top_image_slider_1 top_image_slider_2 top_image_slider_3 top_image_slider_4 top_image_slider_5

Alumni Profiles

Caitlin Cassidy

In August of 2013, Caitlin Cassidy (Class of 2007) founded LubDub. Physical Theatre Company with actor-dancer-variety entertainer Geoff Kanick (info@lubdubtheatre.com / LubDubTheatre.com ). At FSPA, Caitlin studied voice in Hallie Wetzell's Studio, was a member of performing troupes, and toured with Electric Youth! Caitlin holds a master’s degree in acting, with distinction, from The East 15 School of Acting in London and a BA in Arabic and Political Science from Georgetown University. Caitlin has designed and implemented courses in dance, theatre and cultural performance under the Tunisian Ministry of Education in Tunisia, served as a Language and Culture Fellow with AMIDEAST, and developed and performed work for the International Theatre Institute and UNESCO World Theatre Conference. Caitlin is a collaborating artist with Georgetown University's Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics. She is also working with En Garde Arts to produce the national tour of BASETRACK, a multi-media performance about American veterans' experiences of the Afghanistan War. Acting credits include: Papal Fiction (Noor Theatre), A Doll’s House (Epic Theatre Ensemble), Anything Goes (Williamstown Theatre Festival), Far From the Trees (Berkshire Playwright’s Lab), Yerma (Cockpit Theatre, London), Cymbeline (Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London), Kafka’s Metamorphosis (Synetic Theatre Company), Nicole & Anthony (Kennedy Center). Caitlin has also appeared on TV and in film.

Dan Gleason

Dan Gleason (Class of 2006) is currently appearing on Broadway in Wicked. His National Tour credits include Wicked (Ensemble, Fiyero u/s), American Idiot (Ensemble, Tunny u/s), and Miss Saigon (Ensemble, Chris u/s). He received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State. At FSPA, Dan studied voice with Hallie Wetzell and Ed Milham, was a member of Broadway Light, and toured with Electric Youth.
"Touring Nationally with American Idiot was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Performing eight shows a week in various cities is exciting and rewarding but can be very taxing on the body.  I owe a lot of my consistent vocal health and technique throughout the rigorous run to my years at FSPA.  Healthy singing habits were ingrained in my body and now has become second nature. Singing a variety of music styles at a young age also set me up to be a diverse performer in my career. Right before I hit the road with the Green Day rock musical, I was tap dancing and singing in a quartet in Gershwin's My one and Only at the Goodspeed Opera House. FSPA has set me up for success in life and I am so thankful for my years of training in my hometown!" - Dan Gleason 

Lauren Kelleher

Lauren Kelleher (Class of 2009) received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Oberlin Conservatory. She recently made debuts as Barbarina in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro with Regina Opera and Ännchen in Weber’s Der Freischütz with Utopia Opera. Lauren worked with the innovative Onsite Opera on their production of Rameau's Pigmalion at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum understudying the role of Amour while performing in the ensemble. With FPAC she was seen in The Impressario (Madame Herz), Into the Woods (Rapunzel), Alice In Wonderland (Alice), and Little Red Riding Hood (Little Red).    
"The professionalism I learned at FSPA became a huge advantage for me at college. Important details like knowing exactly how to dress, act, and present myself at auditions became key to my confidence as a performer. I had incredible vocal training at this school as well. My current voice teacher constantly comments on how well I have been prepared for the intensity of a conservatory."  - Lauren Kelleher

Jillian Lawton

Jillian Lawton (Class of 2005) most recently appeared on NBC's The Blacklist. She attained an MA from New York University in Educational Theatre as well as an MA in Communications and a BFA in Theatre Arts from Hofstra University. At FSPA, Jillian was a member of Broadway Light and Electric Youth.

Chris Lebeau

memberphotoChris Lebeau (Class of 2004) is currently performing in the international tour of Chicago. Other credits include the national tour of The Producers (u/s Leo Bloom). NYC and regional credits include Babes in Arms, Guys and Dolls, Man of La Mancha, 42nd Street, Hairspray, Cats, The Music Man and Crazy for You. Chris received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University.   

