Spencer Tuchscher-Hart – Class of 2021
Spencer Tuchscher-Hart graduated from Francis Parker in 2021. He currently attends Point Park University, pursuing a BFA in Theatre Production and a Modern Languages minor. Spencer joined the Drama Club in 2015 and worked on 16 shows, eight of which he served as a costume designer. He has immensely enjoyed the opportunity to put himself and his friends in some rather eccentric outfits! Some of Spencer’s favorite memories with the Drama Club include designing costumes for Silent Sky, learning to roller skate in Xanadu, performing numerous emergency backstage costume alterations during Spring Awakening, and throwing many a solo dance party whilst organizing the PAC basement. Spencer is so grateful to the DC for allowing him to explore so many areas of theatre both on and offstage, and for helping him realize that he can, in fact, make a career out of playing dress-up!
Eleni Stavros- Class of 2021
Eleni graduated from Francis Parker in 2021 and is currently at Syracuse University pursuing a BFA in Acting with a concentration in Musical Performance. Eleni came to Parker in sixth grade and was an active member in the Drama Club and the school community during her seven years. Eleni worked on nineteen shows with the club and held many leadership positions such as Drama Club President (2 yrs), Drama Club Vice President (2 yrs), and Drama Club Mentor (5 yrs). While she cherished every moment in rehearsals and behind the scenes, Eleni’s favorite onstage appearances included playing Henrietta Leavitt in Silent Sky (2020) and Melpomene in Xanadu (2019). Eleni is so grateful for all of the wonderful opportunities and support the club gave her over the years, and owes so much of her success to Mrs. M and her thoughtful teaching.
Elsa Baumgartner- Class of 2021
Elsa Baumgartner joined the Drama Club in 6th grade, and she remained a member until her senior year! Over the years she performed in eight shows and worked as a crew member or a costume designer in eight others. Some of Elsa’s favorite Drama Club memories include practicing Newsies choreography, perfecting Xanadu quick changes, working marathon sewing days, and enjoying CalFest adventures—as well as performing for banquets, Holiday Concerts, and Lip Sync contests! As she heads off to UC Santa Barbara, Elsa hopes to continue her involvement with theatre and dance as she pursues her academic interests.
Erin Keith- Class of 2021
Erin Keith graduated from Parker in 2021 and is currently attending Syracuse University to study Theater Management. Erin served as an officer for two years while a part of the Drama Club, taking on the roles of Treasurer and Secretary. Erin worked behind the scenes at Parker, serving as the stage manager for several shows along with other various tech positions. Some of her favorite shows she worked on include The Addams Family and Xanadu. Erin is extremely thankful for all of the amazing things she learned, the community she has gained, and the bright memories she has from being a member of the Drama Club.
Maddy Considine- Class of 2021
Maddy graduated from Francis Parker in 2021. She is currently attending Pace University majoring in english and theatre education. While being seen frequently on stage, she enjoyed being a part of numerous tech crews and assisting on many Drama Club productions as well. She also enjoyed being a teacher’s assistant for Mrs. M where she discovered her passion for theatre education. Maddy is so grateful for all the opportunities the Drama club has given her and looks forward to utilizing all the skills she has learned throughout college and beyond. Maddy is forever grateful to Mrs.M and the forever friends she has gained by being in the club.
Kyrah Panfil- Class of 2021
Kyrah Panfil graduated from Francis Parker in 2021. She had been a member of the Drama Club since she arrived at Parker in the 6th grade. Her first role was as Jojo in Seussical (2014-2015), and her closing role was as Grace Fryer in the virtual production of Radium Girls (2020-2021). Along with being in many shows with the DC, she was also given the opportunity to be the assistant director and choreographer for a few shows. The DC not only fueled her passion for performing in shows, but she was able to develop her technical theatre skills by serving as Light Board Operator and Lighting Designer. Kyrah will now be attending Pace University in New York City pursuing a BBA in Arts and Entertainment Management along with a French minor. She couldn’t be more grateful for everything the Drama Club and Mrs. M have given her and can’t wait to continue seeing the DC grow!
