Addy Siciliano’s time at the University of Arizona has been defined by performance, leadership and community – qualities that have earned the School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) student recognition as TFTV’s Outstanding Senior for Spring 2026.
Siciliano, a senior BFA Musical Theatre major with a minor in Retailing and Consumer Science, most recently served as co-host of I Dream in Widescreen alongside fellow senior Andrew Flekier at the Fox Tucson Theatre. Together, they introduced the school’s annual thesis film showcase, a marquee event, with a comedic song-and-dance opener that immediately brought the audience to life. She said she is “so honored” to be selected as TFTV’s Outstanding Senior.
Throughout her time at the University of Arizona, Siciliano maintained a 3.96 GPA while balancing rigorous production schedules, campus leadership roles and community engagement.
“My time at Arizona and in the College of Fine Arts was amazing,” Siciliano said. “It allowed me to grow academically, professionally and socially.”
Faculty members say Siciliano consistently stood out for both her artistry and professionalism. Associate Professor of Practice Jamie Reed described her as “always present, on time, prepared, and eager to grow.”
“Her constant support for her community, friends, and classmates has made her integral for our program,” Reed wrote in her nomination letter.
Siciliano has appeared in six TFTV theatre productions, including Jerry’s Girls, Love and Information, Little Women, Bright Star, Sweeney Todd and The Thanksgiving Play, as well as the student film Nostalgiathon ‘99, which screened as part of I Dream in Widescreen last year. She also served as Social Media Manager for the Acting/Musical Theatre program, helping highlight student and alumni achievements and program activity.
One of her most impactful stage experiences came as a swing in Sweeney Todd, a role in which she understudied multiple parts and was prepared to step into any of them as needed. She said the experience sharpened her adaptability and preparation. “Swinging is so hard and an experience I really value because that really prepared me for post grad and my future career,” she said.
Outside the classroom and theatre, Siciliano immersed herself in campus life through Alpha Delta Pi, the Wildcat Events Board and her work as a student ambassador at Centennial Hall, where she assisted with front-of-house operations for major performances and events. She also dedicated years of service to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona, first as her sorority’s RMHC chair and later as a house volunteer.
Siciliano was also named a 2026 recipient of the Barbara Molotsky Start-Up to Stardom Award, alongside fellow Musical Theatre seniors Jazmine Gomez and Selah Lipman. Each received $10,000 to support their move to New York City and launch professional careers in acting and musical theatre. The awards reflect both their artistic achievement and the generosity of Barbara Molotsky’s support of emerging performers.
In addition to performance opportunities, Siciliano pursued specialized training, earning certification from the Society of American Fight Directors in unarmed combat, broadsword, and rapier and dagger work. She said the experience strengthened her confidence and physical storytelling skills.
“Stage combat helped me gain so much confidence in myself and really was a growing point in my academic career,” she said.
As a Medici Scholar and recipient of the David D. Barzilai Musical Theatre Memorial Endowment, Siciliano also participated in Actor Therapy, a premier NYC-based training program focusing on musical theatre performance, audition techniques, and career development.
After graduation, Siciliano plans to move to New York City to pursue a career in theatre and film.
Reflecting on her time at the University of Arizona, Siciliano said the most meaningful part of her experience has been the community she built with her peers.
“My favorite memory would be seeing everyone’s shows on opening nights and waiting outside stage door for each other,” she said. “It was such a special moment to support and celebrate each other.”
As one of the final graduates from the University’s BFA Acting/Musical Theatre program, Siciliano hopes to carry forward the values that shaped her time here.
“I hope my fellow graduates carry with them the power of vulnerability, the belief that rejection can be redirection, the importance of finding their voice, and the reminder that community is everything,” she said.