Alumni

Meghan “Collins” Conley

After graduating with a BFA, Meghan moved to New York City and took the stage name Collins while joining Actor’s Equity. Collins is currently performing in Mean Girls the musical on Broadway where she made her Broadway debut in 2018 as Lizzie Therman, Caroline Krafft, and “Sexy Corn”! Before her work in Mean Girls, she played Ashley in the world-premiere production of The Prom at the Alliance Theatre prior to its Broadway run. Recently she acted as choreography assistant on Casey Nicholaw’s new production of Some Like it Hot where she was thrilled to finally put her tap skills to good use! Outside of performing, Collins teaches tap for The Growing Studio, coaches Mean Girls workshops, and loves doing talk backs with young aspiring performers. Growing up she was a competitive dancer, science nerd, and enjoyed tapping around the country as a member of the St. Louis Hoofer’s Club. This early skill set, along with her BSU training, laid stepping stones for her success. She continues to train in NYC and uses her love of science for daily fun facts in the Mean Girls dressing room; she promises they’re a hit!

Matt Glassner

Upon graduating from Ball State with a musical theatre degree, Matt moved to Chicago where he was the casting intern at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Upon completing his internship at Steppenwolf he decided to pursue casting full time and moved to NYC and interned with Telsey + Company and then Manhattan Theatre Club (as an Artistic Production Intern). Since completing these internships, he has begun working full time in casting, first for Innovative Artists and now, for Barden/Schnee Casting. 

Adam B. Shapiro

Zariya Butler

Zariya is from a low-income family in Illinois with little knowledge of the world of an artist. Loved ones and Joliet Central High School made her foundation, Ball State brought her preparation! She is currently creating her own work for those seeking a purpose-driven life. She is also a worship leader and coordinator of online community @overcomerslifechurch. Credits include: Black Voices in OT, and Be Here Now (Summit Performance Indianapolis), W.o.W (Theatre Above The Law) Crumbs from the Table of Joy, Snapshots, Twilight: Los Angeles 1992, and We Are Proud To Present...(Ball State), Macbeth and The Winter’s Tale (Richmond Shakespeare Festival).

Alexandra Chopson

Alexandra (She/Her) is an actor and singer/songwriter based in Chicago. She graduated with a BFA in acting and Honors College degrees from Ball State in 2021. Alexandra’s Chicago debut, In Quietness at A Red Orchid Theatre, earned her an Equity Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Performer in a Supporting Role. Additional Chicago credits include Steppenwolf (Noises Off, Dir. Anna D. Shapiro), Couch Penny Ensemble (Late, A Cowboy Song), and projects with The Gift Theatre, Chicago Dramatists, and The Den Theater, and she recently booked her first national commercial (keep an eye out!) Alexandra is represented by Gray Talent Group. Connect with her on Instagram @alex.andra.grace.

Sydney Cox

Sydney (She/Her) graduated from Ball State with her BFA in Acting in 2020. She currently works as an actor, intimacy coordinator, and writer based in Chicago. Sydney’s acting credits include work with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The Gift Theatre, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Interrobang Theatre Project, Chicago Dramatists, and GhostBat Productions. As an intimacy coordinator, Sydney has worked with GhostBat Productions, DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Oil Lamp Theater, Babes with Blades, Art4, Kalliope & Co., and Los Angeles-based director James Francis Flynn. She is dedicated to empowering others to advocate for themselves, fostering a more equitable and inclusive entertainment industry. She believes deeply in reshaping the narratives we internalize, particularly regarding intimacy, authenticity, and representation in media. As the creator of the Substack Reality Check, she explores topics ranging from sexual health and societal norms to the artist’s journey. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Everygirl and PSYN.

