Fanning earned her BFA from Pratt Institute and her MFA from 麻豆传媒在线. She teaches Perceptual Drawing and Figure Drawing, specializing in instruction that spans introductory to advance drawing practices, including both general and figure drawing. The fellowship supports the creation of new work and advances the professional careers of New Jersey artists selected solely on artistic merit.

Story by Web and Digital Media Manager Alexandra Thelin Blackowski

Both credit their time in the Department of Theatre and Dance at 麻豆传媒在线 as foundational to their growth as artists and professionals. Through rigorous training, mentorship, and a supportive creative environment, they learned what it truly means to work in the industry. Faculty challenged them to raise their standards while nurturing their individual strengths, instilling a work ethic and confidence that continue to guide their careers today.

Their story began during a production of West Side Story in the Alexander Kasser Theater, when Coldin was a freshman and Adriana a sophomore. What started as a friendship quickly grew into something more. Coldin remembers first noticing Adriana earlier that year in Life Hall, doing yoga with her friends. That quirky encounter was unforgettable to him, and the shared production brought them together creatively. From there, they fell in love.

Since graduating, both have built dynamic careers in musical theater, often crossing paths across the country. Adriana recently made her Broadway debut in A Chorus Line – The 50th Anniversary, performing the role of Diana Morales in a production honoring the show’s enduring legacy. She also appeared in national tours of Disney’s Aladdin, CATS, The Prom, and Mystic Pizza at the . One of her most meaningful recent moments came when she performed with A Chorus Line in the . This was a lifelong dream as she watched the parade from home with her family, now fulfilled.

Coldin’s career has been equally prolific. He led the first national tour of Disney’s Winnie the Pooh: A New Musical in the title role, a standout experience that combined puppetry with storytelling on a national scale. His Off-Broadway debut came in FRIENDS! The Musical Parody, alongside ensemble roles in productions such as Newsies, Bandstand, and Beauty and the Beast.

The couple states that navigating careers in a demanding and unpredictable industry is easier, as they understand each other’s world. Whether traveling to see one another perform or visiting while on tour, with Alaska being a favorite shared stop, they’ve learned to celebrate each other’s successes while staying grounded as a team. More recently, their collaboration has expanded beyond performing as they begin directing and choreographing projects together, discovering the joy of creating art side by side.

Coldin has also turned his focus toward building opportunities for others. He recently helped launch The Actors Studio of New Jersey, where he serves on the Board of Directors as Director of Development. Through producing mainstage shows and shaping the company’s growth, he is committed to supporting professional talent and strengthening the local theater community.

For Adriana and Coldin, the paths they walk today on Broadway, on tour, and in leadership roles, trace back to where it all began. 麻豆传媒在线 didn’t just prepare them for careers in the arts; it brought them together, gave them the tools to thrive, and continues to be an integral part of their shared story.

Story by Web and Digital Media Manager Alexandra Thelin Blackowski

Since joining the tour, she has performed in cities across the United States, including Lincoln, Nebraska; Boston, Massachusetts; and Oxford, Mississippi, with many more to come. “I’m definitely looking forward to our shows in my home state of Georgia,” she said. “We have a night in Savannah, and another in Evans. I’m also excited to travel to Canada and Mexico, and to perform at the Pantages Theatre in California at the end of the tour.”

Life on tour is anything but predictable. “Every day looks different on the road,” she shared. “Some mornings start as early as 6:00 am for bus call and travel up to eight hours straight into a show. Other days, I get to sleep in, find a cafe for breakfasts, and hit the gym before heading to the theatre. It all depends!”

Her rigorous schedule is powered by the foundation she built at 麻豆传媒在线. “My Musical Theatre training at 麻豆传媒在线 definitely set me up for success as a performer,” she said. “I went into callbacks confident and learned the show quickly. 麻豆传媒在线 instilled a focus and drive in me that allowed me to stand firmly in my skills and who I am as a performer, thriving in so many different environments.”

For her, the most profound part of this experience goes far beyond the stage lights. “The most meaningful part of this tour is telling Tina’s story alongside so many other beautiful black women,” she said. “Tina’s story is one of resilience, power, and triumph, and it’s an honor to share her life and accomplishments with audiences across the country. Being surrounded by my people in this way is rare, and it means so much to be part of the Tina Broadway legacy.”

