The Next Big Role

Recent graduates Sydney Duby and Dakota Schantz reflect on next steps.

As we gear up for fall classes in the conservatory, we want to celebrate the many seniors who have graduated and will go on to pursue careers in the arts. We recently talked with graduates Sydney Duby and Dakota Schantz to discuss their experiences at the conservatory. Schantz was convinced at an early age that, “This is it. This is what I need to do with the rest of my life.” She shared how her training at THTC prepared her for college auditions, “The musical theatre and ballet training I took year-round made me so aware of everything that was being thrown at me during auditions.” Once considered more of an actress/ singer, Schantz now feels she can confidently add dancer to that list. “THTC has helped me realize that no matter when you start something, as long as you are dedicated, motivated and work really hard, you can accomplish anything.” Duby started dancing as a toddler but joined the conservatory when it opened in 2017. “Once I decided to go from competitive dance to conservatory training is when I realized I wanted more than just the ‘show’ that dance can sometimes be. I wanted to dive into my training and discover how much I could push myself.” Duby credits Director of Dance Jennifer Agbay with supporting her decision to pursue a career in dance. “I started talking to her when I was a sophomore, and she was always there to help me with any questions that I had about going into this industry.” We wish Duby, Schantz and all the THTC seniors the very best in this next chapter and hope to see them return to our stage someday.

Read full interviews

Congratulations Seniors!

Sydney Duby Commercial Dance at Boston Conservatory at Berklee Ginny Hilli Theatre at Quinsigamond Community College Aelic Lynch Theatre and Dance at Manhattanville College Simone Nelson-White Theatre at North Carolina A&T University Max Olivieri Acting at American Musical and Dramatic Academy NYC Olivia Rice Theatre Arts at DePaul University Madison Russo Acting in Film at Long Island University Nicole Sarmiento Anthropology & Pre-Law at College of the Holy Cross Dakota Schantz Musical Theatre at Nazareth College Will Sheerin Theatre at Quinsigamond Community College Gabe Tetreault Comedic Arts at Emerson College Ryan Tierney Theatre Education & Musical Theatre at University of New Hampshire Adriana Toruno Theatre at Hofstra University Ashley Vandenbrouck Writing for TV & Film at Ithaca College