APSU Theatre & Dance Alumni

Edward Garcia, May 2012. When I started at APSU I had incredibly limited theatrical experience and knew next to nothing about performing. I managed to get a scholarship working in the scene shop and I auditioned for everything. I applied to go to all of the conferences and even managed to get hired as a Teaching Artist at Lexington Children's Theatre in the summer of 2010. Recently I auditioned with the Nashville Shakespeare Festival and got cast as Seyton (my first on-stage role with a professional company!) and I couldn't have done it without Darren Michael's excellent advice on my audition piece.  The faculty and staff at APSU took me from someone who knew nothing at all about theatre to an actor who's beginning to take his first steps into the professional world.

Sarah LeJeune, December 2012. I began performing on the stage at the age of eleven at numerous theatres across middle Tennessee, including the Nashville Shakespeare Festival. Once I transferred to APSU from North Carolina, I jumped into the theatre program in the spring of 2012. One of my favorite things about the program is the opportunity that students have to attend conferences, workshops and festivals. I attended the Humana Festival in Louisville. With the performances, auditions, classes and workshops, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my training. In the APSU theatre department, students are pushed to be better and are learning about the workings of the professional theatre world. With the mentoring of Darren Michael, my time at APSU has really shaped me as an artist. Sarah is currently working as a film and stage actress in the Nashville area. www.sarahlejeune.com

Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva, May 2009. I am a Nashville native and a proud APSU alumni from the class of '09! I graduated with a BS in Theatre with a Dance Minor. While attending Austin Peay I was lucky enough to be a Presidential Research Scholar Recipient and produce a full length ballet with Marcus Hayes as my advisor. Thanks to the Theatre department, I actually began my professional theatre career while I was still in school. I began doing professional shows my sophomore year and have not stopped since. I am a Nashville actress, and have worked with wonderful companies such as the Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Studio Tenn Theatre Company, Boiler Room Theatre, The Nashville Opera and many more. I have performed in shows such as Ruined, Difficulty of Crossing A Field,  A Christmas Carol, and The Miracle Worker. I have even revisited favorites such as Little Shop of Horrors and Pippin. I was recently seen in Big River playing Alice with Studio Tenn Theatre Company, at The Franklin Theater. You can always find me around town, and sometimes out of town! Follow me on Facebook or Twitter! I miss my APSU family more than words, but am so proud to be a part of it, and love seeing all of my friends doing so well with all of their endeavors.

Takiesha Scimio, Spring 2012 (Oakland, CA) received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Dance from Austin Peay State University in 2012.  She is currently pursuing her Master of Fine Arts in Dance at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX.  Recently, Ms. Scimio performed at Dance Houston at the Wortham Center in Houston, TX and represented Sam Houston State University at the American College Dance Festival as a performer in the piece The Ultimatum.  She currently serves as a teaching assistant for the Dance as Art and World Dance courses at Sam Houston State University.

Alaina Runions, May 2010,  recieved her undergraduate degree in Theatre and a minor in Dance from APSU in May 2010.  Since then she has taught many dance classes and workshops and settled in at the Renaissance Center in Dickson since the fall of 2011. She serves as adjunct faculty for the dance department at the Renaissance Center where she teaches everything from “Mommy and Me” to “Hip Hop”.  Aside from teaching she performs in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre as well as productions in the Mind Enriching Theatre Series.  Alaina was seen most recently in Rainbow Fish: An Ocean Tale (Rainbow Fish), Freedom Train (dancer), A Velveteen Rabbit Christmas (clown/fairy), and 9 to 5: The Musical (Margaret).  Alaina has also performed with the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville and serves as Co-director of the Modern Love Dance Co. with fellow alum Kevin Loveland Jr.  Currently, she is persuing certifications in Yoga and Somatic Movement Therapy.

Bryce Conner, May 2010,  graduate of Austin Peay State University with a BS in Theatre Performance and  minor in Dance. A middle Tennessee native, Bryce is grateful to have received a performance scholarship every year. Before his time at ASPU, Bryce was lucky enough to have served as an intern at the Nashville Children's Theatre & went on to serve as a Teaching Artist then as the Assistant Director of Education during a season of their summer camps. He has since worked with The Renaissance Center, People's Branch Theatre, Boiler Room Theatre, and Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre in shows such as The Rainmaker, Southern Fried Funeral, Annie, Floyd Collins, Run For Your Wife, and many more. A special memory was returning after graduation to work with Chris Hardin in A Bright Room Called Day.  I'm always grateful to my APSU Theatre and Dance family for all the memories, continued support, and friendships!

We Want to Hear From You!

If you are one of our many alumni working in the theatre & dance world, or simply have fond memories of your training at APSU Theatre & Dance, please join our Facebook page at APSU Theatre & Dance Alumni, drop us a line, and let us know what you're up to!