“Theatre is a place where every race, creed sexuality, and gender is equal, is embraced, and is loved”
– James Corden
With all of the care in the world and warmth in our hearts, we are proud to announce and congratulate the spring 2021 graduates from our Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Bachelor of Science in Theatre, and Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education programs! We have sixteen seniors who have dedicated their education to studying the art that is creating theatre magic and then guiding the next generation of theatrical artists. They have persevered through these uncertain and changing times and come out more ready and prepared than before. We can say without a doubt that each graduate has made such 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: Molly Beshore, Jacob Curless, Alex Diehl, Laura Frost, Paige Howard, Raisa Hurtado, Nicholas Kinder, Jackalynn Neher, Hailey Panek, Clara Plasse, Megan Schillereff, Alice Spies, Hope Thomas, Katheryn Twente, Claire Visnovske, and Katelynn Wilson.
Molly Beshore (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor’s in Theatre and minor in Creative Writing. Her credits at M.S.U. include Peaches in Secretaries with Spectra Theatre Co., Director of Exit the King with Laboratory Theatre Co., and Co-Host of The Wrap with the Department of Theatre and Dance.
“My favorite memory of being in the department was getting to be the co-host of The Wrap for 3 years and getting to work with some of the best people on and off camera.” She would also like to say “thank you” to “my family and anyone who helped make me into a better leader, performer, and overall person these past four years.”
Following graduation, Molly will be moving to St. Louis to work for COCA Performing Arts Center house managing productions and teaching classes.
Jacob Curless is graduating with a Bachelor’s in Theatre.
Alex Diehl is graduating with a Bachelor’s in Theatre.
Laura Frost (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education. Her credits at M.S.U. include Director for Playwriting 101: The Rooftop Lesson and Deck Crew for Heathers.
“My favorite memory from the department is probably working on deck crew for Heathers the musical my freshman year because that was when I really felt like I started to become an active member in the department.” Additionally, “I would like to give a special thanks to all of the theatre and dance professors I had at Missouri State. Thank you all for helping to immerse me in the arts and for understanding the importance of training future theatre educators.”
Following graduation, Laura plans to find a job at a high school in the Springfield area and/or attend another university to pursue a master’s in education.
Paige Howard (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education.
“My favorite memory of being in the department was having every class with Jackie Neher, Katelynn Wilson, and Katheryn Twente because we all had the same ungodly amount of course hours.” Additionally, “I would like to thank Dr. CJ Maples and Mr. Bill Jordan. They’ve been so wildly supportive throughout my time in college, and I very genuinely would not have graduated without them. They’ve done more for me than I can ever thank them for.”
Following graduation, page will be teaching speech and drama at Hallsville High School in Hallsville, MO.
Raisa Hurtado (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Art in Theatre with minors in Sign Language Studies and Religious Studies. Her credits at M.S.U. include Troupe Member in Giving Voice and In-School Players, Member in the Career Planning Committee and U.C.Y.A., La Rein in Because I Am Your Queen, Brie in The Clinic with Tabula Rasa x U.C.Y.A., Delphium in Mostellaria, Muse in Wonders of the World, and Vulture in Jungle Book.
She shared regarding her undergraduate career that, “While I have largely enjoyed all my opportunities in undergrad, 3 parts of the experience stick out to me: My time in my two theatre troupes, Giving Voice (forum theatre) and In-School Players (children’s theatre), and of course getting to meet the love of my life freshman year in Lisa’s class.” Additionally, “I would like to thank: CJ Maples, Kyle A. Thomas, Telory Arendell, and Christopher J. Herr, as well as Roland Netzer, Shane Everett, and Alex Diehl. I would also like to thank my parents Ben and Lisa Weeks, and Jim Hurtado, and my sister Linnea Hurtado. Lastly, I would like to thank my high school teachers, Robin Verheyen, Nicole Harrell, and Bryan Rollins. You have all been instrumental in my success.”
Following graduation, Raisa said, “In August, I will move to New York and find an apartment with my long-term partner, Roland. There, I plan to continue taking classes in Sign Language and pursue getting certified as an interpreter. I will of course do freelance interpreting wherever I am needed; however I would like to get into interpreting for performance. I am also in working with Deaf Theatre, Children’s Theatre, and (of course) Deaf Children’s Theatre, as well as various aspect of Theatre for Social Change. I also aspire to do theatre with inmates in prisons.”
Nicholas Kinder is graduating with a Bachelor’s in Theatre.
Jackalynn Neher (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech & Theatre. Her credits include Gloria/Catherine in Because I Am Your Queen
She shared her favorite part of her undergrad was “The friends I have made along the way. In all honesty, some of the friends I have made through the B.S.E. program are all amazing and are going to do wonderful things in their life.” Additionally, she would like thank C.J. Maples, “you have been the absolute best advisor I could ever ask for. You are not only passionate about what you do, but you love doing it and it shows. Thank you for being both a wonderful advisor and teacher;” Katelynn Wilson, Katheryn Twente, and Paige Howard, “after transferring here and beginning this wonderful journey, you all have been some of the most supportive people I have met. Through the ups, downs, and everything in between, I know I can count on you all;” and Clara Plasse, “Shout-outs to you, you absolute gem. Congratulations on graduating! You are such a kind human, and I am grateful I got to meet you not only through school, but outside theatre productions.”
For post-graduation, Jackalynn stated, “As of now, I am going to stay in the Springfield area, working with local theatre groups! Enjoy a little bit of time out of college to just relax and celebrate.”
Hailey Panek is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre and a Bachelor of Science in Dance.