Nikki Astor- Class of 2021
Nikki Astor graduated from Francis Parker in 2021 and is attending Lewis and Clark College where she is pursuing degrees within education, language, and technical theater. Within her time at Parker she explored various positions the Drama Club had to offer. She enjoyed acting as monsters in She Kills Monsters and being an officer for two years, however, Nikki gained a love for technical theater and was thrilled to have stage managed Parker’s production of Silent Sky along with many virtual productions such as Radium Girls and Now. Here. This.. She would like to thank the club for many wonderful memories and for giving her the opportunity to discover theater.
Matthew Leibowitz – Class of 2021
Matthew Leibowitz came to Francis Parker in 6th grade, graduated in 2021, and is now pursuing a BS in Physics at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he hopes to continue his interest in Technical Theatre. His first role with the Drama Club was as a Followspot Operator for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in 7th grade. After that, he participated in the majority of Drama Club productions up to early 2019, serving many roles in run crews and production teams. His favorite experience was stage managing Newsies in 2018 and being able to take that to Cal Thes Fest. He would like to give special thanks to Miss Dawson for promoting his interest in tech, and Geronimo for helping him expand his knowledge and enjoyment.
Gia Marino- Class of 2020
Gia Marino graduated from Francis Parker School in 2020. She served as an officer for one year in the Upper School as the Head of Marketing. Some highlights of Gia’s time in the club were playing Medda in Newsies and Ursula in The Little Mermaid. Gia currently attends American University in Washington D.C. in pursuit of a double major in both Musical Theatre and Political Science, in addition to a minor in Dance. Gia is so grateful for all the Francis Parker Drama Club has given her, and for the passion of theatre that the club sparked in her.
Kevin Kappes- Class of 2020
Kevin Kappes came to Parker in seventh grade, graduated in 2020, and was an active member of the DC all six years. His specialty was dance, and he was the assistant choreographer for multiple shows such as Seussical, Shrek, Little Shop of Horrors, and Pippin. Though he only served as Vice President when he was in eighth grade, he commonly led group discussions and mentored underclassmen in the mentoring program throughout high school. Some of his favorite roles have been Jack in Into the Woods, King Charlamagne in Pippin, and Davey in Newsies. Kevin now attends the University of Denver where he is most likely to double major in Political Science and International Business. Kevin is grateful for all the people he’s gotten to know through the Drama Club and the memories he’s made expressing himself onstage.
Camille Fundingsland- Class of 2020
Camille Fundingsland graduated Francis Parker in the year 2020 (amidst the great pandemic – yikes!) She fell in love with the theatre when she was seven and has been singing and dancing her way through life ever since. This American-born Filipino loves going on all kinds of adventures, both literary and real, when she is not in the rehearsal room. Some of her favorite roles when she was in the Drama Club include Katherine in Newsies and Lilith in She Kills Monsters. She is now working toward a BFA in Musical Theatre and a BS in Astrophysics as well as proudly becoming a part of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. She already misses everyone at the Drama Club and cannot wait to see what the Club will do next!
Caleb Haberman – Class of 2020
Caleb Haberman graduated from Francis Parker in 2020 and is attending the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program. Some highlights of his Parker theatre career have been being a teaching assistant for both middle and upper school drama classes, assistant directing and assistant music directing several of the Drama Club shows, and serving as the tech coordinator his senior year. During his seven years with the Drama Club, Caleb was lucky enough to work on nineteen shows, filling a variety of roles both on and off stage. His favorite onstage appearances have been as Moritz Stiefel in Spring Awakening and Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Caleb is thankful for the space the DC gave him to explore and discover what he loves and is passionate about.
Gabrielle Ong-Dean- Class of 2020
Gabrielle graduated from Francis Parker School in 2020. She joined the drama club working in technical theatre and acted in the club for two years. Some of her favorite roles included playing the narrator in She Kills Monsters and Terpsichore in Xanadu, as well as being the pianist for the club’s production of Silent Sky. Gabi now goes to Reed College, where she is pursuing a major in music, something that has been a part of her life for many years and a passion which she was very grateful for the opportunity to explore as part of the Drama Club.
