Alumni News
English/Theatre Alum News
Sean Meehan, (English Major/Theatre Minor, '97), has been cast in the upcoming Showtime series, Three Women, based on the 2019 non-fiction book by Lisa Taddeo. Sean reports he has been contracted for 7"...but guaranteed 4..." episodes. The book details the emotional (and sexual) lives of three women from different backgrounds and regions of the US and is based on the author imbedding herself in the lives of the three women. Shailene Woodley (Big Little Lies, The Divergent Series) will star as the reporter/author, along with DeWanda Wise (Netflix' adaptation of She's Gotta Have It) and Betty Gilpin (GLOW, the Tomorrow War). Filming will begin in October 2021. Sean's previous credits include HBO's The Normal Heart, The Taking of Pelham 123, The Deuce and television appearances in Blue Bloods, The Good Wife and Madam Secretary, to name a few.
Kiley Lotz, (Theatre, '17, Bagdzinski Theatre Scholarship recipient) has been begun shooting the upcoming film, Brave The Dark staring Jared Harris (Mad Men, Chernobyl). Kiley plays a high school student (Sandy) in this true-life adaptation about a Pennsylvania high school English teacher/drama director (Stan Deen) who helps a troubled teen on a bad path turn his life around. The film, produced by Inspiring Films (UK) and Make Films (US) is currently being shopped for distribution. Kiley, in addition to her acting career, has a successful career as an independent music artist performing under the name "Petal".
Megan Esty, (Theatre, '17, Bagdzinski Theatre Scholarship recipient) has been contracted by The Metropolitan Opera to work on two upcoming productions (La Boheme and Orpheus and Eurydice) as a dresser in the Wardrobe Department. Megan's work at the Met will qualify her for points toward her admission into the Theatrical Wardrobe Union/Local 764 IATSE.
Jax Vadney, (Theatre/English, '01) has just accepted a position as the Visual Communications Instructor for Calhoun Community College at Alabama Center for the Arts, in Decatur, Alabama. Previous positions include Theatre Technical Director at Gannon University in Erie, PA, and Assistant Professor of Drama: Scenic and Lighting Design at Athens State University in Decatur, Alabama. Jax additionally hold an MFA from the University of Arizona in Theatre Technology and Production. She recently achieved certification in Drawing Vector Graphics: Color and Detail and Isometric Illustration, and Illustrator: Coloring Artwork.
Third (Annual) Alumni Lecture
At the Department of English & Theatre's Third (Annual) Alumni Lecture, Brendan Curry, Graduate of the English and SJLA programs in 2001, gave a talk entitled, "A Series of Fortunate Events," on October 4, 2017. Curry is a Vice President and Senior Editor at W.W. Norton & Company. He regaled his audience with sage wisdom, maxims, and stories based on his career in the publishing industry. Many students and facutly were in attendance with Dr. Stephen Whittaker introducing Brendan.
Date: October 10, 2017
"A Series of Fortunate Events"
The English & Theatre department is proud to welcome Brendan Curry, 01', to campus on October 4, 2017 in The DeNaples Center, room 405. Upon graduation, Brendan was hired by W.W. Norton, the international book publisher headquartered in mid-town Manhattan as an editorial assistant and was recently named Senior Editor & Vice President. Brendan will discuss his time at the University, his career arc at Norton, and the ever-evolving state of the editing and publishing industries and employment prospects for English Majors in the years ahead.
Date: September 21, 2017
Alum Corinne Nulton Contributes Story to Supernatural Anthology
We're happy to boast about Corinne Nulton (BA, English, 2013) who is part of the new anthology, The Night Bazaar: Eleven Stories of Forbidden Wishes and Dangerous Desires. The anthology, out now from Northampton House Press, promises a mix of psychological horror perfect to get you through the dead of winter. We urge you to get it in paper or Kindle formats.
Since her graduation, Corinne has remained in Northeast Pennsylvania where she is writing and teaching. And, yeah, we like to brag about her.
Alumna Poet Brianna Noll's New Book Turning Heads
We're proud to boast about alum Brianna Noll (English, 2004) whose new book of poetry, The Price of Scarlet, (University of Kentucky Press) is winning attentions and praise.
