With all of the pride in the world and care in our hearts, we are proud to announce and congratulate the spring 2023 graduates from the Department of Theatre and Dance! We have thirteen seniors who have dedicated their education to studying the performance arts and the teaching of those arts to others. 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 could not be more proud to congratulate the following seniors: Sara Bryant, Breanna Mack, Lillian Muehlberger, Kourtney Saviello, Megan Spence, Natalie Stacey, Elyce Turnipseed, Taylor Wallsmith, Emma Schuster, Taryn Huffman, Logan Starkey, Ethan Woolever, Asa Leininger!

 

Sara Bryant is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education.

 

Breanna Mack is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education.

 

Lillian Muehlberger is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education.

 

Kourtney Saviello is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education with an emphasis on theatre. Some of her credits at MSU include Assistant Stage Manager for She Kills Monsters, and director for a Directing II One Act. Kourtney says her favorite memory in the department was “being ASM for She Kills Monsters and meeting tons of new people.” After graduation, Kourtney has signed a contract with Lamar School District to teach middle and high school theatre there, where she will also coach the Speech and Debate team!

 

 

 

 

Megan Spence is graduating with a Bachelor os Science in Speech and Theatre Education.

 

Natalie Stacey is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education.

 

Elyce Turnipseed is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education. Some of her credits at MSU include Assistant Stage Manager for Baltimore. Elyce’s favorite memory from her time here is “working in the scene shop during my lab times because I made such great memories and great laughs also while meeting my now best friends!” After graduation, Elyce will be teaching theatre while also acting as Director and Assistant Speech Coach at Bolivar High School!

 

 

 

Taylor Wallsmith is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Theatre Education. Her credits here at MSU include serving as Student STAM (Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri) Secretary for 2020-2021, and Co-President for 2022-2023. Her favorite memory in the department is “hanging out in Room 321 in Craig Hall with other BSEDs!” After graduation, Taylor has accepted a full-time teaching position at Monett High School to teach theatre, where she will also serve as the Theatre Department Head and the Assistant Speech and Debate Coach!

 

 

 

 

Emma Schuster is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre.

 

Taryn Huffman is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre.

 

Logan Starkey is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre.

 

Ethan Woolever is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre.

 

Asa Leininger is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre.

 

Together, Sara, Breanna, Lillian, Kourtney, Megan, Natalie, Elyce, Taylor, Emma, Taryn, Logan, Ethan, and Asa 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.

The Department of Theatre and Dance will not be the same without you.