National auditions open doors for Kathleen Grace Fiori

SUNY Fredonia has its share of famous performing artists, and one to watch out for is graduating senior Kathleen Grace Fiori.  After auditioning before the largest combined audition conference in the U.S., she received 19 callbacks and three job offers.

The senior musical theatre (B.F.A) major was able to attract national interest after participating in the nationally-known Unified Professional Theatre Auditions in Memphis, Tenn., in February.  It is the largest combined audition conference in the United States, bringing together year-round professional actors, producers, directors, and technicians.

With two job offers in hand (from Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, TN, and Prairie Fire Children's Theatre and Missoula Children's Theatre), she also has been contacted by two major, national touring companies, and has decided to begin the extended audition process which could land her  a job as an artist in a touring blockbuster hit.  

At UPTA, a representative from Clemmons/Dewing casting was present. “This company manages shows such as South Pacific, In The Heights, CATS and many more," Fiori said. "Last year, I was called back by another main national touring company, NETworks, to be considered for the Beauty and the Beast national tour. These touring companies do not begin casting until mid-May, so I will not be made aware of any final decisions for approximately two more months.”

On campus, Fiori has been involved in multiple productions through her collegiate career. Some of her roles include:

• Lady Macbeth in Macbeth
• Jenny in Company
• Shelby in The Spitfire Grill
• Narrator in Charlotte’s Web

"Though my plans for post-graduation are not set in stone yet, I am confident and excited about what lies ahead,' Fiori said. "Although I will be greatly saddened to leave SUNY Fredonia come May 12th, I know that I am prepared for the next chapter in my life. My journey through college has been one filled with a multitude of opportunities, each one seemingly greater than the last. I have tried to take advantage of everything this school has to offer, both on and off campus, to make the absolute most of my college career.