The Chicago Review of Books has recently named it a top book to read this January, and the magazine offers a glowing review, including the following:
Her vivid poems obscure the line between what is literal and what is figurative. The result is alchemic and ethereal — each verse intricately layered with sharp observation as well as emotional and intellectual exploration and questioning.
To read the full review, go here:
We aren't the only ones bragging about Brianna Noll's recent collection of poetry. See a profile and interview with her here:
Sarah Mueller Gets Her First Teaching Job!
Secondary Education/English major Sarah Mueller (class of 2016) just got her first job teaching 9th and 10th grade English at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, NJ. Sarah reports that she is very excited to have the opportunity to teach Romeo and Juliet to her freshmen.
To see Sarah's blog posts for the University click here.
One of Our Own Finished Last, Yes Last, in the Philly Marathon and Lived to Tell About It
Steve Clark, University of Scranton Alum, former English major and current 6th grade teacher, recently took part in the Philadelphia Marathon. We're proud of him for finishing, and even prouder for his account of the ordeal in Philadelphia Magazine.
Here's an excerpt:
Date: April 6, 2016
English Alum Corinne Nulton Bringing Out New Short Story
We're happy to report that Corinne Nulton (BA, English, 2013) tells us she has a new short story, "Mirrored Selves," coming out as part of an anthology called Night Bazaar from Northampton House Press. We'll try to brag more about it when it's available, but for now congratulations to one of our alums who's doing exciting creative work.
Date: April 6, 2016
Karam’s latest family saga ‘The Humans’ hits Broadway
Congratulations! Scranton native and university alumn has hit Broadway.
Despite the fact that his name appears on the marquee of the Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway, Stephen Karam will say he is just like everyone else.
It’s a busy time for the 36-year-old Scranton native, whose play, “The Humans,” opened on the Great White Way in February to rave reviews after a successful off-Broadway run.
To read the entire article written by Gia Mazur click on link. http://thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/karam-s-latest-family-saga-the-humans-hits-broadway-draws-on-scranton-roots-and-influences-1.2013310
Date: March 17, 2016
Theatre Success Stories..
Over the winter break, several of our recent alum have reported employment success.
Samantha Morales is appearing in Theatre for a New Audience's production of Pericles by Wm. Shakespeare. The production is being directed by Sir Trevor Nunn, who was the original director of such notable productions as Les Miserables and Cats.
Julia Ekwall reports she has been cast in Playhouse on Park's upcoming production of Wit. The production opens in April in West Hartford, CT.
Beth Gallagher has been cast in Cygnet Theatre's production of When the Rain Stops Falling by Andrew Bovell. Beth, as an English major at the University of Scranton, caught the theatre bug her junior year, finished her MA in Theatre at San Diego State and has been pursuing an acting career in San Diego, appearing in award winning short films and at notable theatres in the San Diego/Los Angeles area.
Michael Flynn is gearing up for the 6th season of the Scranton Shakespeare Festival. Tentative titles of the summer offerings are Much Ado About Nothing, MacBeth and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
For additional alum success stories visit University Players on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/universityofscrantonplayers
Date: February 25, 2016
Alum Kelly Carman Writes of Working with Underprivileged Youth
Kelly Carman (BA, English/Secondary Education, 2014) writes with word that, after getting a masters in education here at Scranton, she is looking to pursue a career working with underprivileged youth.
As she writes:
After I finished graduate school, I subbed in the Scranton School District for a year… I loved the kids but it wasn’t for me. Then worked as the Assistant Camp Director at a summer camp in Virginia that caters to underprivileged urban youth, which is still my favorite group of youth to work with. This past fall I worked at Bradford Woods in Indiana as a professional outdoor educator; essentially depending upon the group we took school groups on educational nature hikes and facilitated different activities such as climbing tower, canoeing, zipline, archery and other such activities for other groups. Next week I am off to Southern Illinois to work at Camp Ondessonk doing more outdoor education. I recently found the field of Experiential Education, and right now it seems like my calling or at least something that I am passionate about. Read more...
For additional news stories relating to our faculty, alumni and students please visit our department blog.