Jessica Ervin

Jessica (She/Her) is a Chicago-based actress and an ensemble member at Rivendell Theatre, where she originated the role of Annie in the Jeff Award-winning world premiere Jakob (He/Him) is a New York City-based actor known for his presence on both television and in film. He has made notable appearances in popular TV series such as Law and Order: SVU, Elsbeth, and The Equalizer. Film credits include Mayberry Man and There She Goes, and he has appeared in numerous national commercials from Buffalo Wild Wings to Walgreens. Jakob is grateful for his Ball State family and wants to thank them because without them none of this would have been possible!of Tuckie White's Motherhouse. Other credits with Rivendell include Dry Land (Jeff Nomination: Best Actress), No Such Thing, I Wanna F*cking Tear You Apart, The Scientific Method, Alias Grace, The Firebirds Take the Field, and Women at War. She has worked Off-Broadway at the Minetta Lane Theatre and in Chicago with Goodman, A Red Orchid, Strawdog, Walkabout, and Kalliope & Co. Selected screen credits include Chicago Fire (NBC), Princess Cyd, Provo, Teacher, New Normal, and Appetite. She’s a 2019 graduate of the prestigious School at Steppenwolf and received Ball State's Graduate of the Last Decade Award for her achievements as an actor and for her mentorship of recent alumni. Jessica is proud to be represented by Actors Talent Group.

Talley Gale

Talley Gale (She/They): NY Theatre: The Report. Regional: Emma (KC Rep); Moriarty! A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure (Cleveland Playhouse); The Importance of Being Earnest (Florida Rep); Primating (Arkansas Rep); Private Lives, Antony & Cleopatra (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival); Proof (Oldcastle Theatre); Hamlet, Love's Labours Lost, Macbeth, Richard II, The Last Match, Red Velvet (The Old Globe), This is Our Youth (Steppenwolf Theatre Company). Talley has been a frequent participant in readings, festivals, and developmental workshops Off-Broadway, Off-off Broadway, and regionally. Film/TV: Harlem, Queen's English, Evil Lives Here. Talley can also be seen in an internet ad spot with quarterback Aaron Rodgers promoting a shoe brand. Talley holds an MFA from the Old Globe/University of San Diego. Member: AEA, SAG. Represented by Wolf Talent Group.

Carmia Imani

Carmia (She/Her) is a Chicago-based actress and a company member with PlayGround-Chicago. Her regional acting credits include: Field of Flesh (Leisure), brother sister cyborg space (u/s) (Raven Theatre), Skeleton Crew, Death of a Salesman (The Black Rep), and Much Ado About Nothing (u/s) (Commonwealth Shakespeare Company). Carmia produced, wrote, and directed a poetry film about police brutality and racism, AmeriKKKa, which won Best Film at the Hoosier Films Annual Festival in 2021. She is a proud graduate of Ball State University where she received her BFA in Acting in 2022. Carmia is committed to advocating for historically underrepresented groups and the ever-growing need for accessibility and inclusion in the performing arts. You can connect with her on social media @carmiaimani.

Maggie Kryszyn

Maggie (She/Her) is a biracial actor and performer from Hammond Indiana, currently based in Chicago, IL. She graduated with a BFA in acting from Ball State in 2024. Recent credits include Sydney in Flex (Summit Performance Indianapolis at the Phoenix Cultural Center); Meg March in Little Women, Evan in Sweat, and Belle in A Christmas Carol (Ball State University). Film work includes the short films Leftovers and Cliche with Radiance Cinema which premiered as part of The Academy Award®-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival presented by Heartland Film. Maggie has recently stepped into the commercial world with Brach’s candy corn Halloween commercial. Maggie’s unwavering love and support from God and those around her continue to inspire her journey in the world of theatre and film.

Joe Lino

Joe Lino (class of 2014) is a Chicago-based actor and playwright. In Chicago, he has worked with Goodman, Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, BoHo, Windy City, Drury Lane, Teatro Vista and Interrobang Theatre Project where he is an ensemble member. Off-Broadway: The Glory of the World (world premier) by Charles Mee at BAM’s Harvey Theater; Regional: That High Lonesome Sound at Actors Theatre of Louisville Humana Festival. His play Small World (which he co-wrote with fellow BSU alum Julian Leff) had its premier with New Colony Theatre in 2019.

David Merten

David (They/He) is an Arab-German-Irish artist and proud graduate of Ball State’s BFA Acting program. David just made their Broadway debut in An Enemy of the People with Jeremy Strong and Michael Imperioli. Off-Broadway credits include the recent production of The Beacon with Kate Mulgrew at Irish Rep and the long running hit play Afterglow. David has developed work with 2nd Stage, La Jolla Playhouse, Transport Theatre Group, The Flea Theatre, and Cherry Lane Theatre. Regional credits include: Cabaret (Emcee), The Inheritance (Trinity Rep), Angels in America (Prior), Beirut (Blue). David also holds an MFA in Acting from Brown University/Trinity Rep. 

