Senior Showcase
Rising seniors can perform in both a local and New York showcase for an audience of friends, family and, most importantly, casting agents and industry professionals. The showcase features two performances – one open and one closed – with the latter reserved for invited agents and industry professionals to provide feedback and offer callbacks to students.
This showcase is designed to help bridge the gap between our students and the professional industry, particularly for those planning to relocate to New York City within six months of graduation.
Showcase Details
Contact TCUshowcase@gmail.com or penny.maas@tcu.edu for more information.
TCU’s PepsiCo Recital Hall
Walsh Performing Arts Center
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
6:30pm
2800 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76129
Open to the public
Industry Professionals – RSVP to TCUshowcase@gmail.com
Open Jar Studios – 11B
Thursday, March 19, 2026
5:30pm
1601 Broadway 11th floor,
New York, NY 10019
RSVP to TCUshowcase@gmail.com
54 Below
Friday, March 20, 2026
9:30pm
254 W. 54th Street
New York, NY 10019
Meet Our Seniors
Wesley Duane Adams is an actor from New Orleans, Louisiana, who graduates this spring with a B.F.A. in Theatre, with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. His favorite theatrical credits include: Mischa in Ride the Cyclone (Stage West Theatre), Sweeney Todd and Anything Goes (Tulane Summer Lyric), and Holiday Inn (Theatre Arlington). At TCU, Wesley performed in Sense and Sensibility (Edward), All Shook Up (Ensemble u/s Jim), Eurydice (u/s Orpheus), and The Trials (u/s Marek). He also performed in four student films while on campus. Outside of performing, Wesley loves spending times with his friends working out, watching films, and being competitive in any way. After graduation, Wesley will continue pursuing his career as an actor.
Krystabelle Banda is from Dallas, Texas, and graduates with a B.F.A. in Theatre with an emphasis in Acting from TCU this Spring. At TCU, Krystabelle has performed in The Trials (Amelia), Eurydice (Little Stone), Sense and Sensibility (Lucy Steele), Melrose Stories (Lennie), and The Odyssey (Odysseus’s Mother/Others). Krystabelle is passionate about Latino American theatre and Chicano theatre, and has written plays and monologues about these experiences. Offstage, you can find her exploring vintage and antique stores, relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book, or working on a new craft project! After graduation, Krystabelle plans to pursue a career in Theatre and to teach others along the way!
Sarah Kate Barton is an actor from Montgomery, Alabama, and a recent graduate of TCU, where she earned her B.F.A. in Theatre with an emphasis in Acting. While at TCU, she appeared in The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds (Ruth), The Skin of Our Teeth (Gladys), and The Wolves (#11). Professional credits include: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Alice Wendleken) at Alabama Shakespeare Festival and The Glass Menagerie (Laura) at Theatre Off the Square. A former improviser with Senseless Acts of Comedy, Sarah Kate plans to continue pursuing theatre, television, and film in New York.
Sarah Kate’s Website
Hanna Brookshire is an actress from Frisco, Texas, who graduates this spring with a B.F.A. in Theatre with an emphasis in Acting. Some of her favorite performance credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia) at Hip Pocket Theatre, One Man, Two Guvnors (Rachel Crabbe), The Odyssey (Nausicaa/Others), Sense and Sensibility (Margaret Dashwood/Gossip 1), and The Wolves (#2) at TCU. While a student, she has also been a member of Senseless Acts of Comedy, TCU’s improv comedy troupe. When not on stage, you can find Hanna reading a good book, cross stitching or knitting, drinking lots of hot tea, and spending time with her friends and family. After graduation, Hanna plans to pursue a career in film, television, and theatre.
Reese Buchert is a musical theatre performer from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and graduates spring with a B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasis in Musical Theatre. Her regional credits include: Ride the Cyclone (Jane Doe) at Stage West, Footloose (Rusty), All Shook Up (Miss Sandra) and Crazy for You (Irene) at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. While at TCU, Reese appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble u/s Simon), The Wolves (#00), and All Shook Up (Ensemble). When she’s not onstage, you can find her behind a piano, out fishing, or on a yoga mat. After graduation, Reese plans to pursue musical theatre performance wherever it takes her!
Madeline Carter is from Frisco, Texas, and currently pursuing her B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasis in Musical Theatre, at Texas Christian University. Some of her favorite roles include: Mary in Merrily We Roll Along at TCU, Liesl in The Sound of Music at Garland Summer Musicals, and Meredith Parker in Bat Boy at Casa Mañana. She also is honored to have worked as a Box Office Manager at TCU for three years. When she is not onstage or helping out, you can most likely find her coloring to soothe her mind or reading to keep it engaged. She feels so lucky to tell stories and would be beyond grateful to get to do this for a living.
