Alumni - feel free to contact them! (its a long list)
Jordan Dettmann - BFA actor, scene shop employee, grad 2018
Willmar MN
-lawn maintenance company with a friend of mine in Willmar MN, currently
-I hold a class A CDL license and do runs for farmers.
-I also work part time as an in home care giver for elderly.
-My advice to people graduating is to stay humble and do whatever you have to do to make it in this crazy world right now. You’re not gonna land the big job right away. It’s always easier to find a job when you’ve got a job. Don’t overlook an orchid while searching for a rose. Be willing to do anything and save your money if you can so you can do art in your off time. Blue collar jobs pay well and little experience is needed in order to get going.
Colleen Smith - BA Stage Management, grad 2011
Duluth, MN
-Current work - General Manager at Vista Fleet (https://www.vistafleet.com/)
-Personal website, including list of jobs since graduating - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-smith-a6440513a/
Sarah Hinz - B.A. in Theatre with minors in Dance and Organizational Management, grad 2017
Reno, NV but working remotely for organizations in the Twin Cities and NYC
-Managing Director of What's Next Productions: whatsnextmsp.com & Stewardship Officer at Fordham University
-Also have worked as a Box Office Manager On Duty at CDT,
-Associate Producer with The 24 Hour Plays, and as a freelance producer of "Pink House"
-Best Advice: Having a day job doesn't make you less of an artist.
Jenna Houck -BFA Scenic and Costume Design, grad 2010
jennahouckdesigns@gmail.com
Chicago
-Freelance scenic designer/scenic painter
-I've worked as a charge artist/assistant at: The Barter Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse, Bay Street Theatre, misc theatre and film across Chicago.
-I've designed sets for multiple theatres in Chicago and production designed a commercial out of Boston.
Tyler Carlson - BA Theater
Minneapolis
-Seth Meyers Netflix Comedy Special
-HGTVs Property Brothers: Celebrity IOU
-A lot of commercials for companies like, Squarespace (superbowl commercial), Bissle, United Health Care, and more
-And a handful of Lifetime/Hallmark movies.
-I feel like Networking is the biggest thing I've done that's contributed to the work I have now. Being able to reach out and ask Producers (or really anyone who works in the industry) in and around town to meet for coffee and talk about work is definitely a key. That way you can get on their list of people to hire the next time a project comes up in town. I'm always willing to talk to people and pass names around too if people are wanting Freelance work in film!
Serena Brook - BFA Acting, grad 2009
Minneapolis
(voiceover and theater)
-Advice...? Your employment status doesn’t equal your self-worth.
Stephen Horner - I was at UMD from 2010-2013 - BFA Musical theater - didn’t graduate
Stephen.Thomas.horner@gmail.com
LA
- I didn’t graduate and my ticket into this industry is that I was scouted off of Instagram for a baking competition on food network as a contestant and knew people from that
- Then Preston grant got me a job at Warner Brothers on Birds of Prey and then now I’m here at Lucasfilm
Topaz Cooks - BFA in tech/emphasis in stage management, grad 2014
San Diego, CA
-Currently working on a passion project with my former classmate to perform a one-person show in a backyard. Just graduated in March with my MFA in stage management from UCSD.
-I’ve worked at the Old Globe and am tentatively slated to work at Moonlight Theater in San Diego this summer as a covid compliance supervisor, and I will possibly be working on a show at the La Jolla Playhouse this fall.
-Before moving to San Diego, I had credits with the Children’s Theatre Company, Theatre Latte Da, Walking Shadow, Artistry, Lyric Opera of the North. I was also the PM/PSM of the Duluth Playhouse for a couple years during the renovations and reopening of the NorShor.
-My interests are working on original scripts and musicals, although I’ve also stage managed opera, dance, Shakespeare (outdoors), and devised works.
Lauren Schulke -BFA Acting ,grad 2016
St. Charles, IL
Katapult Network - https://katapultnetwork.com/
-Dont have a personal website (should probably work on that some day...)