Erin Neufer

Erin Neufer is a 2010 BSU graduate and went on to continue her studies at the NYU Graduate Acting Program in New York City, graduating in 2015. She has appeared on Broadway in the Tony Award winning play “Ink”, many off-broadway plays including “Nathan The Wise” with F. Murray Abraham, and developed works with The Public, The Lark, New Dramatists and Ensemble Studio Theatre. Regionally, she has performed in theatres across the country including The Guthrie and Baltimore Centerstage. Her television credits include a recurring role in Gypsy (Netflix) and Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Hulu). Erin also makes very silly things with her clowning group, "Soul Potato."  

Lizzie Nguyen

Lizzie (She/Her) is a proud graduate of the BFA Acting Class of 2022 at Ball State University. During her time there, she found community in organizations like Alpha Psi Omega, Artists for Inclusivity, and the Student Advisory Committee. She is now an actor and writer in New York City, striving to uplift diverse and underrepresented stories on stage, on screen, and/or behind the scenes. Organizations she's worked with include: the LAByrinth Theater Company, The Chain Theatre, and the Song Collective.

Mary Taylor

Mary Taylor is a Chicago-based actor represented by Stewart Talent. She made her Chicago debut in 2019 originating the role of Brielle in Rebecca Gilman’s Twilight Bowl at the Goodman Theatre.

Ogunde Tremayne

Ogunde is a 2021 BFA acting graduate and Gary, IN native who has followed his passion in the pursuit of performance anywhere he can find it. His first professional endeavor post-graduation was a season-long acting apprenticeship with the Milwaukee Repertory Theater in Wisconsin where he got the chance to understudy and perform in five productions; most notably Toni Stone and Titanic The Musical. He is represented by Lori Lins LTD who gave him his first big commercial credit with Mattress Firm. Ogunde has worked with many Wisconsin theatres including Summit Shakespeare Theatre, Next Act Children’s Theatre, Forward Theatre, and Children’s Theatre of Madison where he will reprise his role of Christmas Present for the fourth year. Ogunde looks forward to his future endeavors traveling and performing, and thanks Ball State for strengthening his foundation and showing him that one should never be complacent, but demand better from themselves and the powers that be.

Meg Warner

Chicago theatre credits: Roe(Goodman Theatre); The Adventures of Augie March(u/s), Photograph51 (u/s) (Court Theatre); Travesties, Northanger Abbey (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company); Strandline (A Red Orchid Theatre); The Merry Wives of Windsor, Searching for Peabody’s Tomb (First Folio Theatre); Amadeus (Oak Park Festival Theatre); Wrens(Rivendell Theatre Ensemble); Romeo and Juliet (Teatro Vista). TV credits: Station Eleven(HBO); Utopia(Amazon); Chicago P.D. (NBC). Meg is a graduate of the School at Steppenwolf, and earned her BFA from Ball State University. Represented by Paonessa Talent.

Jakob Winter

Jakob (He/Him) is a New York City-based actor known for his presence on both television and in film. He has made notable appearances in popular TV series such as Law and Order: SVU, Elsbeth, and The Equalizer. Film credits include Mayberry Man and There She Goes, and he has appeared in numerous national commercials from Buffalo Wild Wings to Walgreens. Jakob is grateful for his Ball State family and wants to thank them because without them none of this would have been possible!

Billy Blanken 

Billy graduated with honors from Ball State with majors in acting and dance performance. After graduation, he was invited to attend the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City on full scholarship. He started his professional career as a principal with the Amy Marshall Dance Company before he joined Les Ballets Grandiva. Selected credits include: principal guest artist with Brooklyn Ballet, guest artist with CoDa21 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dances Patrelle, Catherine Gallant Dance, Atlantic City Ballet, Mobile Ballet, Flexicurve, Northwest Florida Ballet, Lane & Co Arts, Sun Valley Ballet, the East Village Dance Project, Northeastern Ballet Theatre, Neville Dance Theatre, isadoraNOW, Ballet Mink Colbert, and performing Michael Foley’s work in the Howl on the Road Festival at Lincoln Center.

