Theatre and Dance - Alumni

Mary McDonnell received her first Oscar nomination and Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of ‘Stands with a Fist,’ in Kevin Costner's 1990 Oscar-winning film, “Dances with Wolves.” McDonnell also garnered a Best Actress Academy Award nomination and Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of a paraplegic soap opera star in John Sayles' critically acclaimed 1992 “Passion Fish.” McDonnell’s film credits include the Lawrence Kasdan films “Grand Canyon” and “Mumford;” “Sneakers” opposite Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier and Sir Ben Kingsley; Roland Emmerich’s smash “Independence Day,” with Bill Pullman and Will Smith; the acclaimed art house cult-hit “Donnie Darko,” and “Margin Call” opposite Kevin Spacey, which also earned her the Robert Altman Award at the 2012 Independent Spirit Awards. 

Television viewers know her as President of the Universe in “Battlestar Galactica,” and as ‘Captain Sharon Raydor’ on the TNT's hit drama series “Major Crimes” the spinoff series from “The Closer,” where McDonnell originated the role and earned a Primetime Emmy nomination. In 2023, she played Madeleine Usher in the miniseries The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix. 

Her role in four seasons on the Syfy Network’s award-winning series as the President of the Universe, ‘Laura Roslin’ earned McDonnell a Peabody Award, and the American Film Institute deemed the series ‘TV Program of the Year’ for two years in a row. She also garnered an Emmy nomination for her recurring guest role on the television series “ER.” Other television credits include the critically acclaimed third season of FX’s “Fargo,” ABC hit-series “Grey’s Anatomy,” the CBS series “High Society,” TNT's adaptation of Arthur Miller's “The American Clock,” the critically acclaimed CBS movie “Behind The Mask” and Lifetime’s “Two Small Voices.”

McDonnell began her career in theatre and has starred in a wide variety of both Broadway and off-Broadway productions. She received an Obie Award for her performance in Emily Mann's “Still Life” and has starred in off-Broadway productions such as Sam Shepard's Pulitzer Prize-winning “Buried Child,” John Patrick Shanley's “Savage in Limbo,” John O'Keefe's “All Night Long,” Michael Cristofer's “Black Angel,” Kathleen Tolan's “A Weekend Near Madison,” Paula Cizmar's “Death of a Miner” and Dennis McIntyre's “National Anthem.” Her Broadway credits include Tennessee Williams' “Summer and Smoke,” the title role in Wendy Wasserstein's Pulitzer Prize-winning “The Heidi Chronicles” and Emily Mann’s “Execution of Justice.”

McDonnell was Fredonia’s keynote Commencement speaker in 1999 and in 1992 was the recipient of the alumni association’s Outstanding Achievement Award. She also received The Gena Award (named after actress Gena Rowlands) from The Palm Springs Women in Film Chapter at its Broken Glass Awards in 2016, and was honored by Women in Cable Telecommunications at its LEA Awards 2017 for her Leadership, Excellence and Advocacy. Most recently, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 PELL Awards at Trinity Repertory Theatre’s annual gala.

Alex Grayson received a Grammy nomination for his work on the 2023 Parade revival cast recording. His Broadway credits include Parade (Revival), Girl from the North Country, and A Bronx Tale. His Off-Broadway credits include Toni Stone (Roundabout). NYC: The Running Man (LCT Cast Album Project), Titanic (NYCC), Parade (NYCC). Grayson has performed on national tours of Once on this Island and regional performances of In The Heights (The MUNY), Hair (The Old Globe), and Camelot (Asolo Rep).

Originally from Watertown, NY, Alex was raised by two soldiers of the US Army. 

Evan Harrington is an actor, singer, and musician out of NYC who is currently reprising his turn as ‘Amos Hart' in Chicago and was a performer on "Sondheim Unplugged (The NYC Sessions), Vol. 3," which was nominated in the category of Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album in 2023. Just prior, Evan originated the role of ‘Fezziwig’ in the Broadway premiere and subsequent National Tour of Matthew Warchus and Jack Thorne’s adaptation of Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. This came on the heels of leading the National Tour of Fiasco Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods as ‘The Baker’.

Before that Evan made his Broadway debut as the affable underachiever ‘Brian’ in the musical Avenue Q. He then spent over 3 years as the pompous opera tenor ‘Ubaldo Piangi’ in Broadway’s longest running show – Andrew Lloyd Webber and Hal Prince’s The Phantom of the Opera.

Additionally on Broadway, Evan has appeared in Once as lovable yet lovelorn shop owner ‘Billy’ – a role which he also played for over 2 years on the First National Tour. He could also be seen both On- and Off-Broadway as the pirate ‘Alf’ in Alex Timbers and Roger Rees’ Peter and the Starcatcher, and in Roundabout Theatre Company’s highly celebrated revival of Timbers’ The Robber Bridegroom as ‘Big Harp’.