Henry Cawood is a dynamic musical theatre performer from Fort Worth, Texas, who graduates this spring with a B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasis in Design and Technology. Regional Credits include: CATS (Mungojerrie & U/S Rum Tum Tugger) and West Side Story (Big Deal) at Casa Mañana, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Jamie New) and The Prom (Nick/Ensemble) at Uptown Players. As an artist, Henry enjoys exploring multiple creative disciplines. His costume design work has been featured on many stages in the DFW metroplex and recognized nationally by The Costume Society of America. Following graduation, Henry will begin a tenure at Yale, pursuing his M.F.A. in Costume Design, where he will continue to lay the groundwork for a multidisciplinary career of performing and designing for the performing arts.
Emilia Gambucci is an actress originally from San Luis Obispo, California. Emilia is currently a senior Theatre major at Texas Christian University, graduating in the spring. Some of Emilia's previous work includes: Barefoot in the Park (Corie Bratter) at The Hopeful Theatre Project and Hello, Dolly (Dance Captain/Ensemble) at The Firehouse Theatre. Theatre TCU productions include: Alpha Psi Omega’s production of Urinetown (Mrs. Millennium/Choreographer), Stethoscope Stage (Female Understudy), Choreographer’s Stage in 2023 & 2025 (Dancer), and so much more. When she is not onstage, you can find Emilia in a yoga class, watching a new movie, or going to the arcade with friends. Following graduation, Emilia plans to pursue cruise line entertainment before going wherever performance takes her.
Emery Gray is a musical theatre performer from Dallas, Texas, graduating this spring with her B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasis in Musical Theatre. While at TCU, Emery appeared in Bright Star (Alice Murphy), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Rosa Bud), Merrily We Roll Along (Beth Spencer), All Shook Up (Ensemble/Sandra U/S), and Ride the Cyclone (Ensemble/Jane Doe U/S) as well as serving on the Executive Board for Alpha Psi Omega (Social Chair/Vice President). She also led as a Frog Camp Facilitator and laughed as an improviser on TCU's improv team, Senseless Acts of Comedy. Regional credits include: Mildred Harris in Chaplin (WaterTower Theatre), Hot Box Girl/ Sarah Brown U/S in Guys and Dolls (Lyric Stage), Margot in Legally Blonde (Firehouse Theatre) and Sister Mary Martin of Tours in Sister Act (Jubilee Theatre). When she is not onstage, you can find her crafting, running social media accounts for Theatre TCU, or finding the cutest place to grab a coffee or sweet treat. After graduation, Emery plans to pursue musical theatre performance in New York City or wherever it takes her!
Ethan Hyatt is from Keller, Texas, and is currently pursuing a B.F.A. in Theatre with an Emphasis in Musical Theatre at TCU. Some of his recent theatrical credits include: Merrily We Roll Along (Charley), All Shook Up (Dennis), The Odyssey (Eumaeus), The Skin of Our Teeth (Telegraph Delivery Boy, Henry U/S), Kodachrome (The Perfume Maker), and Bright Star (Daddy Cane). Ethan has spent all four years at TCU on their premiere improv troupe, Senseless Acts of Comedy, and has spent the last 2 years as its President. When not performing, you can find Ethan learning the rules of complicated board games and building in his Minecraft world. Upon graduation, Ethan plans to move to New York to pursue a career in musical theatre.
Sam Illum is an actor from Kansas City, Kansas, who graduates with his B.F.A. in Musical Theatre this spring. You can see Sam in One Man, Two Guvnors as Francis Henshall this spring. Sam's TCU credits include: Bright Star (Billy Cane) and The Trials (Noah). Sam’s professional theatrical credits include: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Dean Paxton) and The Prom (Ensemble) at Uptown Players in Dallas as well as A Chorus Line (Bobby) at Theatre Arlington. While not on stage, Sam loves to play board games, video games, find the best spots to eat in Fort Worth, and play flag football with his friends. After graduation, Sam hopes to continue to work as a professional actor on a cruise line, on tour, or in New York City.
Tanner Issac James is a performer from Arlington, Texas, currently finalizing his B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasis in Musical Theatre at Texas Christian University. Tanner was privileged to perform in shows such as Bright Star (Jimmy Ray Dobbs), West Side Story (Tony), and Les Misérables (Marius). Other notable appearances are Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Simeon), Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble/US Pilate), and The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Ensemble/ US Bazzard & Deputy). With graduation coming soon, Tanner is ecstatic to begin his next chapter; finding out where theatre takes him next in the world.