-Worked at a theater as aprofessional actor/scenic painter/props, left that life ($$ to live) to become a Recruiter at an awesome recruiting agency in MN. Now an Account Manager, helping recent grads find their way in life and into some great jobs. Moved to IL for my fiance's job - still working, just remote now.
-Advice: Go with the flow. Don't beat yourself if you aren't doing what you told everyone you'd be doing after college. With years out of the "theatre bubble" come perspective and you can be successful and use your talents in different, sometimes even better, ways.
Alyson Enderle - BFA Musical Theatre, grad 2018
Minneapolis
-Jobs Include: Daleko, Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Artistry, Phoenix Theater
-I guess if I'd have to say anything it'd be: you don't have to be doing art 24/7 to be an artist. There are times you'd rather do something else besides a show and that's ok. As long as you are honest with yourself and are actually doing what you want, then your art will always be more informed and inspired when you do it.
Matt Dufault - B.F.A in theatre, with an emphasis in tech/design, grad 2015
Savage, MN
Minnetonka Public School District website:https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/
-Techincal Specialist at Mtka Public School
-Technical services team lead: Valleyfair -
-Electrician and spot light operator at Chanhassen dinner theater
-any advice? Keep up with your resume.
Matthew Smith - BA in Theater, grad 2012
Roseville MN
-I work as an actor and fight choreographer in the Minneapolis/St Paul area as well as for a window company during the day
https://msmithfraser.wordpress.com/
-Theater Jobs I've had since graduating UMD include working with the Duluth Playhouse and Renegade Theater, Fight choreography for several colleges, highschools and local theaters, I've been cast and done stunt work for a few independent films and i graduated with my MFA in acting from Wayne State University in may of 2020
-Advice would be 1. Don't compare yourself to other people actor or otherwise. Ever individual is unique and only you can bring you to the role. Don't show them what you think they want, show them you. 2. Confidence is killer, in an industry like the theater and film world you have to have confidence in yourself to be able to succeed, obviously be careful it doesn't turn into arrogance but confidence is key. And 3 be kind to yourself. This is a tough industry (especially now) and it can drag you down hard. Be kind with yourself and trust that you are more than good enough for this industry.
Michael Cochrane - BFA Theater Design and Technology , grad May 2014
Kansas City, MO
-Currently unemployed but working gig jobs for University of Missouri Kansas City as Master Electrician
-Recently laid off due to pandemic from Kansas City Repertory Theater, last position there was Master Electrician and previously has been Projection Technician and Electrician. Total time between 2014 and 2020
-Summers of 2014 through 2016 Master Electrician at Theatre Aspen
-Summers 2017 through 2019 Stage Crew and Spot op for select shows at KC Crossroads concert venue
-Advice: Leave a job if it's making you miserable. Always be looking to grow, learn and expand your skill set. Don't be stagnant, even if you stay at the same job for years you should be growing in some way. Own up to your mistakes and do better next time.
Seth Carlson- BFA Theatre-Acting/Scene Shop Employee, grad 2010
Fargo, ND
-Founder/CEO Dakota Timber Company— one of the largest wood product manufacturers in the midwest that is dedicated to producing local, sustainable, & recycled wood products.
-After graduating I spent a lot of time cycling, traveling, building furniture, and picking up short term odd jobs. In 2012 I had the opportunity to buyout inventory from a bankrupt wood company in Superior, WI and I hauled it back to Fargo ND to hopefully quickly sell it and move on but after a short period of time discovered huge demand for sustainable wood products so over 8 years later here I am with over 15 team members on payroll and we are still slinging lumber!
