas State University while she continued in Theatre for some time. Melissa discovered in her personal life that business and accounting was what she excelled in. Melissa graduated with a Bachelor’s in Accounting and currently works for the Department of Treasury as a Revenue Officer. 

Shanna Tucker

​Shanna Tucker (she/her) came to McLennan Theatre in 2003, having spent most of her youth obsessed with sewing and historical costumes. The two years spent here allowed her to fully utilize her already developed sewing skills and build a portfolio that rivaled that of a graduate student. While life circumstances prevented her from finishing her education with MCC, Shanna already had professional work offers coming in before she left. In the years since, Shanna has created magic for Ringling Bros., Barnum and Bailey Circus, traveled the world with Disney on Ice and Disney Live!, and costumed the incredible dancers of Houston Ballet.  Shanna has an Etsy shop where she sells her unique jewelry creations, and has done freelance work for MCC on Three Musketeers where she created Queen Anne’s diamond necklace. Shanna also did custom embroidery on the costumes for the English and French armies for MCC’s production of Henry V.

Roza Tulyaganova

Internationally-recognized soprano Roza Tulyaganova, DMA is a native of Uzbekistan. Dr. Tulyaganova completed her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Master of Music degree at the Manhattan School of Music in 2007, and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University. 
In 1998, Roza was accepted to the McLennan Community College as a business major. While studying business, Roza took voice lessons with Ms. Lise Uhl and after a semester of studying voice, she was offered a full scholarship to continue as a music major. Roza appeared in the opera scenes program every semester and sang her very first operatic role (Casilda from The Gondoliers) while pursuing her degree. After completing her studies at McLennan Community College, Roza transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she studied under Dr. Carol Kimball. Upon moving to Las Vegas, Roza was immediately hired by the Las Vegas Opera Theater and sang with the company for three years.  After receiving her BM in Music from UNLV, Roza was accepted the Manhattan School of Music, one of the most prestigious music conservatories in the world, with a substantial scholarship.  While living in New York, Roza performed roles with many opera companies throughout the East Coast. Her operatic role highlights include Elle in La Voix Humaine, Musetta in La Bohème, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Violetta in La Traviata, and many others.  She has also traveled extensively throughout the world (Japan, Mexico, Israel, Russia, Virgin Islands) as a solo recitalist and as part of the Russian Duo Shyps and Roses.  Dr. Tulyaganova has appeared many times in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, Yamaha Hall, and Steinway Hall.  
While leading a performing career, Roza was able to get her doctorate degree in performance from SUNY Stony Brook University, New York. Dr. Tulyaganova is currently an Assistant Professor of Voice and the Director of Opera at Mississippi State University.
Dr. Tulyaganova has taught voice at Stony Brook University in New York; McLennan Community College in Waco, TX; and The Tashkent National Music College in Uzbekistan. She gives master classes frequently at the regional, national, and international levels. 

Giselle Vento

​Giselle Vento (she/her) obtained her Associate’s Degree with a Field of Study in Music from MCC where she participated in numerous ensembles, musicals, and operas. She transferred to Baylor to earn her Bachelor's degree in Choral Music Education. Giselle is an Elementary Music Specialist at Waco ISD, an overseas instructional specialist through ACLE, as well as the co-director of the Youth Chorus of Central Texas. Giselle was published in the Southwestern Musician and was recognized for her performance at Bellas Artes in Mexico. She was selected for the first “40 under 40” program presented by Yamaha and received national recognition for the positive impact for her work in schools and the community.

Kelly Wade

​Kelly Wade’s (she/her) time at MCC was incredibly fulfilling both academically and in performances. Kelly felt that she was encouraged to develop a variety of skills – not just acting, dancing, and singing, but also costume, sets, sound, and lighting. Kelly had lead roles in An Ideal Husband and A Christmas Carol, as well as sang and danced her way through Best Lil Whorehouse in Texas and Guys and Dolls. Kelly became a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and graduated with 127 credit hours in 2 short years! Kelly won a scholarship from Radford University in Virginia, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2000. She lives in Austin and has worked for the State of Texas in finance for the last 20 years. In her free time, Kelly is also a commissioned artist creating 3D mixed media charcuterie boards. Kelly says that they give her the art fix her soul needs.  Kelly has pieces on display in the Port Aransas Art Center.