As she continues to bring Tina Turner’s story to audiences nationwide, she carries lessons from 麻豆传媒在线, and some advice for those following in her footsteps.

“My biggest piece of advice for performers is to prioritize yourself in every situation. Your physical and mental health and safety are more important than any show or contract. GO RED HAWKS!”

–Moriah Baskett

Story by Web and Digital Media Manager Alexandra Thelin Blackowski

Presented by the Princess Grace Foundation鈥揢SA, the award upholds the legacy of Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco (n茅e Grace Kelly) and her lifelong commitment to advancing the arts in the United States. The Foundation supports exceptional early-career talent in theater, dance, and film through transformative grants, and continues to nurture and champion Princess Grace Award winners throughout their careers.

A proud son of immigrant parents, Mart铆nez is a Honduran-American, award-winning freelance theatrical sound designer based in the NYC/NJ area. He earned his degree in Sound Design from 麻豆传媒在线 in 2018. Known for his ability to collaborate with bold playwrights and bring new stories to life, his work has been featured at leading venues including Lincoln Center Theater, Atlantic Theatre Company, American Repertory Theatre, Repertorio Espa帽ol, and George Street Playhouse, among many others.

Follow his work on Instagram at .

From kicking off his social media skills with Hawk Communications to embracing his broadcasting talent with WMSC, Isaias is a proud 2023 graduate working at SiriusXM as a producer. His daily schedule is anything but ordinary however, with a demanding role comes hard work and dedication. Early mornings, fast-paced deadlines, and behind-the-scenes magic. As thrilling as his current career is, it鈥檚 where he started that truly inspires.

Balancing academics, student organizations, and a full-time job during college was no easy task for him. When asked how he balanced it all, he admits, 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know if I really 鈥榖alanced鈥� it.鈥� To him, it was more espresso-fueled survival, staying positive, and taking it one day at a time. However, one thing is for sure, his campus experience built the foundation of his career today. He describes the experience as instrumental as it helped him prepare for his role at SiriusXM. There were many sleepless nights, yet he adds that once he stepped into the role of producer, having that prior experience from clubs allowed him to transition smoothly. Moreover, he emphasized it鈥檚 all about picking yourself up and perseverance.

鈥淭here were a lot of rejection emails from automated bots that definitely hurt the ego鈥� But I kept on trying,鈥� Isaias quotes. Prior to SiriusXM, he interned at Tunnel Vision Sports and EatNom. Both are key factors in his career journey. Not only is he a producer, but he is also working on elevating his brand. He has a YouTube channel to keep you all in the loop with his journey. Along with his personal branding, he has a couple of podcasts called 鈥�Just Chillin鈥� which is really just an excuse for him to discuss what is going on in the world, and the other is called 鈥�What鈥檚 In The Fridge鈥� which is about interviewing people about what is in their fridge. (Small plug: he鈥檚 always looking for guests!)

From rejections sent out by automated bots to elevating his brand, Isaias continues to push forward. At the heart of it all? Passion and perspective. His approach as a student was to try everything. All he wanted was a chance to show someone his skills. Rejections were tough and it stung a bit more when the rejection came from a non-human automated robot. Yet, he kept on trying! As Isaias was asked what advice would give a student, he expressed, 鈥淓njoy life. Don鈥檛 let the little things become big things, wash your produce, and look both ways before crossing the street.鈥� Sometimes, it’s just that simple. It takes time and patience, but it鈥檚 not impossible!

Written By, Grace Velazquez

Victor went from Associate Producer to Producer at WPHL-TV, crafting hard and light news stories for the 5:00 a.m. broadcast. As a 2023 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Digital Media, he participated in campus media like The Montclarion, WMSC, and 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 university streaming service, Hawk+.

What pushed him to this career? For Victor, experience was key. One is never done learning and he is proof. Victor started to get involved with anything journalism by throwing himself into opportunities that prioritized hands-on involvement. Without WMSC, The Montclarion, and everything he did inside the School of Communication, he wouldn’t be where he is today. 鈥淒oing different aspects of journalism helped me become the multimedia producer I am today in Philadelphia,鈥� Victor quotes.