Faith Lee is an actor, singer, and dancer from Frisco, Texas and Seoul, South Korea. She graduates in Spring 2026 with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, as well as a B.A. in Music, with an emphasis in voice, and a Chinese Minor. Her regional credits include the regional premiere of Ride the Cyclone (Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg) at Stage West and Kodachrome (Marjorie / Young Woman u/s) at Circle Theatre. While at TCU, Faith appeared in The Pirates of Penzance (Edith), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park), Bright Star (Edna/Margo u/s), All Shook Up (Swing), and the world premiere of the opera A Service of Love. Offstage, Faith can be found teaching K-pop dance classes, filming cooking videos for YouTube, serving at church, and learning Chinese! After graduation, Faith plans to move to New York City to pursue a career in musical theatre, opera, and music!
Logan Lowery is a musical theatre performer from Dallas, Texas, who graduates this spring with a B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasis in Musical Theatre. While at TCU, Logan was featured in Merrily We Roll Along (Franklin Shepard), All Shook Up (Dean Hyde), The Odyssey (Young Odysseus), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Ensemble / US Chairman), Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble / US Caiaphas), and Sweet Charity (Ensemble). His regional credits include: Jester in Once Upon a Mattress (Stage West) and a featured vocalist in the world premiere of He Rules the World (Waco Hippodrome). When he is not onstage, you can find him glued to his espresso machine, jamming on the guitar, or performing as a D1 college mascot! After graduation, Logan plans to pursue musical theatre performance wherever it takes him!
Bella McKay is a passionate performer from Nashville, Tennessee, who graduates in May with her B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasis in Musical Theater. While at TCU, Bella appeared onstage in All Shook Up (Ensemble) and Hail Mary, a new musical (Monica). Another favorite role for Bella was Anya in Anastasia (Grand Prairie Arts Council) which she was featured in this past December. When Bella is not performing, she can be found drinking an iced latte (or three), shopping with her friends, or watching Gilmore Girls. After graduation, Bella plans to move to New York City to pursue a career in musical theater and entertainment.
Colin McThorn is an actor and writer from Sacramento, California. He graduates with a B.F.A in Theatre, emphasis in Acting and a minor in Journalism. Colin has been telling stories on stage and on paper since he learned to talk. Some of Colin's most memorable performance credits include Charlie in One Man, Two Guvnors (TCU), Kosmo in Mad Dog Blues (Hip Pocket Theatre), and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet (Sacramento Theatre Company). Colin is also an Arts Reporter and Graphic Designer for TCU360, where he has blended his love for art and journalism. After graduation, Colin intends to move back to Sacramento to pursue theatre/film and journalism in the Bay Area.
Brandon Mora is a performer, former exotic animal trainer, and director from San Antonio, Texas, who graduates this spring with his B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasis in Musical Theatre. TCU Credits: Melrose Stories (Casey Bob), Bright Star (Stanford), Eurydice (Loud Stone), Bard to Broadway (Asst. Director), Urinetown (Director). Professional Credits: A Man of No Importance at Casa Mañana (Carson, Peter), Ride the Cyclone at Stage West Theatre (Noel), Casa Mañana (Once; Pippin - Asst. Director). In his spare time, Brandon enjoys annoying people with animal facts and continuously re-watching Free Willy and the Minions movie. After graduation, he plans to move to New York City to pursue a career in film, television, and theatre.
Makaela Mosely is an actress from Dallas, Texas, who graduates this spring with her B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasis in Acting. Her credits while at Theatre TCU include: the Kaleidoscope production of the Stethoscope Stage (Ensemble), the Main Stage production of The Odyssey (Anticlea u/s), and TTBE's (Theatre TCU Black Excellence) BLACKOUT. Upon graduation, Makaela plans to pursue acting/Film and Television, wherever it may lead her. The support from her family keeps her going, keeps her flourishing, and keeps her grounded. When she is not on-stage, you will probably find her journaling, playing in makeup, or looking up the next perfume she wants. Makaela wouldn't be where she is without her family, she will be forever grateful—they are her world.
Christopher Dat Nguyen is an upcoming performer from Houston, Texas, graduating in May 2026 with a B.F.A. in Theatre, with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. Some of his favorite professional credits include: Mark in A Chorus Line (Theatre Arlington), Terpsichore in Xanadu (Uptown Players), and Ensemble in Miss Saigon (Casa Mañana). Favorite TCU credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble; u/s Jesus) and Merrily We Roll Along (Featured Dancer). A life-long crafter, Chris loves painting, building dioramas, and making a hot glue mess of his living room. After graduation, Chris plans to move to New York to pursue theatre, film, and entertainment.