Erika Sasseville -BA Theater and Political Science, grad 2015
Twin Cities Area
-Work: (day job) City Girl Coffee Company, (theater) Burnsville High School: Director, and Black Dirt Theater Company: improv, actor, writer, producer, director
Jobs since graduating:
- (Non-theater) AMC movie theaters, BiteSquad, DoorDash
- (theater!) Bloomington Public Schools: Director, Arab American Theater Works: Stage Manager, Strike Theater: sketch comedy
-Advice: If you want to find theater work, keep looking, keep applying, keep networking with friends and strangers! Don’t be afraid to ask for help getting in the door, and don’t be afraid to try new things!
Steven Grant Douglas - BFA Theatre w/ Musical Theatre emphasis, Scene Shop Employee, grad 2012 (Summa Cum Laude)
New York, NY
-Currently work part-time for Equinox Fitness Club
short list of jobs I’ve had since graduating:
Acting:
-Theatre Latté Da - Aida, The Light in the Piazza, Next: New Musicals in the Making (Minneapolis, MN)
-Ghost the Musical (1st National Tour)
-South Pacific (Asolo Rep Theatre - Sarasota, FL)
-Ghost the Musical (White Plains PAC - White Plains, NY - New York Regional Premiere)
-Cabaret (Gateway Playhouse - Bellport, NY)
-A Sign of the Times (Delaware Theatre Company - Wilmington, DE)
-All Shook Up (Flat Rock Playhouse - Flat Rock, NY)
-Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (1st National Tour)
Non-Acting:
Equinox Fitness Club - Front Desk Associate/Manager currently employed (New York, NY)
Rumble Boxing Studio - Front Desk Associate (New York, NY)
Switch Playground - Trainer (New York, NY)
Bite Catering Company - Caterer (New York, NY)
-Spend time/energy trying to find sustainable income that can be flexible for when you book jobs. -Take class/lessons (acting, singing, and/or dancing) as often as possible to maintain a well-oiled machine for when opportunity strikes.
-Allow yourself to take time for non-acting related things. Go on hikes, visit museums, and soak up as much of life as you can. Keep your cup full!
-Steven
Jenna Mady
BFA Theatre Design and Production, 2017
Chanhassen, MN
Valleyfair Family Amusement Park, Entertainment Department
jkmady94.wixsite.com/jennamadydesigns
Jobs I’ve had since graduating: scene shop supervisor/production and design supervisor at Valleyfair, overhire carpenter at Old Log Theatre, carpentry assistant at local high schools, custom framer
My advice is to always be open to learning from the people you work with. You’re never done learning. You might discover a coworker has a easier, better way to do something.
Ashley Woods
BFA Scenic Design, 2008
Birmingham AL,
Birmingham Children's Theatre (bct123.org), https://www.ashleyannwoods.com/, freelance scenic design and painter (and sometimes costume designer) throughout Chicago area for nearly a decade, Charge Artist Means of Production Scene Shop, currently Interim Executive Artistic Director of BCT.
Best advice: remember you're a small business owner as well as an artist
Suzannah Weiss
Theatre Production BA, 2018
San Diego
https://www.suzannahweissscenicart.com
Painter at New Harmony Theater, Usher/box office at the Brave New Workshop, Scenic Charge Artist at San Diego Repertory Theater
Get comfortable advocating for yourself, especially if you’re a woman or POC.
Nathan James Heldstab
BFA Theatrical Design & Technology: Emphasis in Stage Management, 2010.
Currently in Windermere, FL (Just 4 miles North of Magic Kingdom)
Due to Covid, working full time at Publix Grocery store in Meat Department. Since graduation I've worked all over the country/world. From National/International tours (Blue Man Group), regional theater, summer stocks. Colorado, Central NY/NYC, Arizona, Nebraska, Ohio.
Glen Ridlon
BA Theatre; BAS Psychology, 2015
Plymouth, MN
Wells Fargo - Enterprise Investigations Associate
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gridlon/
Prior Jobs: Human Resources Assistant (Recruiting and Employee Relations), Customer Care Professional (call center at UnitedHealthGroup), Admissions Counselor, Technical Recruiter.
