FHU Theatre Alumni

FHU Theatre Alumni

Andrea Kelley ('00 grad) performed at FHU from 1996-2001 in "every role I could get my hands on." She says her most memorable role was Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream. As a student, Andrea also served as a theatre program director for the city of Savannah, TN, technical director of Theatre for Young People at Lees-McCrae College in North Carolina, and even directed a dinner theatre for the Freed-Hardeman Associates.  She also toured with both the Pied Pipers and For Heaven's Sake. After graduation, Andrea taught English and Theatre (both performance and technical)  in Texas and Alabama, while continuing to perform in local theatres (most recently as Mrs. Medlock in The Secret Garden). "I am looking forward to using my theatrical skills in my new position as college recruiter in Huntsville, AL."

Cheri Evans ('02 grad)

Since graduation Will Slayden ('01 grad) has worked in a variety of venues. He started his professional career here at Freed-Hardeman as a Technical Director and Scenic Designer. Since then his designs have been seen at Wayside theatre in Winchester Virginia, Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and at Century College in White Bear Lake Minnesota. He spent a couple of summers teaching and building for Trollwood Performing Arts School in Fargo North Dakota. Recently, Will confessed that "if it wasn't for Freed-Hardeman and it's dedication to individual attention both in the classroom and in practical application of my studies on the stage  I would not have been nearly as confident about the skills and knowledge that I possess." His work has also appeared in a number of smaller community theatre venues around the Twin Cities area. He currently is designing and teaching at Century College while holding outside contracts with a local community theatre as their Scenic Designer and Technical Director.

Starla Steward ('05 grad) was an active part of the program completing a BA in Theatre (performance) and a minor in communications. Starla performed regularly for adult audiences and for children with the Freed-Hardeman Pied Pipers. After graduation, Starla worked as a nanny in New York City, and currently works with the Jackson Sun as a graphic artist. Starla Steward Photography, her thriving freelance photography business, has directly benefited from her study of theatre.  “It is amazing how much theatre plays a role in my photography,” says Starla. “I value all of my experiences with the FHU theatre program.  Even though the program is not very large, it allows for one-on-one coaching and the opportunity to have a lot of stage time.  I was able to play a wide spectrum of characters from a young girl in Our Town, to a middle aged woman in All My Sons to a storybook narrator in Into The Woods.”

J. David Galloway ('07 grad)