Clara Plasse (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre and minor in Dance. Her credits include President of A Cub Bella.
Following graduation, Clara will be moving to Springfield to work full-time.
Megan Schillereff is graduating with a Bachelor’s in Theatre.
Alice Spies (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education. Her credits at M.S.U. include Assistant Stage Manager for Pippin. Other credits include Assistant Director for Parkview High School drama.
“One thing I have enjoyed during my time here is the support from the other B.S.Ed.’s. This is a difficult major with many requirements, and I am so grateful to have the other B.S.Ed ladies there to be a support system.” Additionally, “I want to thank Dr. C.J. Maples for all that she does for the department and her students. She is an advocate for her students and pushes us to be the best educators, and people, that we can be.”
Following graduation, Alice plans on joining the Parkview High School theatre department as the Assistant Theatre Director.
Hope Thomas (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies. Her credits include Consulting Artistic Director for Laboratory Theatre Co., Stage Manager for Grab the World Production’s Dog Sees God & Spectra Theatre Co.’s Spring Awakening, Assistant Stage Manager for Missouri State’s Amélie and Spring Dance Concert: Parts of the Whole, Scenic & Sound Designer for Spectra Theatre Co.’s Head Over Heels & Secretaries. Other honors include Event Programmer and Vice President of Marketing for Student Activities Council and being the recipient of the Chris Sifford Memorial Scholarship.
When asked about her favorite undergraduate memory, she stated, “There are quite a few memories I have grown to cherish throughout my time at Missouri State. I had the honor of Assistant Stage Managing Amélie, which was by far my favorite production I’ve ever worked on. Going to rehearsals and shows was like therapy for me in the sense that such a positive environment was created there. I have never been more proud to have my name attached to a show. I have also loved getting to work with so many student production companies over the years. It’s absolutely liberating getting to work with other students who are passionate about art and who just want to create, even in unconventional spaces and on a budget. I think it’s why I was so excited to be one of the Consulting Artistic Directors for the new Laboratory Theatre Company, as it was my first chance to oversee an entire production process as a whole. I would love to thank everyone who has challenged me to take on so many leadership roles at Missouri State and who helped me grow into the person that I am today.”
Following graduation, Hope stated she will be “taking a gap year to take a much-needed break to collect my bearings and build up some money in my savings. I am in the process of searching for jobs in Artistic Leadership, as well as looking at possibly getting my Master’s in Marketing here in the next few years.”
Katheryn Twente (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education. Her credits include Chloe in Why We Like Love Stories and Director for All the Way Here with the Directing II One-Acts. Other credits include Assistant Director for Willard High School’s production of Tuck Everlasting, Way Back When, and their Thespian Showcase Then Moving On.
My favorite memory of undergrad is just getting to grow through my experiences alongside my friends. This degree takes a lot of work, and I could have never made it through without them.” Additionally, “I want to thank C.J. Maples for being the absolute best program coordinator I could have asked for! You have guided me through so many things and have been an amazing advisor. You are incredible! I would also like to thank Kyle A. Thomas for his wisdom and his dedication to this department. You are constantly inspiring me and pushing me to be a better student and educator. I am so thankful for the time I’ve gotten to spend in your classes. And finally, a BIG thank you to my friends and fellow B.S.Ed.’s. To anyone that I’ve encountered in the program, you have been a part of my journey and my growth as an educator. To Jackie, Katelynn, Paige, Laura, and my other B.S.Ed. friends, I love you! We have grown so much together, and I am endlessly proud of what we have accomplished over the past four years (no matter how much we struggled!)”
Following graduation, Katheryn plans to work at a high school teaching theatre. “I’ve gotten a teaching offer and some further interest from a couple different high schools, so I’m currently trying to decide where I want to end up. I also have interest in one day teaching theatre at a university!”
Claire Visnovske is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education.
“My favorite memory of Missouri State was working in the scene shop, even though COVID restricted the building of sets. I made some friends and memories that I know will last a lifetime.” Additionally, she stated, “I want to give three shout-outs first one to CJ, she has been the best advisor anyone could have asked for. She has taught me so many valuable life lessons and helped shape me into the future educator I have become. Second one is to Anna Hunt, my time in the scene shop was short lived, but she made me believe in myself that I can accomplish anything I sure will remember my time in the scene shop in Coger. Last shoutout goes to my parents who without their support I would not be here today. They are my biggest supporters and I know through all the tough times they had my back. Hey mom and dad look I made it!”
Following graduation, Claire stated, “My plan is to teach high school theatre at Neosho High School in Neosho, MO! Go Wildcats!!!”
Katelynn Wilson (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education. Her credits “include nothing, where she played ‘too busy being a B.S.Ed’ (It is a joke, but I think it would be funny.)”
She shared that her favorite from undergrad was “Going to Scotland with none other than the Ruth Barnes and lovely people.” Additionally, she would like to thank Chris Herr, Mike Foster, Kyle A. Thomas and Bill Jordan “for making my time at Missouri State wonderfully chaotic and fun. They are some of the best teachers I have ever had.”
Following graduation, Katelynn stated she will be “Teaching- with my heart, with my passion, and with my personality…”
Together, Molly, Jacob, Alex, Laura, Paige, Raisa, Nicholas, Jackalynn, Hailey, Clara, Megan, Alice, Hope, Katheryn, Claire, and Katelynn 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, a mountain of support behind them, and the knowledge of what it means to be a Bear. We wish you the best of luck out there, graduates. Wherever life takes you, remember all those you have impacted, and that you have made an incredible Missouri State-ment.
The Department of Theatre and Dance will not be the same without you.