Jack Morrill- Class of 2019
Jack Morrill graduated from Francis Parker School in 2019. Jack served as an officer for six years and was the Upper School President for two. Jack also helped lead the Mentor Program from his Sophomore to Senior years. Some highlights of Jack’s time in the club was playing The Baker in Into the Woods, Jack Kelly in Newsies, and Melchior Gabor in Spring Awakening. He also had the opportunity to co-direct And a Child Shall Lead with fellow alumni, Vaughn Melbourn. Jack now attends Elon University, where he is pursuing a BFA in Acting and a double major in Arts Administration. Jack is so thankful for the Francis Parker Drama Club and the people it helps shape. Without it, he would not be pursuing what he loves.
Megan Clark- Class of 2019
Megan Clark graduated Francis Parker School in 2019. Although she was only apart of the drama club her senior year, she was fortunate enough to be in the fall shows of her sophomore and junior year as well. A few of her favorite roles were Agnes in She Kills Monsters, Fastrada in Pippin, and Elmer in Newsies. Megan is now attending The Theatre School at DePaul University where she is pursuing a BFA in Acting. She is immensely grateful for the guidance of Mrs. M and the drama club memories that have shaped her.
Vaughn Melbourn- Class of 2019
Vaughn Melbourn graduated from Francis Parker in 2019 and is currently attending the University of Michigan for a BFA in Directing. While at parker he served as the treasurer & Web Designer on the Drama Club officer board as well as the president of the Technical Theatre club. While being seen frequently on stage, he also designed, crewed, or assisted on almost every single show the Drama Club produced. He enjoyed being a teacher’s assistant for Mrs. M where he discovered his passion for theatre education which really pushed him into the world of directing. While he most certainly will be back to work on productions, the last show Vaughn worked on for the Drama Club was The Addams Family where he played Lurch as well as being one of the Technical Directors. The Drama Club has given Vaughn so many skills to prepare him for college and he couldn’t have asked for a better education.
Emma Stanton- Class of 2019
Emma Stanton graduated from Francis Parker in 2019 and is currently attending Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. She is majoring in BFA Theatre Education and Performance. During her time at Parker, she acted in 8 shows and assisted on 6. She is hoping to get involved with some of the student productions and main stage productions during her time at Emerson. Taking theatre at Parker with Mrs. M helped her become a better performer and person. Mrs. M helped her find her voice and embrace her strength. She couldn’t have made it this far without the support of her family and her friends and she can’t wait to see what comes next.
Gale Bruell- Class of 2019
Gale graduated in 2019 and now attends the Maryland Institute College of Art. His theatre education started with a bang at Parker, stage managing Shrek the Musical his freshman year. He went on to fall in love with technical theatre, musical theatre, and acting as a loyal member of the Parker DC. Though he’s now pursuing a degree in visual arts he harbors the spark of theatre joy that the Parker DC planted, and plans to continue studying shakespearean acting and set design in the future.
Jordan Finley- Class of 2019
Jordan Marie Finley graduated from Parker in 2019 after 6 years in the DC and a year as a company actor with ImpACT On Stage. Jordan currently attends UC Santa Barbara, where she is pursuing degrees in Writing and Literature and Theatre. She also is a dancer studying ballroom dance and hip-hop in college. Some of her favorite acting roles under the direction of Mrs. M were Celisse (Godspell,) Bunsen (Newsies,) and Frida Jensen (Snow Angel). Upon graduation, Jordan was cast in the Old Globe Theatre’s Summer Shakespeare Studio Production of The Winter’s Tale as Camillo. Her play, Feliz Cumpleanos, won the California Playwright’s Project and will be produced in San Diego in January 2020. Jordan sends the DC lots of love and is grateful for all the ways it shaped her creativity and passion.
Kaelyn Kappes – Class of 2017
Kaelyn Kappes graduated from Francis Parker School in 2017 and now attends Muhlenberg College. She is majoring in Theatre and Psychology and hopes to find ways to incorporate aspects of both into her professional life and career. During her time at Parker, Kaelyn performed in 10 Drama Club Productions and assistant directed and choreographed several more. She also served as the Drama Club president from 2016-2017 and loved working with the other officers and members to try to ensure the club was running as smoothly and vibrantly as possible. Kaelyn will forever treasure the acting training she received from Mrs. M, because it is truly unparalleled in intensity and value. In addition to the incredible quality of Mrs. M’s acting training, Kaelyn is extremely thankful for the life skills she has perfected through the Parker theatre program, including presenting effectively, developing a strong stage presence, efficient problem solving, and flexibility, because these abilities continue to help her in all areas, from her theatre performances in college to her job as a Muhlenberg campus tour guide. Of course, she would not be where she is today without the support of her family, friends, fellow Drama Club members, and of course, Mrs. M, and so she’d like to thank them from the bottom of her heart.