Jen Donohoo

Since earning a degree in dance, Jen has appeared in the Jeff Award winning “Follies” (Ghost Showgirl/DC) at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, directed by Gary Griffin and choreographed by Alex Sanchez. She has since worked on “A Chorus Line” directed by Mitzi Hamilton, “Timon of Athens” at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, “Brigadoon,” and “A Christmas Carol.” She has also performed in numerous industrials and commercials around the world as a principal dancer for the Lions Club, CSO’s “Welcome Yule!,” “Dance For Life,” “Duets for My Valentine” and “Chicago Takes Off” among others. She has also served as guest faculty at Joffrey Ballet, Lou Conte Dance Studio and Ruth Page Centre for the Arts. Within the last year, Jen worked on “Deployed” (assistant director) for NYMF and “Soul Doctor” Off-Broadway (assistant choreographer/assistant director) both under the direction of Mindy Cooper. She also assisted Devan and Janki on “Fly Guy and Other Stories” and has since taken over setting this regionally touring show. This past spring, she worked on “Guys and Dolls” at Goodspeed Opera House under the direction of the brilliantly talented Don Stephenson. She is a member of AEA and AGMA.

Cristina Gustaitis 

Cristina is a professional dancer in New York City and has performed throughout the US and abroad with companies Treeline Dance Works and MachineHistrionica Dance since she received a degree in dance. In addition to performing, she is a choreographer and dance teacher in her neighborhood of Brooklyn.

 

 Chadaé McAlister

Dance alumna Chadaé has performed regionally in "Showboat", "Little Shop of Horrors," and many others. She was on the First National Tour of “Motown the Musical.”

 

Tyler Ring

Tyler Ring is a native of Muncie, Indiana, where he graduated summa cum laude with a BFA in Dance from Ball State University. He has also studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Visceral Dance Chicago. As a performer, Tyler has danced new works by James Gregg, Banning Bouldin, Sidra Bell, Amy Miller, Dianne McIntyre, Monica Bill Barnes, and David Shimotakahara. After one season as a performing trainee with Thodos Dance Chicago, he danced with GroundWorks DanceTheater in Cleveland, Ohio from 2017 to 2019 where he also served as Interim Education Outreach Director coordinating a curriculum of dance for inner city elementary schools in Northeast Ohio. Additionally, he spent one year as an Adjunct Professor with the Cleveland State University Theater and Dance Department creating new work for his students. In 2019 Tyler wrote a grant for Cleveland Public Theatre's annual DanceWorks Series, where he was selected as one of nine local contemporary dance companies to present an evening length work. 'Transcription Beta' premiered in June 2019 at the Gordon Square Theater. Presently Tyler is serving on the faculty of the Dance Institute at the University of Akron, and is also part of The CODA Collective.

Other notable alumni include: Jordyn Alexis, Nic Herring-Harman Eugenia Jones, and Rachel Lou Redding

Emily Amick

Since graduating from BSU in 2012, Emily moved to NYC and has been working full-time as a freelance makeup artist. Her work has been seen on national television, red carpets, and even at the Olympic trials. She has worked with musical artists like Estelle and Imagine Dragons, TV personalities like Tim Gunn and the Impractical Jokers, and actors like Jenna Fischer and Danny Glover. She’s worked with countless esteemed directors, comedians, and world famous athletes. Emily credits the BSU Theatre and Dance Design and Technology program for helping her discover her passion. She is incredibly thankful to the faculty and staff at BSU for encouraging and supporting her non-traditional path, and allowing her to create her own coursework that fostered her talents and interests. She says it was because of how Ball State Department of Theatre and Dance prepared her, and instilled in her such a professional work ethic that she was able to hit the ground running in NYC and accomplish so much in just a few short years.

Kevin Depinet

As a design and technology alumnus, Kevin has designed for venues as prominent as Steppenwolf, The Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare, The National Theatre of Great Britain, and many more. He also designed scenery for Michael Mann’s Film “Public Enemies” (Universal Studios). He was the Associate Designer for the original Tony-award-winning “August: Osage County,” as well as “MF with the Hat,” and “Of Mice and Men" on Broadway. He is also an adjunct professor of design at DePaul University. Graduate work: Yale School of Drama. Visit his website.

