With all of the care in the world and warmth in our hearts, we are proud to announce and congratulate the Fall 2020 graduates from our Bachelor of Fine Arts Design, Technology, and Stage Management; Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance; and Bachelor of Science in Dance programs! We have three seniors who have dedicated their education to using their brilliant designs and dances to inspire those around them. They have persevered through the uncertain and changing times only to come out stronger on the other end. We can say without a doubt that each graduate has made an impact in the Department of Theatre and Dance and at Missouri State University.
With that, we could not be more overjoyed to congratulate the following seniors: Kestrel Jurkiewicz-Miles, Joe Shultz, and Seth Walley.
Kestrel Jurkiewicz-Miles is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, Technology, and Stage Management with an emphasis in Costume Design and a Computer Science Minor. His credits include Costume Design for Picnic and bare: A Pop Opera, Hair and Makeup Design for Cats, Assistant Costume Design for Amelie, all at M.S.U., and working as a Co-President of student theatre troupe Tabula Rasa for the 2019-2020 season. When asked to share some of his favorite college experiences, he said “Where to start… getting Waffle House with my friends after long tech and dress rehearsals, the excitement of opening nights, working with fantastic actors, and getting to dress so much talent!!” To his instructors, he would like to say “Thank you! You have all aided in my growth so much, and I’m so happy to have gotten the chance to work with so many of you.”
Following graduation, Kestrel will be working towards getting his Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design.
Joe Shultz is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a personalized Music Minor. His credits include roles in Pippin, Cats, the 2018 Fall Dance Concert XII, and his senior B.F.A. project Delirium. Some of his favorite Missouri State memories were “performing on the mainstage in Pippin and Cats, helping found and lead MOStateDanceCo., singing with The Beartones, performing at the Pipeline Gala in Kansas City, and experiencing many dance concerts and conferences over the past four years, both as a performer and as an audience member.” To his instructors, he would like to say “I am so thankful for the training and mentorship that I received from all of the faculty, and I would not be the performer, artist, or person that I am today without the consistent support.”
Following graduation, Joe will be working with Showbiz National Talent helping manage national dance competitions and finishing recording The Beartones’s latest album. Next summer, Joe will be in the dance ensemble of Tent Theatre’s The Producers.
Seth Walley is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. His credits include the 2019 Fall Dance Concert and Cats. When asked to share some of his favorite positive memories from his college experience, he said “Being in the cast of Cats was so much work, and so much fun, and definitely a highlight of my time at M.S.U. It was incredible to be a part of such a professional production and get an inside view of the rehearsal process and everything that goes on behind the scenes.” He would like to give a special thanks to dance faculty member Sarah Wilcoxon for “always supporting my interest in dance medicine, and tirelessly answering my questions, and providing me with resources and contacts.”
Following graduation, Seth will be applying to medical school to study Sports Medicine with an emphasis in Performing Arts Medicine.
Together, Kestrel, Joe, and Seth are the future of their fields in the performing arts industry. They are leaving the Department of Theatre and Dance with their heads held high and a mountain of support behind them. We wish you the best of luck out there, graduates. Wherever life takes you, remember those who have cared for you, and that you have made an incredible Missouri State-ment.
The Department of Theatre and Dance will not be the same without you.