Spring has sprung, and so has our amazing 2024 graduating class! It's time to celebrate their accomplishments and hear about their journeys. Let's give a big round of applause to our spring 2024 graduates and wish them all the best in their future endeavors!
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Elyse Dixon |
Who is your inspiration? My mom and dad, always. Everything that I am is because of them. Favorite TTU memory? I don't even know where to start. The Wolves, just in general. DI trips. The Final Countdown dance break (if you know you know). Lip-syncs to Dua Lipa songs. All of these were made special by the lovely people who experienced them with me and I can't thank them enough. Advice to the next graduating class? Be kind and gracious <3 This industry is much smaller than it seems and you never know whom you may run into in the future. |
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Krystyna Gray |
Who is your inspiration? My parents. My mom, with her unwavering spirit despite being a leg amputee, and my dad, tirelessly laboring in the oil fields, are my everyday heroes. My mom's resilience in navigating life's challenges with grace and optimism teaches me the power of perseverance and the beauty of overcoming hardships. My dad's relentless work ethic and sacrifices to provide for our family inspires me to approach every task with determination and dedication. They both exemplify strength, resilience, and selflessness, showing me that with a good mindset and lots of love, any obstacle can be conquered and any dream can be achieved. Favorite TTU memory? My favorite memories from my time at Texas Tech often revolve around the moments after rehearsals. There was something truly special about those times spent outside the theatre building or grabbing a bite to eat together. It was then that old and new friends bonded over shared experiences, laughter, and deep conversations. Whether under the starry night sky or in a local restaurant, these post-rehearsal moments were filled with a sense of belonging and connection that I'll always treasure, allowing me the honor to make friends with the best people I know. Advice to the next graduating class? Embrace the unknown: life rarely goes as planned. Stay open to new opportunities, unexpected turns, and occasional setbacks. Take bold risks: Step beyond your comfort zone, chase your passions, even if it means facing failure. And define success for yourself: let your own beliefs and aspirations shape your path and measure your achievements. What is next for you? After graduating in May, my plan is to become a theatre teacher at the middle school or high school level! |
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Elodie Jenkins |
Who is your inspiration? My high school theatre teacher, Carmen McElwain, who taught me that we live ordinary lives filled with extraordinary moments. Favorite TTU memory? My favorite memories at Texas Tech would be the productions I participated in during Frontier Fest in 2022 and 2023. Gwen and Annie and Blue Hands are shows I am so proud to have been a part of and hold memories that I will carry with me forever. Advice to the next graduating class? To keep doing the things that bring you joy and never give up on your goals. What is next for you? I have been accepted to and will be pursuing a Masters of Education in Instruction and Curriculum here at Texas Tech! |
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Lexie Judlin |
Who is your inspiration? My mom. She has never given up on anything she's ever wanted or believed in and has continuously supported me in accomplishing my dreams, even when they've only ever seemed like just that: dreams. Favorite TTU memory? My favorite memory would have to be when I saw my first student film in which I played a role. I saw my work and realized this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Also, the day I met one of my best friends, Caroline, in a dance class sophomore year. We've been inseparable since. Advice to the next graduating class? To dream big. Your dreams and aspirations may seem impossible, but only if you let them. Think ahead and make some sort of plan, at least in terms of how to support yourself moving forward post grad, and the rest will come with time. Make the best of your time and do as many new things and experiences as you can with your time left. What is next for you? I will be here in Lubbock for the next year working towards a solo out of state move to Atlanta to begin auditioning for film and TV projects. |
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Mary Lantz |
Who is your inspiration? My family! They have been so supportive these past four years, and I am very thankful for them. Favorite TTU memory? My favorite memory is either performing in A Little Night Music or when my musical theatre class won first place at the NOA Competition in the Musical Theatre category in January of 2023! Advice to the next graduating class? Don't let the stress of everything take away from all of the amazing moments! What is next for you? This summer, I will be performing in the TEXAS Outdoor Musical at Palo Duro Canyon State Park! |
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David Postlewate |
Who is your inspiration? My Grandpa, Charles Postlewate Favorite TTU memory? Kristin Chenoweth getting stuck in the elevator is the only thing that comes to mind TBH... <3 Advice to the next graduating class? Don't give half-effort. Always try your hardest and stay curious because mediocracy is a slippery slope that affects everything you produce. What is next for you? I have a contract at the Utah Festival Opera to be Macavity in Cats, Ensemble in Guys and Dolls, and swing Anything Goes. After that ends in August, I'm moving to New York! |
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Connor Reilly |
Who is your inspiration? My dad Favorite TTU memory? Joining my sorority and finding my best friend. Advice to the next graduating class? Once you have your goal in mind, never stop pushing to achieve it. What is next for you? I'm moving to Dallas, TX and working in IT staffing. |
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Savannah Rhodes |
Who is your inspiration? My senior class! I've learned more from them than anyone or anything else. They're the hardest working, most dedicated, passionate people I know. Favorite TTU memory? Tearing up the Frug with David. Advice to the next graduating class? Go to everything and be a part of everything. You can sleep after graduation! What is next for you? I'll be assisting Kyla Olson with choreography for Texas the Musical, as well as serving as the dance captain. |
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Eric "Junior" Flores Rodriguez |
Who is your inspiration? The person I was yesterday, and the person I wanna be tomorrow. Favorite TTU memory? Developing friendships with my peers throughout our journeys to conferences our senior year. Advice to the next graduating class? Allow yourself to tread to your own pace. There is no wrong route, so finding the one that suits you isn't always the one that's the shortest or has the "best" journey. What is next for you? Not too sure yet! I'm deciding between LA, DFW, and Chicago. On my music side of things, releasing a full project and embracing my other side of my passions for art. |