Brandon Reed

Since graduating from Ball State in 2014 as a design and technology alumnus, Brandon has been a sound designer, composer, and audio engineer working across the country. His design credits include companies such as PlayMakers Repertory Company, American Players Theatre, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Adirondack Theatre Festival, Lake Dillon Theater Company, and the Arkansas Shakespeare Festival amongst others. He was previously based in Chicago for over four years where he designed for many of the city’s diverse range of companies. Before jumping into freelance he was an assistant for recognized designers such as Lindsay Jones, Richard Woodbury, Josh Schmidt, Matt Tierney, and Justin Ellington. He was the recipient of the 2019 USITT Robert Cohen Sound Achievement Award for his work since graduating from Ball State. He also been nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award as well as BroadwayWorld award. Currently he serves as the resident sound designer for PlayMakers Repertory Company while continuing to design across the country. He earned his MFA in Sound Design & Technology at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was an apprentice at Steppenwolf Theatre Company as well as Chautauqua Theater Company. You can visit his website at www.brandonreedsounddesign.com

Christopher (top left) and Justin (bottom left) Swader

Christopher and Justin are New York-based scenic designers and directors. Recent designs include: The Tall Girls (Luna Stage), Dracula (Three Day Hangover), The Tempest (Classical Theatre of Harlem), Clybourne Park (Shadowland Theatre), Jarring (Mason Holdings), Ilsa, Queen of the the Nazi Love Camp (Columbia University), Old Flame (Theater for the New City), Comida de Puta (West End Theatre), A Perfect Ganesh (Luna Stage), Frozen (Essential  

Theatre Group), The Displaced Hindu Gods Trilogy (Company One, Boston), Uncle Vanya (Columbia University), The 7 ½ Mysteries of Toulouse McLane (Trusty Sidekick, Park AvenueArmory), Flamingo (Sanguine Theatre Company, IRT), Firebird (La MaMa), Dutchman (Classical Theatre of Harlem) and The Seven (Columbia Stages). National Winners of 2011 KCACTF Barbizon Award for Scenic Design (Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches). Their design for The Circus in Winter, based on Cathy Day's novel, won the award for Outstanding Scenic Design at the 2012 National Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. 

Other notable alumni include: Adam Borchers, Andy Catron, Jeff Koger, and Gavin Mosier

Allyson Beheler (Stage Management)

Upon graduation, Allyson was hired by Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA as a Company Management/Stage Management Apprentice. She will be the Assistant Stage Manager for three shows, and the Company Management Apprentice for four shows.

Marcus Carroll (Stage Management) 

After graduating, Marcus was a Stage Management Intern at The Goodman Theatre on their productions of A Christmas Carol and 2666. He has also worked with Emerald City Theatre and Jackalope Theatre. He currently resides in Chicago.

 

Catherine Del Castillo (Theatre Education)

Since graduating BSU in 2012, Catherine earned her MA in Applied Theatre from the CUNY School of Professional Studies in New York. She spent 8 years as a New York-based teaching artists focusing on using theatre to strengthen literacy and social emotional skills. In the fall of 2019, Catherine moved to New Brunswick, NJ to join the education team at George Street Playhouse as the Manager of Tour and Academy Programs. She is passionate about using theatre education as a tool to help communities and classrooms work towards social change.

Shannon Golden (Stage Management)

Coral Opem (Stage Management)

Since graduating in 2015, Coral has worked in Film/TV production in Chicago and Los Angeles. Production credits include Chicago P.D., The Chi, Shameless, Office Christmas Party, Animal Kingdom, I Feel Bad, and AJ and the Queen. She currently works at Universal TV in development for CannyLads Productions and freelances as a producer.

Emil Thomas (Directing)

Upon graduation from the directing program, Emil accepted the position of producing artistic director at Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square in Marietta Georgia. With six fellow Ball State alumni, he created the resident company Actors Theatre of Georgia. This new project is currently in its second production season, producing a variety of works including Carmen Rivera’s “La Gringa,” an adaptation of Richard Wright’s “Native Son,” and Tennessee Williams’s “The Glass Menagerie.”

Other notable alumni include: Andrew Kramer (Theatre Creation), Tayor Peterson-Burke (Theatre Education), and Emma Rund (Theatre Creation)