With great pride and immense pleasure, we are proud to announce and congratulate the spring 2022 graduates from the Department of Theatre and Dance! We have nine seniors who have dedicated so much of their time to the stage, both on and off. They have persevered through these uncertain, changing times and have come out stronger and more prepared than before. We can strongly say without a doubt that each graduate has made such an incredible impact in the Department of Theatre and Dance and at Missouri State University.

With that, we are proud to congratulate the following seniors: Tabita Cercea, Dekayla Craig, Elizabeth Drake, Britni Fletcher, Denali Ford, Lilian Hilmes, Mallory Koenigseder, Riley Lathrom, and Gabrielle Lunn!

 

Tabita Cercea is graduating with Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, Technology, and Stage Management.

 

Dekayla Craigg is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, Technology, and Stage Management.

 

Elizabeth Drake (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and a Bachelor of Science in Dance. Her credits at MSU include playing Lena Truit in The Rimers of Eldrich; Electra and US Victoria in Cats; a dancer in Dancing the Next Dimension: Spring Dance Concert; and Jean in Brigadoon. 

Elizabeth describes one of her favorite memories in the department as follows: “I very much enjoyed my summer in Operations for Tent Theatre. It was such a fun way to make new friends and work for a professional theatre.” One of her favorite faculty members is Kurt Heinlein, “for letting me cry in his office and for always being there for me when I needed advice.” After graduation, Elizabeth will be playing Princess Brooke at Dutch Wonderland for the summer and doing the Disney College Program in the fall.

 

Britni Fletcher is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Dance.

 

Denali Ford (she/her) is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and an Undergraduate Certificate in Essentials of Hospitality Management. Her credits include her involvement in the Honors College Program, as well as being a choreographer for the 2020 Fall Dance Concert.

Denali remarks that one of her favorite memories are from when she first started in the department. “I rediscovered my love of dance when I attended a small show of the dancers from the 10 Hairy Legs dance company. Ruth Barnes was the faculty member that was quick to welcome me into the program when I was feeling unsure of what I wanted to do. Once I was a part of the program, though, I quickly felt welcome by everyone around me, faculty and students included.” After graduating, Denali plans to explore the hospitality industry. “I am applying to some hotels for positions, hoping to explore event planning as a career. I am excited to apply the creativity I have learned from my four years at MSU.”

 

Lilian Hilmes is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, Technology, and Stage Management.

 

Mallory Koenigseder is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, Technology, and Stage Management.

 

Riley Lathrom is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, Technology, and Stage Management.

 

Gabrielle Lunn is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Dance.

 

Together, Tabita, Dekayla, Elizabeth, Britni, Denali, Lilian, Mallory, Riley, and Garielle 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.