Welcome to the Alumni Revue 2025!
We are thrilled to celebrate Homecoming by showcasing the talents and stories of our alumni. Each of these remarkable individuals has carried the spirit of our community into their careers, and we are honored to welcome them back to the stage.
Chelsea Ballew Manthe
Chelsea Ballew Manthe attended Avila from 2005-2009 and got a BFA in theatre emphasis on acting. Since leaving Avila I have had several jobs but have landed back at unemployment insurance services were I have worked off and on for the last 16 years. I married my amazing wife Shelby in 2017 and gained an adorable daughter Nancy who is now 13. My favorite memory was meeting Sister Helen Prejean while preparing to perform Dead Man Walking!
Kimberly Basnight
Kimberly Basnight attended Avila University from 2003-2007 where she was a member of the nationally ranked Glitter Girls Dance Team, (Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee)Concert Choir, Avila Singers, and the incredible Theatre Department. Upon graduation she fulfilled her dreams by working professionally as a Broadcast Actress as well as Celebrity Cruise Line, Walt Disney World, Lady Gaga- Monster Ball Tour, and more. Kimberly is currently the Dance Educator at Avila & also has her own Choreography Company-KB Movement Co.
Paul Joseph
Paul Joseph is a bass-baritone who graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Avila University in May 2023. During his time at Avila, Paul participated in numerous musical productions, including Jonathan Larson’s Rent, and performed in various concerts. A standout memory from his time at Avila was playing Charlemagne in Pippin on the quad as the world began to recover from the pandemic—an experience that reaffirmed his belief that art always finds a way to serve and connect communities. Currently, Paul is pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Kansas. In May, he was the bass soloist in Handel’s Messiah and has also been cast in upcoming operas, continuing to expand his performance repertoire.
Alicia Cabrera
Alicia Cabrera, BFA Theater (Avila University, 2002), treasures studying abroad in Spain as her favorite Avila memory. Upon graduation, she signed with several Midwest agencies and has worked on national commercials and films alongside Tatum O’Neal, Patrick Mahomes, and John Travolta. She often appears with her family in commercials and enjoys mentoring newcomers to the industry,
Michael Derting
Michael Derting. A Kansas City native, Michael attended Avila from 1996-2001 on a soccer and theater scholarship. After graduating with a BFA in Theater, he worked with KC Rep, New Theatre Restaurant, Theatre for Young America, Gorilla Theatre, and was represented by Exposure Model and Talent Agency. Upon moving to Chicago shortly after graduation, he appeared with Second Stage at Second City, New Leaf Theatre, Theo Ubique Theatre, Strawdog Theatre, and was a founding member of Appetite Theatre. His favorite memories from his time at Avila were seeing Sister Ann Dominic sitting in her folding chair on the hill watching every home soccer game, the life long friendships he gained, and the sense of inclusivity on campus, especially in the Theater department.
Gabriella Mae Fast
Gabriella Mae Fast is a recent graduate from Avila University, August of 2021 to May of 2025. Since graduating, I have been looking around and applying to some opportunities around KC but nothing so far as jumped out at me. My favorite memories from my years at Avila were all the fun we had during Light hang and focus or building the set with Fletcher.
Mary-Elizabeth Hayes
Mary-Elizabeth Hayes attended Avila from 2020 to 2021. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American College of Sports Medicine. After Avila, she worked as a Pantry Coordinator at the University of North Florida, which fueled her passion for nutrition and dietetics. She dreams of owning “Mary’s Place,” a ranch for disabled youth offering art/music therapy, a garden, and animals. Her favorite memory is performing in Pippin and forming a bond with fellow performers.
Bowie Henderson
Bowie Henderson (Class of 2021) Bowie is thrilled to be back at Avila University! Since graduating, he has kept busy working around town in regional theater, particularly working with the amazing theater company : Whim Productions. His favorite role here at Avila was as Kent in ‘Talk Radio’, a character that remains his absolute favorite he’s ever played!
Jeremy Lillig
Jeremy Lillig is a nonprofit leader and playwright with over 20 years of experience in the arts and social impact sectors. A graduate of Avila University, he co-founded the Full Circle Theatre Company and has co-written over 25 plays, including Whispers from the Streets, which has raised over $2 million for social service nonprofits. He also co-wrote The Darwin Project, the first production at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Jeremy has raised more than $80 million for various causes and currently serves as Executive Director of St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City. Jeremy fondly remembers his time at Avila especially collaborating with friends and with Dr. Charlene Gould. Favorite productions included “The Diviners,” A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” and “The Odd Couple.”
