Northwestern MFA Acting

Meet Ciclady Rodriguez (she/her) — Born in Jalisco, Mexico, and raised in Fairfield, CA, Ciclady lived in Los Angeles before moving to Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, completed a PPIA Fellowship at Princeton, and received an actor’s certificate from the Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy.

“I’m most excited because, for the first time in my life, I get to fully immerse myself in the arts alongside peers who share the same passion.”

When she moved to the U.S. without speaking the language, music, dance, and theatre became her way to communicate. Making up routines and plays with neighborhood kids showed her that imagination could be a refuge — and that she wanted to “play pretend forever.”

🎭See Ciclady and her cohort take the stage at the Wirtz Center Summer Season 2026 — stay tuned for details!✨

Meet Anthony Kairouz (he/him) — Born in Laguna Hills, California, Anthony earned his BFA in Musical Theater from Molloy University’s CAP21 Program before joining the Northwestern MFA Acting cohort.

“I’m most excited to dive deeper into who I am as an artist and expand the way I approach my craft.”

Anthony credits Harry Potter for sparking his love of storytelling: “I wanted to be a wizard like him… and I found my own special magic, which was acting.”

When he’s not in class or rehearsal, you might catch him dancing — his cohort kicked off acting class with an unforgettable dance party that quickly became a favorite moment.

“Being part of this community feels like joining a family of talented artists who support one another and share high ambitions for their craft. I love it.”

🎭See Anthony and his cohort take the stage at the Wirtz Center Summer Season 2026 — stay tuned for details!✨

Meet DeAnte’ Dennis Jr. (he/him) — Born in Denver, CO, DeAnte’ earned his BA in Film and Media Studies from Colorado College before stepping into Northwestern’s MFA Acting program.

“I’m most excited about deepening my craft, expanding my artistry, and learning from some of the best.”

DeAnte’ discovered his love for acting in high school. He’d always been in awe of the actors he saw in movies, and an amazing teacher encouraged him to pursue the path in college. Studying film is when he truly realized he wanted a career in theatre and storytelling.

He loves being in class with his peers so much that it’s hard to pick a single moment: “just about every day is an adventure.”

“Being part of this community is such an honor and a privilege. I’m surrounded by brilliant artists who challenge me to be my best every day.”

🎭See DeAnte’ and his cohort take the stage at the Wirtz Center Summer Season 2026 — stay tuned for details!✨

Meet Carlos Oliviera Sanchez (he/him) — From Central California, Carlos earned his BA in Acting from Fresno State University before joining the Northwestern MFA Acting cohort.

“I’m most excited to explore the different approaches and acting techniques so I can develop my own unique approach; a tapestry of methods that best work for me.”

Carlos credits telenovelas for sparking his love of storytelling: “Watching Rubi with my mom was above homework most nights.” Acting drew him in through the idea of connecting with a room full of strangers through a single shared story.

There are hundreds of favorite moments with his cohort each day.

“I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a group of uber talented, kind humans who inspire me to bring my full self to the work.”

🎭See Carlos and his cohort take the stage at the Wirtz Center Summer Season 2026 — stay tuned for details!✨

Meet Peach Balajadia (she/her) — Born in the Philippines and came from California before moving to Chicago, Peach earned her undergraduate degree in theatre from California State University San Marcos.

“I’m most excited to explore the exhilarating middle space between who I think I am and who the work demands I become.”

She’s loved the moments when her cohort gathers to debrief after class; honest conversations that make her feel grounded, connected, and reminded that they’re all experiencing this process together.

“Do it ugly. Don’t let the fear of looking ugly in the process keep you from growing.”

🎭See Peach and her cohort take the stage at the Wirtz Center Summer Season 2026 — stay tuned for details!✨

Meet Roberto Méndez (he/they) — Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 and raised in Atlanta, GA 🍑 Roberto earned his BFA in Acting from Columbus State University in 2021.

“I’m most excited to continue sharpening my point of view alongside the brilliant artists this program has assembled.”

Roberto credits their Latino family for instilling a love of community, connection and storytelling.✨

“This opportunity to learn, grow, fail, and create, as artists and humans in community, is incredibly inspiring, and gets me up every day ready to play!” ❤️

🎭See Roberto and their cohort take the stage at the Wirtz Center Summer Season 2026 — stay tuned for details!💃🏻

Meet Tyler James Murphy (he/him) — Born and raised in Clovis, CA, Tyler earned his undergraduate degree from Fresno State before beginning his training at Northwestern.

