Alumni Archives | College of Performing Arts Archive

Recent CoPA Graduate Ariya Selvakumar Assists with Center Theatre Group’s Production of American Idiot Ariya Selvakumar's experiences and education at Chapman University have prepared her for diverse career opportunities, from projection design to performance.

November 3, 2025 by Jessie Levasheff | CoPA News

Ariya Selvakumar (BA Theatre, Psychology minor), a Chapman University College of Performing Arts (CoPA) graduate in the class of 2024, continues to display Chapman’s values as she pursues her passions in the performing arts. Recently, Ariya had the opportunity to apprentice and assist with the projection design for Center Theatre Group’s production of Green Day’s

Screen Acting Grads Land Talent Representation After Showcase Several of CoPA’s Screen Acting class of ‘25 obtain representation shortly after industry showcase.

September 8, 2025 by Sydney Paik | CoPA News

Within three weeks after their Industry Showcase on May 7, nine graduating seniors from the Screen Acting Class of 2025 have secured professional representation—a remarkable achievement as they take their first steps into the entertainment industry. This exciting milestone reflects not only the talent and dedication of these emerging actors, but also the support and

Alumna to Alumna CoPA mentorship & collaboration persist after graduation

June 11, 2020 by Monica Furman | CoPA News

Due to our small class sizes, conservatory-style training, and the personalized education for which Chapman University, CoPA students develop a strong sense of community that continues to serve them well after graduation. Recently, Monica Furman (BFA Theatre Performance ’17) interviewed Leah McKendrick (BFA Theatre Performance ’08) and McKendrick’s producing partner Mariah Owen about their newest

“Play(s) at Home” Virtual play festival by Chapman Theatre alumni tackles isolation issues during pandemic

April 2, 2020 by Jean Taber | Theatre

Stages around the world may be dark right now, but College of Performing Arts (CoPA) alumni continue to create and engage while keeping isolated for safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chase Hauser (BFA Theatre Performance ’17) and Lena Romano (B.A. Theatre Studies ’17) are founding members of Connective Theatre Company (Chicago, IL) which recently staged

How to Be Lazy and Not Feel Guilty A play produced by and starring Chapman Alumni for Hollywood Fringe

May 22, 2018 by Drew Petriello | Theatre

We are Leaky Faucet & Sons: A production company bringing absurd theatre to the greater Los Angeles area. For our inaugural production, we are mounting an original play for the 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival, June 7—24: How to Be Lazy and Not Feel Guilty The play follows Jenine as she rapidly descends into overwork-related madness.

Successful CU theatre alumna Whitney Kaufman credits undergrad experiences for professional success

March 6, 2015 by Sarah Richards | CoPA News

Whitney Kaufman, BFA Theatre Performance ’06 recently sat down with Sara Richards ’18 to reveal her valuable Chapman undergrad experiences and the adventures and career as a professional performer that they enabled. What was your experience at Chapman like and how has the Department of Theatre helped prepare you for the future as a

Machinal: True Story of 1920’s Spouse Killer

April 15, 2014 by Valerie McNutt | CoPA News

Inspired by the infamous 1927 murder trial of spouse killer Ruth Snyder, Machinal is the powerful tale of one woman’s isolation in a life that’s been entirely decided for her. Snyder is trapped first in a dead-end job, then forced to marry her boss and have a baby with him. But when she begins to discover her

Jenny Putney ’09 Performing in La Jolla

September 30, 2013 by Heather | CoPA News

Theatre alumna Jenny Putney ’09 is in the cast of Our Town, playing at the La Jolla Playhouse Oct. 3-6 as part of the With Out Walls Festival. In this new version of Our Town, a group of twenty-somethings invites the audience over for a party under the stars!

Theatre Alumna Wins Ovation Award

September 25, 2013 by Heather | CoPA News

Kellie Spill ’12 won the Ovation Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in Triassic Parq The Musical at the Chance Theater. In addition, Matthew McCray ’98 was nominated for Best Director of a Play for Our Class with Son of Semele Ensemble. Read more about The Ovation Awards in the Los