JMU School of Theatre and Dance

08/21/2025

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Alexia Van Slyke | major, Theatre Education Licensure | Class of 2025

Alexia Van Slyke accepted a teaching position at Guilford Middle School in Greensboro, North Carolina. Alexia will be teaching Theatre.

Happy start to your school year, Alexia! 💜💛

08/19/2025

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Carissa Ma

Major | Music Industry Minor | Class of 2027

Carissa just wrapped up filming for the Baltimore 48 Hour Film Project with Fed Up Studios! A screening of her film was held on August 13th. The judges are currently deliberating who the winners of the film project will be.

We are rooting for you, Carissa! 💜💛

08/18/2025

08/14/2025

Theatre Alum News: Emma Noël Saville
and Independent Scholars Major, Performance concentration | Class of 2025

Emma just finished the Vassar Powerhouse Theater Training Program as a member of their acting cohort. While with Vassar, Emma performed in BIOGRAPHY by S.N. Behrman and THE SEAGULL by Anton Chekhov, as well as some new play readings.

The incredible ✨

08/13/2025

Faculty Spotlight: Matt Pardo | Associate Professor of
Matt spent the summer directing Next Steps Summer Dance Intensive at JMU, teaching for the Pre-Professional Dance Intensive at American Dance Festival, and producing/performing in the Lucinda Childs Dance Company production of FOUR NEW WORKS at the Salzburger Festspiele.
At ADF, Matt taught class for the festival at the Marbles Children’s Museum with JMU Dance Major (and ADF 2025 summer intern) Rylee Tiller .tiller
FOUR NEW WORKS received amazing press in Salzburg. One of the works, Distant Figure, was choreographed during a JMU on-campus residency in 2024. JMU STAD is a presenting sponsor for this production.

Next up, Matt is the Artistic Director for our upcoming New Dance Festival, performing September 12-13 at Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. Join us then to experience Matt’s collaborative work with visiting guest artists and

08/11/2025

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Bridget Trebon

Major, Theatre Education | Minor | Class of 2026

This summer, Bridget participated in JMU Study Abroad - Community Arts in London led by Dr. Allemeier and Julian Knight of Creative Futures UK. Bridget was an intern with Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in Richmond, working with both the Participation, Outreach & Widening Participation team and the Communications department.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to develop my skills in arts administration by supporting outreach initiatives and helping to prepare for multiple performances. From learning about Marie Rambert in Dance History class to meeting the people carrying on her legacy, I’m so grateful!” - Bridget

We are so proud of you, Bridget!

08/07/2025

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Mackenzie Cunnane
and Double Major, Creative Advertising Concentration | Class of 2026

This summer, Mackenzie is combining her love of the arts and creative advertisment as a Social Media Intern for

Ever-brilliant work, Mackenzie! 💜💛

08/05/2025

Theatre Alum News: THERESA CARPINELLI
Art History Major, Minor | Class of 2024

Post-graduation, Theresa is now working for Williamstown Theatre Festival as an Audience Engagement Assistant.

We are so proud of you, Theresa!💜💛

08/04/2025

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Haiku Burgiel
Major, Performance Concentration | and minor | Class of 2027

This summer, Haiku is working as the Stage Manager for FINDING NEMO JR. and Stage Manager / Assistant Director for MEAN GIRLS JR. at a Summer Theatre Camp in Northern Virginia. Haiku is also putting their Design/Tech experience to use building scenic and prop elements for both shows.

“Good on ya, mate!” 🪸

08/01/2025

Looking to add some creativity to your Saturday morning? ☕️☀️
‘s very own Ingrid De Sanctis will be joining Amelia Schmid .interviews on Coffee with Creatives, discussing Ingrid’s work as an artist and storyteller.

TOMORROW, August 2 at 10 AM
Stop by the Frame Factory and Gallery at 139 N Liberty Street in Harrisonburg, VA and join Amelia and Ingrid in their conversation on creative work, playwriting, and so much more!

Presented by and .schmid.photo

04/27/2025

One last chance to see STUPID F #%CKING BIRD by Aaron Posner TODAY at 2:00pm in the Wayland Hall performance space! Be there or be a stupid f #%cking bird🐦

admission is free!

📸: Anjali Sharma

04/26/2025

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT! Come see the staged reading of STUPID F #%KING BIRD by Aaron Posner🌀🪶🍦

Where: Wayland Hall Performance Space

When: Tonight, April 26th at 7:30pm & Sunday, April 27th at 2:00pm

admission is free!!

📸: Anjali Sharma