Successful Alumni
Allison Bailey graduated in 2017 with a major in political science and minors in French and theatre arts. She spent her first year out of undergrad as a Fulbright scholar in Vidin, Bulgaria. During her time as an English Teaching Assistant, she kept up with her theatre activities by coaching an English speech team. Towards the end of her time overseas, she decided to pursue a career in theatre, more specifically, stage management.
Allison is currently an AmeriCorps VISTA in the Community Partnership Department at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants: Vermont. She has been able to use her theatrical skills as a VISTA via community outreach and advocacy events for the refugee population in Vermont. She volunteers at the Off Center for Dramatic Arts as a stage manager and general techie, and has various electrics gigs around the Burlington, Vermont area. She will begin the Stage Management MFA Program at the University of California-San Diego in Fall 2019.
Brian Glick graduated in 2013 with a major in theatre arts. He is the founder and artistic director of Revival Theatre Company in Cedar Rapids.
"I was seeking a liberal arts college with a focus on excellence and a place where I could succeed. I wanted to be part of a college with a vibrant history and credibility; Coe College gave me those opportunities and so much more. The Coe Theatre Department gave me the knowledge to fully understand what I needed to know in order to be successful and work alongside those at the highest level of their craft in the theatre industry. My professors taught me valuable lessons I use every day. After living in New York for a short period of time, I realized that Cedar Rapids has a vibrant arts community and I wanted to help shape that scene. Starting my own company, where I get to apply what I learned at Coe, is something I value every day. I am forever grateful for the skills and the experiences Coe gave me."
Brandon Palmer graduated in 2011 with a double major in theatre and psychology and a minor in creative writing. Since graduation, he has put his theatre and creative writing education to good use, acting all around Colorado, from Denver and Golden, all the way out to the mountain towns of Evergreen and Breckenridge.. He is currently the owner and artistic director of Ripple Effect Theatre Company, based in Denver.
"When I was applying for colleges, I didn't have any grand plan for my life's path. If you had told me as a freshman at Coe that I would be doing all I am now in just three or four years, I'd have probably laughed aloud; but Coe gave me the freedom to explore my interests and find the path that I'm on, and for that I can't be more thankful."
Katherine Blanchard graduated in 2010, double majoring in theatre and political science. She works for the Smithsonian Science Education Center in Washington, DC as the Professional Services Coordinator. Upon graduating from Coe in 2010, Katherine accepted a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Serbia, where she taught English at the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Belgrade and studied theatre with Dah Teatar, whom she was introduced to through a Coe College May Term in Serbia with Dennis Barnett. Katherine is also currently pursuing a Master's degree in International Education at The George Washington University.
"My time at Coe College not only helped to shape my future, but led me to the position I am in today. My well-rounded liberal arts education, and majoring in two diverse disciplines, clearly helped me to develop broad perspectives and be comfortable living and working in a different culture."
Adelin Phelps graduated in 2009 majoring in theatre, with an acting emphasis. After graduating from Coe, she immediately moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she has been a professional actor focusing mainly on stage work, but also working in film and voice work. Adelin is a founding and corps member of the theatre company, Transatlantic Love Affair, and has appeared with over 15 different professional theatre companies. She continues to study under Raye Birk, a master teacher with the Guthrie Theatre.
"Coe College is the place that made me an actor. I knew I wanted to go there to do it, to study it, to pursue it, but I had no idea what would happen when I got there. The most extraordinary things happened there. The classes, the books, the plays, the students and the professors (oh my goodness, the professors!) were exceptional, and I learned more than I could ever explain. But, deeply, Coe let me be who I was...it fueled my passion, my drive, and challenged me as a student, as an actor, and as a person. It is the place where I found my craft. I am forever indebted to Coe and the people who make it. Because of my experience, I will be a student forever. I have found what I want to do with my life, and it is emblazoned on my heart."
Caitlin Staebell graduated in 2009, with a major in political science and a minor in theatre. Originally from Glenwood, Iowa, she has been fortunate to call many places home. Caitlin lived in London where she earned her MFA in acting from East 15 Acting School. She is the co-founder of Glass Moon Theatre Company, is a co-creator with Infinite Experience Arts Company, and has shared "Welcome Home," an immersive theatre experience, in London and Leicestershire, England, and Black Rock City, Nevada.
"Coe embraced my restless spirit and has served as the foundation for my lifelong pursuits. It was the place that gave life to my driving mantra, anything is possible. I was able to dive into the diverse opportunities provided by Coe, from interning in Washington, D.C., to studying theatre in London. With the guidance and understanding of my professors, I began the development of my acting craft, something I continue to strive for today. Coe unlocked my love of experience, which makes me excited for what is next to come."
Katie Becker Colón graduated from Coe in 2007. She is an actor and director with the Duke City Repertory Theatre in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Prior to the Duke Theatre Katie worked for three years at Barter Theatre, a historic repertory theatre in Abingdon, Virginia.
“Coe College was my land of opportunity. The resources available within the theatre department, in other departments, on-campus, and off-campus were diverse and plentiful. I embraced the educational opportunities at every turn and they became the building blocks of my professional and personal life."
Lillian Vince '07 is a make-up artist and SFX designer living and working in Los Angeles. Her unique approach to makeup blends traditional beauty makeup with SFX concepts and body painting to create unique, memorable characters and looks that encompass the ethereal to the sinister. She also works regularly with California's leading mermaid entertainment company to design underwater makeup and characters for live events and underwater photography.
Emily Dussault, originally from Blaine, Minn., graduated in 2006 with a major in theatre arts and has been an actor in the Twin Cities since graduation. Emily has worked with Bloomington Civic Theatre ("Les Miserables, Sunday in the Park With George"), Savage Umbrella (Rain Follows the Plow, The Ravagers) and The Moving Company ("Come Hell and High Water"), among others.
"Studying theatre at Coe was one of the best decisions I ever made. From day one, I was challenged and inspired. The Theatre Department at Coe gave me the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue my dreams after college."
Matthew Hemesath '01 is a freelance Costume Designer in New York City and member of United Scenic Artists. He has designed "Little Shop of Horrors" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" for Paper Mill Playhouse among numerous regional and Off Broadway productions. Television/Online credits include Assistant Designer for "All My Children," "America's Got Talent," "One Life to Live," and "Saturday Night Live." Most recently, Matt worked as assistant designer on the pilot episode for "Gotham" (FOX - fall 2014), assistant designer on "John Wick" a Keanu Reeves action film, and he's currently assistant designer on "Mozart in the Jungle" an online series for Amazon Prime.