Riley Nowicki is from Delray Beach, Florida, and graduates this May with a B.F.A in Theatre, emphasis in Acting. She can be seen as Pauline Clench in One Man, Two Guvnors this April at TCU. Other TCU credits include: Theresa in Circle Mirror Transformation, a dancer in The Choreographers Stage, #46 in The Wolves, and Avery in a Student Film titled Drift Away. Outside of TCU, she played Fredrika in A Little Night Music at MainStage Theatre. Riley has loved getting to ‘lead on’ at TCU in areas such as the Executive Board for Alpha Psi Omega where she served as President, cheering the frogs on as a TCU Dutchmen, and serving as a frog camp facilitator. When not on stage you can find her reading her next fantasy series, or training for her next marathon. She plans to move to New York City after graduation and pursue theatre and voice over!
Jacob Reece is a musical theatre performer from Warren, Michigan, who graduates in May 2026, with a B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasis in Musical Theatre, from Texas Christian University. While at TCU, Jacob appeared in Merrily We Roll Along (Ensemble and Charley u/s), All Shook Up (Ensemble and Dennis u/s), Bright Star (Ensemble and Billy Cane u/s), Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble and Annas u/s), and The Trials (Mohammad u/s). Jacob also directed TCU’s studio production of Circle Mirror Transformation and hopes to direct more in his future. When he isn’t in theatre, he loves going to the movies, writing plays, and visiting his ten siblings across the country! Upon graduation, Jacob plans to pursue a career in theatre, tv/film, and directing.
Abby Riggle is from Los Angeles, California, graduating this spring with her B.F.A. in Acting. During her time at TCU, Abby performed in Melrose Stories (Wilma Berghammer), Sense and Sensibility (Elinor Dashwood), The Wolves (#7), Othello (Ensemble, u/s Desdemona), The Skin of Our Teeth (Ensemble, u/s Mrs. Antrobus), and The Trials (u/s Tomaz). While at TCU, Abby has also gained film experience, from leading an independent short film titled Stop Signs to playing a co-star role in The Pirate King (Morning Moon Productions). When she’s not performing, Abby loves experimenting with digital and film photography. Immediately following graduation, she is excited to move back to her hometown to pursue a career in film and television.
Abriela Rodriguez is a witty, romantic actress from San Diego, California. She has regionally performed in West Side Story (Consuela) at Casa Mañana, Everybody's Talking About Jamie as Fatimah at Uptown Players, and A Chorus Line as Diana Morales at Theatre Arlington. Her favorite roles at TCU include Ren in The Trials and a swing for Jesus Christ Superstar! After graduation, Abriela plans to pursue film, television, and musical theatre wherever her career takes her.
Emma Sanchez is a grounded actress with an authentic wit from Fort Worth, Texas. She graduates this spring with her B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasis in Acting as well as a certificate in Arts Leadership and Entrepreneurship. Some of her credits include: Carnival Cruise Lines (Activity Host/Performer), Eurydice (Eurydice), Kodachrome (US Librarian/Mystery Novelist), and Bard to Broadway (Juliet/Ensemble). In addition to performing, she also has a passion for hosting and event planning. After graduation, Emma plans to pursue a career in theatre, television, film, and entertainment through cruise lines.
Gabriela Ayala Yarbrough is a musical theatre dancer, performer, and choreographer from Fort Worth, Texas, who graduates Summa Cum Laude this spring with her B.F.A in Theatre (emphasis in Musical Theatre), a minor in Educational Studies, and as an Honors Laureate with the John V. Roach Honors College. At TCU, Gabriela appeared in Sweet Charity (Ensemble), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Florence Gill), Once Upon a Mattress (Ensemble) – a co-production with Stage West, Jesus Christ Superstar (Thomas/Apostle), and Bright Star (Ensemble, u/s Lucy), co-choreographed Bright Star and All Shook Up, and choreographed Ride the Cyclone - a co-production with Stage West. Regionally, she’s performed for Hip Pocket Theatre (Big Love - Lydia), Theatre Arlington (In the Heights - Ensemble/Dance Captain), Lyric Stage (Sweet Charity - Ensemble), and Uptown Players (The Prom – Ensemble; Everybody's Talking About Jamie - Ensemble/Dance Captain) and will choreograph Uptown Players’ Urinetown this summer! Passionate about giving back to her community with dreams of providing bilingual theatre education to all, Gabriela plans to continue learning to pursue performance and the arts wherever it takes her!
Madeline Yarbrough is from Fort Worth, Texas, and graduates in May 2026 with her B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasis in Musical Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include: Shelley (Bat Boy) and Jane (Descendants) at Casa Mañana, Oddity/Ocean u/s (Ride the Cyclone) at Stage West, and Little Sally (Urinetown) and #8 (The Wolves) at TCU Theatre. She is earning a dual degree and is also receiving a B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from TCU. She is passionate about vocal health and working with speech and language disorders. When not performing, she loves spending time with her exotic pets, including her chinchilla “Tink”. After graduating, she plans to pursue a career in musical theatre and acting in New York City or wherever her next chapter takes her.