Careers and Alumnae
Dance Career Options
Students who study Dance Education or Private Studio Teaching have high placement rates for full-time work in public schools and private studios. Many of our students choose to combine their training in dance with the study of other fields such as psychology, sociology, pre-physical therapy and theatre. Such programs of study are excellent preparation for graduate programs or for using dance in psychological, community or medical applications. To discuss more dance career options, contact Director of Dance Carol Finley at finleyc@meredith.edu.
Theatre Career Options
Whether you choose theatre as a career or whether you direct your future to an entirely different field, Meredith will prepare you for success with a solid background in the performing arts. Some graduates of Meredith who were involved in theatre have gone on to graduate schools, to perform on Broadway or to teach drama in public school systems.
To discuss more career options, contact Department Head Catherine Rodgers at rodgersc@meredith.edu , or visit Meredith's Career Center.
Alumnae
Meredith Alumna Wins Tony Award
Broadway actor and Meredith alumna Beth Leavel, '77, won a 2006 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in The Drowsy Chaperone.
Leavel earned the award for her performance in the title role in The Drowsy Chaperone, which received a total of five awards during the 60th Annual Tony Awards.
Leavel is an accomplished Broadway actress, dancer and singer. She received her degree in sociology from Meredith, and then earned an MFA at UNC-Greensboro. During her senior year at Meredith she decided to pursue an acting career.
Leavel and Professor of Theatre Cathy Rodgers, '76, met as students at Meredith when they each had a role in a children's production on campus. They performed in several more shows together.
"She has had a wonderful career on Broadway, but this show, The Drowsy Chaperone, really showcases her talents as a comedian and singer-actress," Rodgers said.
Leavel first gained national exposure as an understudy to Lucy Arnez in I Do, I Do, which led her to a role in 42nd Street, where she appeared in its Broadway production, its National Touring Company and a run in Japan. Later she starred in Crazy for You as Tess and as Ellie in Show Boat. She has performed in 14 regional and national commercials, and has appeared on Ryan's Hope, As The World Turns and Nickelodeon's Yours Truly.
Alumnae Survey
Alumnae of Meredith's dance and theatre department can fill out the Alumnae Survey to share news about their careers.