“I’m most excited to explore myself as an artist and how to use my personality and life experience to influence my acting.”

Tyler discovered his love of storytelling early on, but in the past few years he’s realized he sees acting as an act of service: “I love the idea that I can do that through acting.”

When he’s not in class or rehearsal, you can find him biking through the city, watching the sun reflect off the buildings as he rides.

“Being part of this MFA community feels like a green light for exploration — a space where we can push ourselves, tear down mental blocks, and openly be our fullest selves.”

🎭See Tyler and his cohort take the stage at the Wirtz Center Summer Season 2026 — stay tuned for details!✨

Meet Gillian O’Daniel (she/her) — Raised in Columbus, Ohio, Gillian spent the last few years in Oklahoma City after earning her BM in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University 🤠🎶

“I’m excited to step outside of my comfort zone and deepen my artistry through this training.”

Gillian’s first interest in performance sprouted from the joy of making her peers laugh at school. As a teenager, she found her way to the stage: “I love that theatre invites us forget about our differences for an hour or two.”

Returning to her Midwestern roots has been a delight. Before classes even began, her cohort joined her in celebrating her first birthday in the city — a warm welcome that instantly made Chicago feel like home! 🎉

“Being part of this MFA Acting program feels like a dream come true. This is a special opportunity to focus solely on my craft, surrounded by amazing classmates and professors.”

🎭 See Gillian and her cohort take the stage at the Wirtz Center Summer Season 2026 — stay tuned for details! ✨

💫 Meet Naijah Simon (she/her) — After graduating from her performing arts 6-12, Naijah was hesitant to pursue acting as a career, choosing instead to move abroad and study Social Research & Public Policy at NYU Abu Dhabi ✈️

One can only run from the truth for so long, however — after graduation, she found herself back in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, taking acting classes and eyeing the URTA website 👀

Storytelling was Naijah’s life raft as a child 🛟 : “I was a lonely kid, and probably overidentified with the characters in my books — they gave me an outlet for emotions I otherwise had no idea what to do with. Then and now, I feel the most whole when I’m interpreting others—I just have a lot more fun with it now!” 🤸🏽‍♀️✨

She reflects on her newfound companions undertaking the same journey: “Each day, my cohort teaches me what it looks like to act with courage, generosity, and the fullness of themselves. They inspire me to dig deeper to enrich them in return.” 💌

🎭See Naijah and her cohort take the stage at the Wirtz Center Summer Season 2026 — stay tuned for details!✨

💫 Meet Naijah Simon (she/her) — After graduating from her performing arts 6-12, Naijah was hesitant to pursue acting as a career, choosing instead to move abroad and study Social Research & Public Policy at NYU Abu Dhabi ✈️

One can only run from the truth for so long, however 👀 After graduation, she found herself back in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, taking acting classes and eyeing the URTA website.

🛟Storytelling was Naijah’s life raft as a child: “I was a lonely kid, and probably overidentified with the characters in my books — they gave me an outlet for emotions I otherwise had no idea what to do with. Then and now, I feel the most whole when I’m interpreting others—I just have a lot more fun with it now!” 🤸🏽‍♀️✨

INSERT ANY INTRO PHRASE: “Each day, my cohort teaches me what it looks like to act with courage, generosity, and the fullness of themselves. They inspire me to dig deeper to enrich them in return.” 💌

🎭See Naijah and her cohort take the stage at the Wirtz Center Summer Season 2026 — stay tuned for details!✨

✨ Meet Darren Shin (he/him) ♒️  — Born in Ft. Walton Beach, FL and raised in Princeton Junction, NJ, Darren has spent the past decade in Los Angeles after earning his BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory.

⚡️“I’m most excited to explore all the fractals of my inner artistry over the next two years!”

Darren credits his grandmother for sparking his love of storytelling: 💕  “She took me to Broadway shows at an early age and introduced me to the magic of old MGM movie musicals.”

☀️🌴🧘🏽‍♂️ When he’s not in class or rehearsal, you can find him soaking in the beach during the summer, traveling, or practicing yoga .

“The MFA Acting program at NU is so new, and I’m honored to be part of the beginnings of a larger legacy here at Northwestern.”

🎭 See Darren and his cohort take the stage at the Wirtz Center Summer Season 2026. ✨ Follow his journey on all socials and darrenshin.com