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Alumni: 1980's

Cecile M. Arquette '84, is an Assistant Professor of Education at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. Since graduating, she was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon, got her M. A. in TESOL from Teachers College, Columbia University, and taught ESL on the Mexico/New Mexico Border for 9 years. While in New Mexico, Cecile obtained her PhD and met Steven, whom she married in 2001. Steve and Cecile have a son Joel. Cecile frequently uses her Theatre background while teaching her undergrad students.

Melodie Birmingham ’81, has worked for the past eleven years with Garrison Press in the pre-press department. She plays an active role in her church’s annual theatre productions. She is also a youth advisor and substitute teaches for Sunday school classes. mbirmingham@garrisonpress.com

Martha King De Silva ’82, premiered her show, Junebug, at the Imagination Stage in Washington DC.

Monica Peterschmidt Ettinger '82, is working to build her jewelry design business. She also works with her husband doing video/film production and marketing for The Long Branch Group. Monica is a mother of two. voicesonly@starpower.net

Tim Erickson '81, is the Technical Director at Nature Coast Technical High School in Brooksville, FL, a magnet school for performing arts. Tim is also a free-lance lighting designer. He works closely with his wife of thirteen years, Lori. bumblesbounce@atlantic.net.

Cheryl Fare ’85, worked as Production Stage Manager at Memorial Hall, UNC – Chapel Hill after graduation. She then received an MFA in stage management from Virginia Tech in 1992. Cheryl previously worked as production stage manager at Theatre IV in Richmond, VA. She is now working as an actor and doing film, television, voice-overs and video projects. She has two children. cherylfare@hotmail.com

Steve Greene '81, is the Assistant Technical Director at Arena Stage in Washington, DC.

Anne Surry Kight ’81, studied acting briefly after graduation at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City. She appeared in two Off-Broadway productions before moving to Washignton, DC. Anne moved to Los Angeles in 1989. While in LA, Anne had a recurring role on Thirtysomething, danced in three music videos and acted in commercials and several independent films. She currently lives and works in the Washington, DC area with her husband and two children.

Shawn Stewart Larson ’81, is a free-lance costume designer for Theatre in the Park in Raleigh, NC where her husband, Steve, is the Technical Director. Shawn is a travel agent with Maupin Travel Agency in Raleigh, NC.

Kathryn Moller ’81, who serves Fort Lewis College as professor of theatre and women’s studies, received an invitation to produce her original work, Skins, at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in New York City in March 2005.

Rev. Rhonda G. Nash ’82, is the interim Campus Minister of the Baptist Collegiate Ministries at UMW. She served for 10 years as the Associate Pastor at Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church. Rhonda has also served as a missionary and educator in Tanzania, East Africa and Papau New Guinea. She received her Master of Divinity in Christian Education from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.

Devon Painter '85, is a professional costume designer who worked as Associate Costume Designer for Jane Eyre on Broadway and Cameron Mackintosh's touring production of Martin Guerre. Devon also has a long list of Off-Broadway and regional design credits.

Amy Perdue '82, is the Cultural Arts Coordinator for the County of Henrico Parks and Recreation in Richmond, VA. She also serves as Artistic Director for the Henrico Theatre Company. She works free-lance as a director, choreographer, and stage manager, and was choreographer for Forever Plaid at the Fredericksburg Theatre Company. per22@co.henrico.va.us

Brian Ryals, after finishing graduate work in early childhood education at Norfolk State University, teaches graduate courses in education at Norfolk State and teaches kindergarten girls at Bowling Park Elementary School in Norfolk. He is also performing in The Special Guest with a traveling company around the Tidewater area.

Ruth De-Armitt Taylor ’80, studied voice, dance and theatre in New York immediately after graduation. She performed in summer stock and regional theatres before touring the country for Musicana, an entertainment company. She lives in Midlothian with her husband and three sons and teaches reading in a Richmond elementary school. ButchandRuth@verizon.net.

Cheryl Fare Tormey '85, earned her MFA in Stage and Arts Management from Virginia Tech in 1992. She has 15 years of professional theatre credits in Maryland, DC, North Carolina and Virginia as an actress and stage manager. cherylfare@hotmail.com

Desi Valez '83, has been in a commercial for McDonalds, an industrial film, and a scene that aired on the HBO series Oz. Short for Ozweld Penitentiary, it was written and produced by Tom Fontana, the man who does Homicide.

Graeme Walker, Ryan Driver and Lucy Wintle, exchange students from the University of Kingston in the UK, are all teaching primary school. Graeme is teaching fifth grade at Vlesy Primary School in Stevenage, Hartfordshire. Lucy is currently teaching fifth grade at Priority Church of England Middle School in Wimbledon. Ryan is teaching third grade and acting as Drama Coordinator at Napier County Primary School in Gillingham, Kent.