Advice: 1.There is no rush to "figure it out." 2. Change happens; be open to it and assess your feelings about it. 3. Utilize your network and the career office if you feel the need to "take a different path" in your career.
Shannon Sweeney Jorgenson
BFA -Theater- Stage Management/Arts Administration,1995
Duluth area
National Rural Health Resource Center
Stage Manager Musical Theater Rep company, Stage/Production/Tour Manage, Marketing Manager, Account Manager, Benefits Administrator, Human Resources Manager
Advice: Theater is the dream. But it’s a tough business. You may find the frustration of rejection gets to you. Or the area of the country that you want to be in doesn’t have the opportunities you need. Always remember that because of your background in theater, you have skills and experiences that no other job candidate has when applying for a “straight jobs.” Theater majors are valued in corporate America and businesses outside of the fine arts, because we have those skills-we are resourceful, we understand deadlines and we are able to come through when others cannot. Do not be embarrassed or sad or uncomfortable about going that direction. Life happens and we must do what we need to to pay the bills and to survive.There are ways to continue to connect with the arts community and with the theater outside of paid gigs, even though that would be the ideal.
CC Keith
BFA Scenic Design theater major at UMD 2007-2009. Transferred to UMN Twin Cities and graduated with a BDA in Architecture in 2014.
Minneapolis.
Post college jobs include freelance theater design work, Travel Coordinator and Trip Leader for adults with special needs, and most recently Lead Visual Merchandiser at a retail store.
Advice: Like others have said don’t underestimate the way your skills from theater will apply in other fields, both related and otherwise. I never worked full time in theater, but have continued to work on shows here and there when the opportunity comes up and still enjoy it greatly. Theater design gave me a huge advantage in my architecture classes and combining knowledge from both is what made me so successful as a visual merchandiser. That job required me to make creative and logical decisions on a daily basis that I had to feel confident in and also be okay with them being temporary. Tearing down entire sets after spending months creating them helped me see the value in putting a lot of effort into things that are temporary.
Cheryl Podtburg,
BA in Theatre, 2004.
I still live in Duluth, and am still working with the MN Ballet as Stage Manager, Production Manager, and other things....
Phil Jents
BFA Theatre - Acting
Duluth, MN
City of Duluth - www.duluthmn.gov
I've worked in retail sales, service industry, delivery driver, home theatre consulting, cell phone sales, electoral politics, now City government. As others have already pointed out, no matter what field you explore / land in, the things I learned while at UMD in the theatre department I put to work constantly. It's wild how much of that can be reapplied to so many different professional (and personal) areas.
Koki Sabatés
BFA - Theatre/Acting, 2016
St Louis, Missouri (hometown KCMO/ prairie village KS)
Baker, Sterchi, Cowden, & Rice, LLC
https://www.bscr-law.com/?t=3&A=22045&format=xml&p=5506
I worked as an admin assistant for a law firm, went to law school, now I’m a lawyer.
Biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid to take a big leap. It’s scary but worth it and your theatre training will take you far. You’ve learned resiliency, hard work, collaboration, creative problem solving, etc.
Colin Riebel
BFA Theatre Design & Technology
2010
criebel@thefulton.org colin@2henchmen.com
Lancaster, PA
Lighting Director, Fulton Theatre https://thefulton.org/
Owner, 2Henchmen Productions, LLC https://2henchmen.com/
Lighting Supervisor - Theatre Aspen
Box Office Manager - Theatre Aspen
Production Electrician - Denver Center Theatre Company
Lighting Designer - Various theatres around the country
Video Designer - Various theatres around the country
Lighting/Video Programmer - Various theatres around the country
My advice? Don't be afraid to assert yourself. Learn from people wherever you go, but remember that you are also skilled. Be confident in your skills, not conceited. Take on any challenge that comes your way. Take jobs that don't line up with what you "want" because that experience will always come in handy down the road. Leverage your skills outside of a job, maintaining a side-gig is very underrated.