From his ambitions to setting actions, he leveraged his skills of being bilingual like a superpower. He highlights, 鈥淥ne of the most important tools I have as a journalist and as a person is that I can speak Spanish.鈥� He is the only one who speaks Spanish in his station, which helped him to confirm stories and have interviews lined up for different scenarios. Plus, these skills allowed him to have the chance to produce a Hispanic Heritage Month special for WPHL-TV. As much as it helped him to where he is now, as a Red Hawk, he shaped his skills by hosting a bilingual show on WMSC Radio called “Aqui Planeta Tierra.鈥� He was and still is a journalist on a mission.

For aspiring journalists, Victor advises the importance of understanding and using multimedia. He emphasized that a journalist needs to be able to do a story for TV, social media, online, radio, and more. He credits 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 School of Communication and Media for equipping students with a basic foundation in journalism. Above all, Victor urges students to get involved no matter what major they are. Getting involved in extracurriculars is fundamental to a college student鈥檚 career journey.

If you want to do TV, go to 麻豆传媒在线 News Lab. If you want to write, go to The Montclarion. Victor mentioned, 鈥淭here鈥檚 so much 麻豆传媒在线 offers that it would be good to get out there and start developing those skills. If it wasn鈥檛 for SCM and the different classes and extracurriculars they offered, I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am today.鈥� He even met the love of his life participating in WMSC. So get out there and experience everything 麻豆传媒在线 has to offer – his words!

Written By, Grace Velazquez

Backstage听also cited the听College of the Arts鈥� dance theater program and the success of听Josh Dela Cruz, host of听Blues Clues & You!听and 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 proximity to New York City in its ranking.

The recognition highlights 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 success in launching alumni into thriving careers on Broadway, television and film.

鈥淲e鈥檙e pleased that听Backstage听has recognized our program and the accomplishments of our alumni,鈥� says Associate Professor Heather Benton, head of 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚听BFA Acting听program. 鈥淥ur professors are working actors and directors with strong reputations among casting professionals. We believe there isn鈥檛 just one way to work as an actor 鈥� and we train our students accordingly.鈥�

鈥溌槎勾皆谙� allowed me to stress-test my process and set me up to handle the life of a professional actor.鈥�

~ Kira Player 鈥�22, cast member of听Harry Potter & the Cursed Child听on Broadway

What Sets 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 Acting Program Apart

Students at 麻豆传媒在线 benefit from a dynamic, holistic program designed to prepare them for the demands of today鈥檚 entertainment industry:

• Diverse Training: Techniques include Meisner, Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, Viewpoints, Suzuki and the Lucid Body method, in which Benton received certification.
• Film & TV Readiness: Classes in acting for the camera, opportunities for self-taping and for direction and feedback through a collaboration with 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 School of Communication and Media.
• Career Prep: Mock auditions, workshops and a senior-year showcase featuring panels of NYC casting directors and agents who provide feedback.
• Physical and Vocal Training: Emphasis on movement (including clown, combat, world dance, Viewpoints and Suzuki) and the actor-friendly Miller Voice Method, taught by two MvM-certified teachers.
• Industry Access: Located just 12 miles from NYC, students work with professional playwrights, directors and casting agents. Partnerships include a three-year residency with the听Royal Shakespeare Company.

The BFA program is curated听 so that students are introduced to the many aspects of training that are strongest for actors. 鈥淭he philosophy behind that is that students go through these immersive techniques so that by the time they get to their senior year, they have this enormous toolbox of techniques. It gives students the agency to learn, to choose and to curate their own unique individual process,鈥� Benton says. 鈥淭he reason that this is important is because that鈥檚 the business right now.鈥�

Alumni Success on Stage and Screen

The rigor of 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 curated curriculum is evident through the success of its alumni, including proud alumni, who is currently a cast member in听Harry Potter & the Cursed Child听on Broadway.

鈥淭he gifts from my training at 麻豆传媒在线 that I most consistently use are the focus on diligence and the familiarity with most major acting techniques,鈥� says Player, BFA 鈥�19. 鈥淢y professors instilled in me the importance of finding a process for yourself, of being specific and granular in that process, of being adaptable and imaginative.鈥�

Ultimately, she said, 鈥溌槎勾皆谙哜�檚 approach of learning a new technique every year allowed me to stress-test my process and set me up to handle the life of a professional actor.鈥�

Recent graduate, who is touring nationally with听Stomp!,听agreed that 麻豆传媒在线 faculty prepares students by challenging them to work hard and anticipate the inevitable challenges of an acting career.