Among Evan’s extensive regional credits, some of his favorite experiences include: ‘John Hinckley, Jr.’ in Sondheim’s Assassins, and ‘Murdoch’ in Titanic (Milwaukee Rep), ‘Dave Bukatinsky’ in The Full Monty (Forestburgh Playhouse), a previous turn as ‘The Baker’ in Into the Woods (New Repertory Theatre), ‘The Orator/Grand Inquisitor’ in Mary Zimmerman’s Candide (Huntington Theater Co.), ‘Nicely-Nicely Johnson’ in Guys & Dolls (Sacramento’s Broadway at Music Circus) and no fewer than 3 productions of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, which saw him as ‘The Beadle’ and also ‘Pirelli’.

On-screen, he has appeared on Evil, 30 Rock, and Orange is the New Black.

Shirine Babb is an award-winning artist who is passionate and committed to diversity, creativity, and professionalism. In addition to more than 20 years of acting experience, Shirine has a BFA in musical theatre from SUNY Fredonia, an MA from East 15 Acting Conservatory in London, and an MFA from USD/The Old Globe in classical theater. Shirine supports students by serving as an Instructor at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Trinity/ LaMama Performing Arts, and mentoring aspiring actors and artists. Shirine is the CEO and founder of ACTORSPREP LLC., a cutting-edge service designed to help aspiring actors and professionals reach their full potential in the performing arts industry by providing readers and actor-coaches to actors, casting directors, and universities when they need them most. Shirine has been seen on Broadway in The Piano Lesson, Macbeth (with Ethan Hawke), and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Original Broadway Cast). Her Off-Broadway credits include The Merchant of Venice, Timon of Athens, Napoli, Brooklyn, The Crucible, and Mary Stuart. Selected regional performances include Kennedy Center, Hartford Stage, Round House Theatre (Helen Hayes Award), Folger Theatre, Huntington Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, and The Old Globe. Her international credits include the Arcola Theatre, London: Widows. Television performances include Iron Fist, I Love You…But I Lied, Blue Bloods, and Madam Secretary. Her accolades include St. Louis Theater Circle Award nomination (Antony and Cleopatra), Connecticut Critics Circle Award nomination (Disgraced). UPCOMING: Apple TV+: The Crowded Room, Extrapolations.

Jen Cody has performed on Broadway in several productions throughout her career, including Cats, Grease, Beauty and the Beast, Seussical, Urinetown, Taboo, The Pajama Game, and Shrek The Musical. Off-Broadway performances include Wild Party (Manhattan Theatre Club), Henry and Mudge (Lucille Lortel Theatre—Drama League Award Nomination), Junie B., Jones (Lucille Lortel Theatre), and No, No, Nanette (NYCC).

Cody voiced Charlotte La Bouff in the 2009 Disney animated film The Princess and the Frog, for which she won an Annie Award. In 2013, she voiced Fifi the Zebra in the animated film Khumba.

From 1998 to 2001, Cody portrayed Marla Daphne Roquefort-Siren in 3rd Rock from the Sun. In 2009, she was featured on the Law & Order episode "Crimebusters" as Vicki Sandusky.  She also provides the voice of Darcy and Roxy's mother, Morgana, on the Nickelodeon version of Winx Club.

Over his career, David has worked on and off-screen for networks and agencies, and his roles have included writer, performer, director, producer, creative director, art director, illustrator, and animator. Performances include Mom's Day Off (2020), Can You Keep a Secret? (2019) and Ghost Story Club (2018). His client list includes Google, Netflix (including co-writing the Emmy-nominated series It's Bruno), Hilton, LG, Kraft, NBC, CBS, MTV, TBS, TruTV, AT&T, Verizon, GEICO, M&Ms, Bud Light, Jose Cuervo, and many more.

Genevieve is a NYC-based performer, teaching artist, and 2019 BFA MT graduate.

National Tour: Les Misérables (Ensemble u/s Fantine), Regional: Hunchback of Notre Dame (The REV), Songs for a New World (Second Generation Theater), Beauty & the Beast (TOY). Other: Into the Woods, Kiss Me Kate, Something Rotten, Sister Act & MSND. Some of her favorite FRED credits include Noises Off, Spring Awakening, Pirates of Penzance, and Cabaret.

Immediately following graduation, she underwent voice surgery, which inspired her to learn more about the vocal mechanism as a whole. After a successful surgery and recovery, she now holds a certificate in Advanced Vocal Pedagogy and can better assist herself and her students through research-based theories in voice development, acoustics, anatomy, and physiology.