Nadine Malouf

memberphoto​FSPA alumna Nadine Malouf  (Class of 2005) had the distinct opportunity to perform alongside Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and other principals from Cameron Mackintosh’s film adaptation of Les Misérables at the 85th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles! Nadine performed “One Day More,” joining an ensemble of 25 that included Les Misérables alumni hand-picked from the US 25th Anniversary national tour, the 2006 Broadway revival, the Hollywood Bowl company, and the UK and film. Nadine was part of Mackintosh’s 25th anniversary national tour, performing a seven-month run in the ensemble and as the understudy for Eponine. Nadine’s burgeoning film career includes the British drama Shame, with Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan, and a featured role in Cherien Dabis’ May in the Summer, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2013 as an opening day pick. Nadine studied at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts during the summer of 2013, where she played Lady M in their production of Macbeth. In 2014 Nadine starred in the LCT3/Lincoln Center Theater New York premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar’s The Who & The What. Recently, she received critical acclaim for playing the title role in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of Salomé. She is currently appearing Off-Broadway in The School for Scandal
“Everything that I learned at FSPA I see and use every day in my professional life. I attribute my discipline, my drive, my work ethic, my knowledge and my talent to the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. It was my foundation. It was the beginning of my understanding and my growth as a performer.” – Nadine Malouf
 

Colleen Megley

Colleen Megley (Class of 2006) is currently School Coordinator and instructor within the Young Movers Program at Peridance Capezio Center in New York City. She graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Biology and Dance from Connecticut College. While at Connecticut College she studied ballet and post-modern dance under the direction of David Dorfman Since graduating she has been working in the Manhattan and Long Island area, teaching ballet and creative dance. An ABT National Training Curriculum Primary through Level 5 certified teacher, she is currently pursuing her Masters in Dance Education and Ballet Pedagogy at New York University in partnership with American Ballet Theatre.  At FSPA, Colleen studied ballet with Cheryl Madeaux along with other dance styles, voice with Hallie Wetzell, and toured Europe with Electric Youth. She danced many roles in Franklin Performing Arts Company’s The Nutcracker (including Snow Queen) and played the title role in their production of Cinderella.  
"FSPA was so much more than a school to me -  it was my second home! As a dancer, performer and educator, I now know how rare the high level of training I received at FSPA is and I am so grateful for all the incredible opportunities provided. The professional teaching faculty and staff are beyond compare and continue to support me in every step of my career” – Colleen Megley

Ryan Powers

Ryan Powers (Class of 2002) was most recently seen in GREASE: LIVE! on Fox. He has been seen on TV shows such as How I Met Your Mother, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Victorious, Rules of Engagement, Pretty Little Liars, and more. His film credits include The Nice Guys and Rock of Ages.  At FSPA, he studied musical theatre, went to Disney World with Broadway Light, and toured Europe as a member of FSPA’s Youth Choir. His FSPA/FPAC credits include Lil’ Abner (Abner), The Secret Garden (Fakir), Barnum (Bailey), and Our Town (Si Crowell). 

Lindsey White

Alumna Lindsey White (Class of 2011) recently co directed SET Collective's production of Macbeth Off-Broadway at The Lion Theatre on Theatre Row. Lindsey studied theatre at New York University (Tisch School of the Arts). At FSPA, she was a member of Broadway Ladies performing troupe and performed with Electric Youth on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas cruise ship. She can be heard on their 2011 album "All Amped Up." With Franklin Performing Arts Company, she was seen in shows such as The Wedding Singer (Linda), The Tempest (Miranda), Romeo and Juliet (Tybalt), and Cabaret (Kit Kat Girl). She co-directed Whatever Theater Festival's production of Richard III with Nick Paone and Maxie Mettler. 

Franklin School for the Performing Arts
 
 2024 FSPA