LaBraska WAshington, Actor

LaBraska Washington (he/him) is an Equity Affiliated Actor. LaBraska spent his time at MCC wholeheartedly in the theatre department where he really developed a passion for the craft. LaBraska was cast as a lead in 1940’s Radio Hour, Beaux Stratagem, Spamalot, Eurydice, and Hairspray. He also performed in Showtime for two years. Learning from talented professionals in their own rights who wanted to see their students succeed, LaBraska can never be grateful enough for the values he received here. LaBraska moved on and received his BFA in Music Theatre Performance from Santa Fe University of Art and Design which was a crazy experience. Learning from Jon Jory and Shepard Sobel only added more passion and fire. Since then LaBraska has been working in Houston singing professionally, doing Voice Over work, and performing with Stages Repertory Theatre and Theatre Under The Stars. His professional credits include Sister Act, The Fantastiks, Suessical the Musical, Ragtime, Elf, The Wiz, and God’s Favorite.
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Xhia Williams

​Xhia Williams (she/her) started her vocal performance education at MCC in fall of 2018 on choir scholarship. She played Miss Todd in The Old Maid and the Thief with McLennan Opera. She was a featured soloist in “Lullaby” with the Wind Ensemble  and won the 2021 Outstanding Award in Opera. Outside of school,  Xhia has won several awards for her singing from the Texas Music Teachers Association including 2nd place in 2019, 2nd place in 2020 and 1st place in 2021. Xhia is currently finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance at Tarleton State University.
 

Janay Willis

​Janay Willis (she/her) was at MCC for two years and in that time she was in both dance concerts, one she choreographed herself. She was a lead in Once Upon a Mattress, and How to Succeed in Business.  Janay transferred to University of North Texas to continue her education.  She has been doing film and musical theatre ever since. Janay is in her senior year and in the process of developing her own theatre company. She plans on moving to Atlanta upon graduation and breaking into the film industry there.

Angela Yoon

​Angela Yoon (she/her) started her time at MCC as an international student from South Korea working towards a nursing degree, but then she fell in love with music and switched her major before her second year at MCC. MCC provided her with wonderful performing experiences that were rare for lower classmen in other colleges. Since then, Angela was able to go on to other places and earned her doctorate degree in voice performance from Indiana University. Angela has performed across the United States as well as in other countries including South Korea, Germany, and Canada. She continues to appear as a soloist and is currently an Assistant Professor of Voice at Samford University.

Brianna Veselka

​Brianna Veselka (she/her) lives in a world where she wishes her love for theatre could change the world. She began her journey here at McLennan Community College where she found her passion for acting. She followed this dream to Stephen F. Austin State University where she earned her BFA in Theatre Performance. She also discovered a love for playwriting under the incredible, Jack Heifner. In her spare time she loves to write plays about the gritty underbelly of the world. She interned and later became a company member of Hyde Park Theater located in Austin, TX. She wrote and performed an original one woman show for Frontera Fest, and has worked with several different theatre companies such as Street Corner Arts, Scriptworks, and Capital T. Her resume includes everything from acting, singing, stage management, costume design, to running lights and sound. She was nominated for a B. Iden Payne Award for sound and light for Scriptworks Festival of short plays: Carry On. She currently fills her days with a “day job”, traveling with her husband, and living on a farm with 5 dogs, 8 cats, and 42 chickens.

Holly Wentworth Betz

Holly Wentworth Betz (she/her) first started attending MCC back in 2010, after she moved to Texas.  Holly had always been interested in costume design and was surprised to find a program here that she could afford.  That Spring she took her first sewing class ever, Intro to Costuming, and  was instantly hooked.  While at MCC Holly began studying Education, but kept her love for costuming going. She earned two Associate Degrees, in Education and Science.  While she didn’t stay in Theatre as a career, she has used her creativity in every job she has had since.  Holly now works here at MCC in Human Resources.  Outside of work Holly started off by making my baby sister costumes and gradually worked up to making clothes for herself.  Since then she has moved from Theatre work to historical reconstruction and interpretation.  Holly tries to base all of her projects on history and what would have been done at the time.  Her current project is making a Regency wardrobe from the base layers up, focusing on 1806-1812.  Holly is active in the Stitchling Society (A UK Based Sewing Group through Foundations Revealed) and is currently working on getting a YouTube channel up and running. 

Evangeline Zotigh, Production Manager

Attended MCC with her twin sister Kara in 2014. Transferred to 
Production Manager at The Santa Fe Opera ALTO Active Learning Through Opera, Assistant Stage Manager at Music from Angel Fire. She currently is the Production Manager at Mycotoo.

Kara Zotigh, Stage Manager

Studied Stage Management at Santa Fe University of Art and Design
graduating with her BFA Technical Theatre in 2017. Production Assistant at Santa Fe Opera. Assistant Stage Manager at Curtis Institute of Music. Assistant Stage Manager at Opera Philadelphia. She is currently the Rehearsal & Planning Manager at The Dallas Opera.