Tyler Lindquist
Tyler Lindquist is extremely grateful and excited to be returning to Avila for the Alumni Revue! Tyler started at Avila in August 2019 and graduated with his B.F.A. in Acting and a degree in Theatre Education in May of 2023. He then moved to Savannah, GA, with his fiancèe Kristina Rivera, also an Avila Alum from 2022, and his two dog-sons Chikis and Bruno to obtain his M.F.A. in Acting from Savannah College of Art and Design. He graduated this past May and is now back in Kansas City, collaborating with KC theatre companies including Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, The Coterie, Kansas City Actors Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, Theatre for Young America, and many more. Tyler is home, both in KC and at Avila, and he is looking forward to spending time with his family and giving back to the KC community as much as he can. Enjoy the magic of the theatre!
Dr. Ann M. (Wycoff) Raab
Dr. Ann M. (Wycoff) Raab attended Avila from 1985 – 1989. She performed improv comedy for 12 years (including one show with Colin Mochrie) and continues to perform locally. She is now an archaeologist and teaches at MCC in KC. A favorite memory at Avila was filling in, literally last minute, when the actress playing the secretary in “Death of a Salesman” had an emergency. Theatre keeps you on your toes!
Dan Reardon
Dan Reardon attended Avila from 1982–1986, where Charlene Gould’s 1985 direction of Gaslight taught him more about acting craft than any other experience. Now an Associate Dean at Missouri S&T, Dan still thrives on stage. Roles have included Scrooge, Maurice in Beauty and the Beast, and Robert in Proof—each chasing the spark first lit at Avila.
Arianna Reeb
Arianna Reeb is honored and excited to be back at Goppert Theatre! Arianna attended Avila from 2013-2017 and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre and Acting. She is so grateful for the experiences she had, the skills she learned, and the lifelong friendships she made along the way, including with her now husband, Eric. One of her favorite memories at Avila was when she got to direct Dog Sees God for Gene Mackey’s directing class. That project gave her the confidence to prove to herself that she is a leader, plus it was so much fun to direct with her friends. Arianna cofounded and is now running a new university program called “The Student Engagement Program” at Washington University of St. Louis, where students get a chance to network, fundraise, learn new skills, and become leaders during their time at college. Arianna hopes that she is setting her student leaders up for success, just like her professors did for her.
William Grey Warren
William Grey Warren (Director) Bill has been directing and teaching at Avila for more years than he’s willing to admit. Bill has an MFA from UMKC in Acting and Directing. Some of Bill’s favorite Avila directing credits are, AIDA, WEST SIDE STORY, GYPSY, THE FOREIGNER, MIRACLE WORKER, TALK RADIO, and I HATE HAMLET. What Bill enjoys most about working at Avila is the positive atmosphere created by staff and students. This fosters the imagination and gives artists a safe place to play. Finally, another of Bill’s favorite Avila show was choreographing Zombie fights in, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD with Char Gould. He still giggles when he thinks about it.
Katrina Graham
Katrina Graham, 1997-2000, earning a B.F.A. I have been married for 24 years to Richard, another Avila Alum, and we are blessed with 3 magnificent children. Working as the Catering Manager at the Kansas City Zoo is a dream! There are so many amazing memories I have; first-meeting my husband, and then, my life long friends who have become family. Avila’s theatre was a second home and a safe place to learn.
Miriam Gleeson
Miriam Gleeson is a newly graduated alumna of Avila University. She attended from 2021 – 2025, and majored in Radiologic Science while also being actively involved in the music and theatre departments and many productions during her studies, both as a performer and technician; where she created many of her brightest Avila memories. She works as a Radiologic Technologist at The University of Kansas Health System, Liberty Hospital and is grateful to be able to perform again.
Meghan Green
Meghan Green – BFA Technical Theatre & Design, Class of 2019. After graduation she spent time at the costuming department at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She transitioned to working regionally, and Meghan is currently the Culture Specialist & Communication Designer at Mazuma Credit Union. She is thrilled for the opportunity to return to the stage for the first time since becoming a mother last fall. Some of my favorite memories include sharing the stage with her brother, Eric, and sister-in-law, Arianna.
Jerrod Scott Sumner
Jerrod Scott Sumner graduated from Avila in 1996. Today, his work is focused on the page more than the stage, telling stories of creatives in print. He can also be seen on Good Day Minnesota as a lifestyle expert. He reflects, “My time at Avila shaped my career, rooting in me the power of storytelling.” Favorite role: Andrew Rally in I Hate Hamlet.