Robinson, BFA 鈥�24, earned a coveted spot on the听Stomp!听tour after multiple auditions and beating out an initial pool of more than 1,000 actors.

鈥淭he program prepares you,鈥� Robinson says. 鈥淪o, when I hear about all of the alumni success that comes from the school, it makes sense because the teachers really do light that fire in their students.鈥�

Other distinguished alumni of the听acting program听include:

• Nathan Angelo听鈥�24 鈥� Broadway debut in听Here Lies Love, the first all-Filipino cast on Broadway.
• 听鈥�22 鈥� Appeared in the 2023 film听No Hard Feelings!听with Jennifer Lawrence.
• 听鈥�17鈥� Actor and filmmaker known for听The Girl in the Woods听(2021),听Freaky听(2020) and听The Goldfinch听(2019).

• Nicole D鈥橝ngelo听鈥�17 鈥� Assistant Music Director on Broadway鈥檚听How to Dance in Ohio; 2024 Drama Desk Award winner.

With an ever-evolving curriculum that blends tradition with innovation, 麻豆传媒在线 continues to be a top destination for aspiring actors looking to build lasting careers in theatre, film and television.

His goal was never digital content and social media. He expected journalism to be his final goal as an undergraduate. At The Montclarion, he served as a Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief. With his passion for writing, he was also a 麻豆传媒在线 Admissions Office Ambassador. As he went through graduate school and internships, Bobby found that working on digital content and social media was a great fit for him, skill-wise and personality-wise.

Then the opportunity to join the WWE team in that field came up. Being a Senior Digital Content Producer for WWE, Bobby focuses on creating content for the fans by a fan. Although it can be a little hectic, he continues to love the work he does and has fun while doing it. He has grown into the role, constantly adapting, as digital and social media continues to change. He started working with WWE in 2011 and social media is not the same as it used to be. Bobby continues to learn new things and takes on new challenges to bring the best content to WWE fans.

The work he did as a Broadcasting major prepared him to work in the industry in more ways than he can express. That, plus the leadership experience he gained with The Montclarion was a tremendous benefit. 鈥淓verything I did at 麻豆传媒在线 gave me the tools I needed to succeed in my journey,鈥� Bobby said. Being involved on campus was the push he needed to get where he is today. The Montclarion provided him with a platform to practice his skills and work as a leader. Yet, working in social media is different from what a journalist does. Bobby has built the skills to be at the level of Senior Digital Content Producer because of his history of being a student leader.

As an Alumni, Bobby is creating an inspirational impact on our students showcasing that if there鈥檚 an opportunity – take it. If he could tell his undergraduate self something he wished someone could have told him is to be open to experiences outside your expectations.

鈥淲hat you think you want to do career-wise may not be what you end up doing. It may not even be something you like doing. Being open gives you the best chance to find your place in the industry and find work you truly enjoy doing.鈥�

One day you can be writing the scores of last night鈥檚 football game and the next you can be planning content for WrestleMania.

Written By, Grace Velazquez

Being a graphic design major wasn鈥檛 always in the cards for Jon. 鈥淔rom an early age, elementary through middle school, I always had an interest in technology, computers, ipods, and macs specifically,鈥� said Jon. 鈥淕oing through general art classes growing up, then getting into photography in middle school and finally doing my first 101 beginner graphic design classes freshman year of high school鈥�.

During Jon鈥檚 time as a graphic design major for 麻豆传媒在线, he was required to get an internship. He said the process of getting an internship was quite easy for him. He was able to land one with Blue Dog Graphic Design and Printing. 鈥淚 called them up asking for the person in charge of hiring interns, went in later that day and pretty much through my charisma got hired right on the spot – no resume, no portfolio, no nothing. I walked in with knowledge and confidence and got the internship on the spot鈥�. Since then, he has worked his way to becoming a Head Graphic Designer.

Since graduating from 麻豆传媒在线, Jon has built a career for himself. He started his own company, 鈥淟aceys Designs鈥�. 鈥淏rick by brick everything was all built out. Laceys Designs began as a way to branch off into my own realm and get personal freelance experience in the business world鈥�. His creation for his company was based on his love for the work that he does. 鈥淏eing a designer comes with a little bit of moral responsibility and the general responsibility for taking accountability in life鈥 only set it up once I knew this was where I wanted my life to go; helping people design and capture their dreams to reality鈥�.