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Lizzie Rokas |
Who is your inspiration? My mom Favorite TTU memory? Going to design lunches every Friday Advice to the next graduating class? Try everything that you can What is next for you? Not sure yet but working with costumes |
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Tali Russell |
Who is your inspiration? My mother inspires me every day. Favorite TTU memory? My favorite memory at Texas Tech has been my work on the annual Haunted Tour of TTU Campus Advice to the next graduating class? Take as many opportunities as you can! What is next for you? If you're in Austin, you can catch me in Walking Shadow Shakespeare's production of Troilus & Cressida on May 26th. After that, I'm off to New England! |
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Thomas Schnaible |
Who is your inspiration? My siblings, Grayson and Miles, for always pushing me to be a better person and being a big reason why I am able to work as hard as I do. Favorite TTU memory? There are many to pick from, but I think my favorite time at Texas Tech was when I had the opportunity to travel to Turkey and study at Bilkent University! It was a wonderful adventure filled with wonderful people and memories I never thought I would get to experience in my life. I look upon it with fondness and eager excitement to find similar experiences in the times to come. Advice to the next graduating class? This is the final season of your show here at TTU! Cherish it! Have fun! Do all the things you were hesitant to do before and make every 'episode' a meaningful one. You'll want to look back on this series with fondness. Nobody is ever too far away to reach. What is next for you? I will be going back to Dallas to direct a brand new, grant-funded sensory friendly play for kids on the spectrum! I will work and perform in theatre in DFW while working on my User Experience career. Eventually, I will attend graduate school for a PhD in Human-Centered Design & Engineering! But before all that, a big ol' nap. |
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Samara Shavrick |
Who is your inspiration? My mom. If you know me, you know I wouldn't be who I am today without her. She has taught me everything I know. She exhibits the highest form of dedication, selflessness, and love I have ever seen. Favorite TTU memory? Traveling to Turkey, Amerstdam, and Germany to study ancient Greek theatre. Our trip to NOA junior year where we took home first place. Hosting the annual School of Theatre and Dance Halloween party. Traveling to Memphis for UPTA'S. Advice to the next graduating class? Naps. Lots of naps. (Also enjoy every moment before it's gone; the good, bad, and all thats in between because what matters most is that you all are together.) What is next for you? Disney Cruise Lines! I will be performing with Disney Cruise Lines as an entertainment host leading pirate dance parties, sing-a-longs, game shows, and more! |
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Karlie Smith |
Who is your inspiration? My mom and dad. They are the most supportive and loving people I have ever met and inspire me every day because of their confidence in me. Favorite TTU memory? My most recent favorite memory is working on The Wolves. I worked with all of my best friends performing a lovely script that was obviously created with care. It was one of the best experiences I have had here and I am eternally grateful to have been a part of it. Advice to the next graduating class? Really advocate for yourself and what you want to do! Create your own work and make your own opportunities! What is next for you? I am moving to L.A. at the end of July where I will work in the TV and film market! |
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Benjamin Stanford Thesis Title: |
Who is your inspiration? My wife. Favorite TTU memory? Getting to know and work with playwrights and faculty members, producing play readings with some of my good friends, and spending time with friends outside of the theatre building. Advice to the next graduating class? Don't cry just yet. What is next for you? Whatever the world sends my way...I'm staying in Lubbock, so I get to stay connected to the department. |
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Rachel Winn |
Who is your inspiration? My inspiration is everybody in my BFA cohort. They always inspire me to push myself harder in class, as well as not be afraid to create wonderful performing art with them. Favorite TTU memory? It's super hard to pick, but one of my favorite memories would have to be dancing outside on campus in my Improv II class. I actually really enjoyed getting to get over the "fear" factor of being judged with everyone else in that class, and interact with the architecture on campus. It was honestly a great time! Advice to the next graduating class? Take a big breath and know that God's got you! Everything will work out the way it's supposed to, no matter what. Enjoy the time you have with the people around you! What is next for you? I will be moving to Orlando, FL, to be a character performer in Disney World as apart of the Disney College Program! |
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Abby Wolff-Smith Thesis Title: |
Who is your inspiration? There are many people who inspire me, but my main inspiration comes from my stage combat community. I have been blessed in to meet so many amazing artists and they make me excited to collaborate! Favorite TTU memory? Cycle(s) was an unforgettable process. Through the ups and downs, I got to create an amazing piece of theatre. Getting to perform with my husband, Ben, was a delight and something I will always treasure. Advice to the next graduating class? Make time to take care of yourself physically! Movement is magical; find the a way you enjoy moving and make it consistent in your life. What is next for you? This next year I'll be working around Lubbock with various theaters while my husband finishes his MFA. I will also apply to PhD programs while building Creative Action Training (CAT), a movement centered actor training company. |
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Becca Worthington |
Who is your inspiration? The women in my family are my inspiration. My mom and sister are the strongest people I know— I want to make them proud. Also, Nina West. Favorite TTU memory? Playing Charity in Sweet Charity was a huge highlight, but my favorite memories are from late-night chats with my buddies. Honorable mentions: Directing with Jesse Jou, “Dabor Lay”, Road-tripping with Seb and Emma, teaching dance fitness classes with Samara, & the infamous freshman year parking garage photo shoot! Advice to the next graduating class? You have a voice! Take big risks, be patient, kind, and persistent. What is next for you? First, I'll be working my 3rd professional theatre gig this summer while taking some online classes with The Second City Chicago. Afterwards, I hope to get a wiener dog and name it “Spud”. Then, I'll move to NYC to do the whole acting thing. Look for me in the feature film The Book of Jobs soon, too! |
