In a testament to the rising talent nurtured at the School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV), over a dozen students who recently graduated from the School have been signed for representation in theatre, film and television. A number of the signings were the result of the 2024 BFA Acting and Musical Theatre Showcase which was digitally distributed to thousands of casting directors, and other industry professionals across the U.S. and Canada this past May.
Among this year’s graduating Acting/Musical theatre students, Gemma Pedersen (BFA Musical Theatre, ’24) signed with Evolve Talent Management for representation across the board. “We were first introduced to Gemma through the University of Arizona Virtual Showcase,” says Rachel Cohen McKenna, owner/partner at Evolve Talent Management. “Gemma impressed us immediately with her sense of professionalism, and understanding of the industry. It was clear she has a very admirable work ethic and “go-getter” attitude, which is so necessary for young performers. Gemma is a passionate artist, and a joy to work with. We look forward to big things in her future.”
“I am so thrilled to be joining ETM and to be pursue a career in New York this fall,” Gemma shared. “Two standout moments that have propelled me towards this opportunity include playing Tobias in ART’s Sweeney Todd and the internship with Arizona Theatre Company. I am incredibly grateful to the professors who invested their time, prompting me to be a leader and guiding me to embrace individuality. Additionally, the fierce Acting/Musical Theatre class of ’24 who allowed me stay grounded throughout.”
Others who have signed for representation include Alyssa DiRaimondo (BFA Acting, ’24), who is now represented by Vision Entertainment in Los Angeles, Max Murray (BFA Acting, ’24) and Babacar Ba (BFA Acting, ’24), who have both signed with WSM Talent, and both Lydia Schmidt (BFA Musical Theatre, ’24) and Clayton Lukens (BFA Musical Theatre, ’24) who signed with The Hell’s Kitchen Agency. Alumni who signed for representation in the last year include Paige Anne Mills (BFA Musical Theatre, ’21) who signed with Firestarter Entertainment in their Musical Theatre department, Sydney DiSabato (BFA Musical Theatre, ’23) who signed with The Hell’s Kitchen Agency, Hannah Hufford (BFA Musical Theatre, ’23), Danny Milani (BFA Acting, ’23) Ashling Shockey (BFA Musical Theatre, ’23) and Alex Simpson (BFA Acting, ’23) who all signed with Engage Artists Agency, Erin McDaniel (BFA Musical Theatre, ’23) was signed across the board for television, film, and theatre with Wilson Management, and Ben James Tyrell (BFA Musical Theatre, ’23) signed with Bloc Agency. In addition to these signings, last semester TFTV alum Tatum Sailors (BFA Film & Television, ’24) became the first Film & Television student to obtain representation before graduating. Sailors signed with Zero Gravity Management.
“We are so proud of all of our graduates,” says Associate Professor Christie Kerr. “That so many have secured representation is a testament both to their talent and to the career preparedness we provide at TFTV. We can’t wait to track their future successes!”