Bryce Kelety – Class of 2017
Bryce Kelety graduated from Francis Parker in 2017 and currently attends Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Washington, DC. He is planning on majoring in International Politics. His favorite parts of theatre at Parker were working on lighting design and performing in Into the Woods. Bryce continues his work in theatre with Georgetown’s Mask and Bauble Theatre Society, working backstage as a Technical Director and Set Designer. Last year he was honored to be awarded the Mask and Bauble Ted Parker Award for an Extraordinary Season Member.
Emma Steiner – Class of 2017
Emma Steiner graduated from Parker in 2017, and is now attending the University of Michigan for her BFA in Acting. A few highlights from her years at Parker were Carrie the Musical(Carrie), Into the Woods (Cinderella), and Shrek the Musical (Fiona). This summer, she directed a production of Caryl Churchill’s Cloud 9 and studied Practical Aesthetics at the Atlantic Acting School. Theatre at Parker has made an impact in her life as it has sprung her into a dedicated study of acting.
Hersheeta Suri – Class of 2017
Hershey Suri is at her second year at Pomona college double majoring in Politics and Theatre. During her time at Francis Parker Drama Club, she held the officer positions of both Historian and Secretary. Hershey performed in seven Drama Club productions and traveled with the troupe to CALFest. At college, she has been extremely active with the theatre department on campus. As a freshman she was selected for the role as Kit Kat Girl in “Cabaret the Musical”. She then went on to direct her first show entitled “Five Lesbians Eating A Quiche.” Hershey is now an officer for the Claremont Consortiums student theatre club “The Green Room” and she is organizing a 24hr play festival for the 2018 Fall Season. Her plans for the future are to become an attorney who works with human and civil rights. However, theatre is and will always be a huge part of who she is.
Caroline Lezny – Class of 2016
Caroline Lezny graduated from Francis Parker in 2016. She now attends the University of Notre Dame where she is pursuing degrees in English and Film/Television/Theatre. Caroline served as the 2015-2016 Drama Club President, and performed in several Parker theatre productions including Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Chicago (Velma Kelly), The Miracle Worker (Annie Sullivan), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive Ostrovsky). At Notre Dame, Caroline is a proud member of the Pasquerilla East Musical Company (PEMCo), the university’s sole student-run musical theatre organization. She has had the opportunity to perform in both student and faculty run shows, and to explore such areas of theatre as playwriting and costume design. In 2017 Caroline directed the William Finn musical A New Brain through PEMCo, and hopes to continue performing, writing, and directing through her college career and beyond.
Henry Aceves – Class of 2016
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Henry Aceves graduated from Parker in 2016 and is currently a junior BFA Theatre major at Emerson College in Boston, MA. He is concentrating on playwriting and dramaturgy within his major but has remained active as a performer, most recently attending Shakespeare & Company’s Summer Training Institute in Lenox, MA. Being a member of the Drama Club at Parker and performing in their shows was one of the best parts of his high school experience and taught him so much about collaboration, perseverance, and how the theatre community really is a family. Theatre has helped him realize just how integral art is to social change and how beneficial it is to people’s lives.
Justin Washabaugh – Class of 2016
Justin Washabaugh graduated from Francis Parker School in 2016 after acting as the 2015-2016 Drama Club President. Now, he is attending the University of California, San Diego as a Chemistry student with a minor in Theatre. He worked on several Drama Club productions, and his fondest memories are of working with the younger students in Shrek: The Musical and of performing in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Leaf Coneybear). At UCSD, he has acted, directed, and worked in tech for several undergraduate and graduate productions, including a performance in Anansi, the Story King (Little Anansi). Although his Major is in General Chemistry, he enjoys the chance to study theatre as well, especially given the chance to work closely with the La Jolla Playhouse through the university. He aims to bridge the two subjects by conducting research in synthetic organic chemistry and communicating socially impactful results to the general public with the skills he has earned from his education in the theatre arts.
Francis Parker Drama Club 