She is grateful to Fredonia for giving her a family of incredible artists, educators, and friends.

Jeffrey Kringer is an acclaimed American stage performer. He is immersed in the theatre and nightclub scenes of Manhattan, has toured nationally, and performed in productions and concerts of the regional circuits. He graduated from Fredonia in May 2018 with his BFA in musical theatre performance. In addition to his performance career, Kringer pursues writing, videography, and producing. He is the founder of Fragment, a video production company dedicated to cinematic online content. 

Currently he's involved with the development of a new musical with exciting prospects: Superyou! About Love (Off-Broadway), Cruel Intentions: The 90's Musical (1st National Tour), West Side Story (Lyric Opera of Chicago), West Side Story (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), Cinderella (Drury Lane Theatre), Carousel (Riverside Theater) Catch Me If You Can (New London Barn Playhouse), 110 in the Shade (TSF) The Secret Garden (The Palace Theater, NH), Annie (Axelrod PAC), 54 Sings Broadway's Greatest Hits, 54 Salutes Frank Sinatra, Birthday Show (54 Below).

Ilana is an actor, dancer, and educator based in New York City. In 2017, she earned two BFA degrees in Acting and Dance, graduating summa cum laude. 

Immediately upon graduation, she joined Disney Cruise Line as a Mainstage Performer and Dance Captain, sailing the Caribbean for two years onboard the Disney Fantasy. In the year following, she joined the cast of the National Broadway Tour of Miss Saigon as a Swing. 

Recently, she worked as the assistant show supervisor for the inaugural cast of Houdini and Cirque Re-Strung (MSC Meraviglia). Aside from performing, Ilana is a 200-hr RYT and teaches yoga across the NY Metropolitan area.

Kevin David Stevens has performed worldwide, on land and sea, but remains firmly in New York City. Kevin is currently on his second national tour, portraying the role of OC Cohen in An Officer And A Gentleman: The Musical after originating the role in the reading and workshop. 

Kevin graduated from Fredonia in 2016 with a BFA in Acting and attributes his success to the growth sustained during his years at school. Performances include national tours of RENT 20th Anniversary Tour and The Kite Runner, off-Broadway/NYC performances in Big Bang Theory Musical Parody, Every Wednesday Night, and Adult Stuff… as well as regional performances in Little Shop of Horrors, Matilda, and Spring Awakening.

Adam Ali-Perez has been performing as both a Swing and a Dance Captain on the Broadway and National Tours of Hamilton. In addition to receiving his BFA in Dance from SUNY Fredonia, Adam has also studied flying trapeze at the Trapeze School of New York. He is represented by LDC Artist Representation.

La Shawn Banks is a proud union member of both the Screen Actors Guild and Actors' Equity Association. He's an equally proud graduate of SUNY Fredonia where he holds a BFA in Musical Theatre. Since leaving Fredonia, he has had the amazing opportunity to live and work as a regional theatre, film, and television actor. Collaborating over the years with American Players Theatre, the Cleveland Playhouse, Writers Theatre, About Face Theatre, Chicago Children's Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Mark Taper Forum, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Children's Theatre of Madison, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Asolo Repertory Theatre and a host of others. Favorite television and film credits include Chicago P.D., Shameless, Chicago Justice, Snowfall, Better Call Saul, and Veep.

Dominique Kempf was recently featured as one of the Fates in the first national tour of Hadestown and Suzie & u/s Julie in the first national tour of Tootsie. Regional performances include The SpongeBob Musical (Sandy Cheeks), Ragtime (Sarah), for which she received an Artie Award, West Side Story (Maria), Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette), First Date (Alison/Lauren/Ida), and Avenue Q (Gary Coleman).

Irene Rising (she/her) is an actress based out of New York City. In 2017, she made her Off-Broadway debut as "Lady" in MCC Theater's Charm by Philip Dawkins, resulting in her being featured on YesBroadway's "40 Under 40: Broadway Class of 2018" for her performance. In 2023, she played "Pauline" in the new musical MISS STEP, directed by Connor Gallagher and co-choreographed by Jay Jackson (Laganja Estranja). She has performed at Playwrights Horizons, Joe's Pub, Musical Theatre Factory, New Dramatists, and many other theaters in NYC. Also in 2023, she appeared opposite Anne Hathaway in WeCrashed (Apple TV+). Other TV/Film credits include Franny in Tales of the City (Netflix), Irene in Fatale Influence: Like, Follow, Survive (Prime Video) and Bea Bellini in Insta Life Coach (Chuckler). She is represented by Avalon Artists Group.