When it comes to the most valuable lesson learned over the years, Jon learned that it isn鈥檛 hard as long as you put in the work. 鈥淲ith proper education, hands on training and having the soft skills of knowing how to interact with people, anything is possible鈥� Jon said 鈥淒on’t let parents, friends, professors, bosses, anyone, hold you back. Just do it! It’s never been easier, the entire world is at your fingertips鈥�.

Jon鈥檚 best advice for current and future Redhawks is to make new friends as they could help you out in the long run. 鈥淭alk to everyone, a simple 鈥榟i鈥� can go a long way. Especially in college, the peers in your major have similar interests鈥�. 鈥淢ultiple times I’ve called upon old classmates to do design jobs for me where their skill set was much better. The people you meet now will go off and do extraordinary things with their life, it’s always good to have your name in their contacts list with them knowing you are a capable trust worthy hard worker鈥�.

Written by, Jayla Trice

When beginning at 麻豆传媒在线, Cathy knew she wanted to do something that allowed her creativity to shine. 鈥淎t first, I was a Film major and then switched over to Graphic Design. I took some Graphic Design classes in high school and always had it in the back of my mind鈥�.

While she was in 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 graphic design program, she was required to complete one internship before she could graduate. The internship she was able to land was at Marvel. 鈥淢y favorite part about working there was being exposed to their marketing philosophy and how that applied to their characters. This was super early on in the Marvel Cinematic Universe鈥� so it was exciting to experience the early stages of that鈥� Cathy said. Aside from her involvement in 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 graphic design program, she was also involved on campus. She was a member of Unified Asian American Student Organization.

After leaving 麻豆传媒在线, Cathy was able to make a name for herself. She is currently working as the Deputy Director of Social Media at Buzzfeed. Cathy is enthusiastic about her position and continues to do great things. Her favorite thing is being able to work somewhere that she is able to feel comfortable.鈥淚鈥檓 grateful that I鈥檓 in a position to establish a healthy work environment and ensure that younger professionals on my team maintain that work/life balance. As a former workaholic, it took me a long time to achieve that balance, so I want to make sure others figure it out faster than I did! I also get paid to make memes for a living, so that鈥檚 pretty great too鈥�. As she has now spent nearly a decade working at Buzzfeed, Cathy has established new goals for herself. She is excited to see what the future holds. 鈥淚鈥檓 always searching for new projects and luckily social media is ever changing, so even at my level, I鈥檓 always learning something鈥�. 鈥淲orking in social media is like working on a puzzle that never ends. It鈥檚 been a tumultuous time with the shift to AI and potential TikTok ban; I鈥檓 both excited and scared about the future. My goal for the time being is to continue having fun and learn new things鈥�.

As a hiring manager and someone who established onboarding processes, Cathy understands the credentials of what makes a candidate a good fit. When looking to hire someone, there are things that make some stand out from others. 鈥淪omeone who鈥檚 truly passionate will always stand out. When I ask a question and their eyes light up in anticipation to answer; it鈥檚 hard to fake that. I also value a straightforward resume and ability to follow detailed instructions鈥�. She is very passionate about the importance of a portfolio in the graphic design industry. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of the first ways you can leave a strong impression on someone. A portfolio can tell me a lot about a person; everything from their interests to how they organize information. Thankfully we live in an age where physical portfolios aren鈥檛 the norm anymore. This means you can keep your portfolio updated consistently or swap things out if they鈥檙e not relevant anymore鈥�

Cathy has had a great career so far. One of her most proud accomplishments goes back to 2018 when she single handedly launched BuzzFeed鈥檚 Asian American identity brand, A*Pop. Cathy continues to learn and grow while working somewhere she loves and doing what she loves. Cathy鈥檚 advice to current students is, 鈥淭ough job markets can make you feel like you鈥檙e not worthy. Don鈥檛 take it too personally. If you鈥檙e not getting responses, reformat your resume or update your portfolio. Even if you don鈥檛 get a callback after an interview, consider it practice and keep going鈥�.

Written by, Jayla Trice