Gracey Lyerla
Performer - Writer - Nerd
NYC-based...
Dobbins Conservatory of Theater and Dance Alumni
Founding Member of A La Carte Writer's Workshop
About Me
Hi there! My name is Gracey and I’m so happy to see you here.
I’m from a little town called Cobden, Illinois. My love for performance began when I was in fourth grade and was cast in my school’s production of Annie, though I was writing my own plays to perform for my family way before that. Since then, I’ve been in many theatre productions. I also have experience on-camera and writing short films with my writing partner, Jackson Bradshaw.
Small-town life has taught me that there’s so much more world out there beyond my little corner of it. It also has given me a taste for adventure and experiencing new things. If my performance or story can reach out to those who come from my same beginnings, all my hard work will be worth it.
Upcoming Productions
A Dream For Amy
A Film by Julia St Pierre
Click the link to donate!

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Hap Birthda to my work wife 🎊🎉❤️ @gennabeeskneesButton
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Came here to say I miss @_anastasiajn_ and the next time she’s in NY couldn’t be sooner. Anastasia should move back soon.Button
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Headshots and Birthday! Keep looking for what makes life interesting, and what makes you happy. Isn’t that what all of this is for? Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday, making me feel very loved the last few days 🥰 (Headshots by @headshotsandpasta )Button
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Link is live in my Instagram bio! Come see our show! Only 20 seats available, so get them before it’s too late, we’ll only be here one night!Button
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One photo from every month of this year, with no particular significance. This year has been kind of all over the place for me. Just looking to live in precedented times. Thank you to those who contributed to this year.Button
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Work wife, who makes the stupid days tolerable, and every day otherwise so funButton
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Mac!!!!! That is all.Button
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Today was a good day ☺️ Also I don’t want anyone coming for me for decorations being up early. Let me have this joy lolButton
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Thank you so much @honeypokes for this beautiful tattoo! It’s everything I could’ve hoped for and more. #newtattooButton
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Don’t know what it is about October, but it’s always one of the peak months of the year 🍂🍁🍂🍁 #october #nyc #halloween #nyccButton
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Happy Halloween! One of our favorite holidays here at the museum. (Disclaimer, fake cigarette) #happyhalloween #halloweenButton
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That’s a wrap on our reading! Great job to the cast of this reading! @jacksonbradshawofficial can’t wait for the next step of this play #vampireprivilege 🧛♀️👻🩸 #newplayButton
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New play alert!!! About to have our first reading of this show on 10/16. More information to come about where to watch. Stay tuned! #vampireprivilegeButton
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August Vibes ❤️❤️Button
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Gone too soon 😢😢😢 Had a great weekend with Zoe and got to do all the touristy stuff that no one else will do with me lol. Can’t wait for the next visit!Button
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Fun long weekend! Went home to surprise my mom for her birthday! Got to see family and hang out in the pool. Can’t ask for anything more 😎Button
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AHHH this is why we love the fire escape bedroom Beautiful orange sunset sky after a little rain, and had to get a look at it before it disappeared. Tried to have a quick change in the middle before all the light was gone. Photos @jacksonbradshawofficialButton
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Can you film an entire short film in one day? Well this is the second one I’ve done, so I’d say so! Fun times with fun people yesterdayButton
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Sprung 🌷🌷🌷Button
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March 💚 #nycButton
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Good friend moments from this past week If I could summarize every day this week with emojis, it would look like: ☀️🎮🤬😬❤️🌳🍹 (Saturday hasn’t happened yet but we have a plan lol)Button
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December is here! Two days full of fun things with friends! And we’re not even halfway through yet lol. So much more left to celebrate, and I’m glad to have these ones here to do it with (These photos aren’t the extensive list, just all the pics I have lol)Button
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The only picture I took of my rat costume today. Happy Halloween, everyone! #halloween #nycratButton
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We had a pumpkin day at Governor’s Island! 🎃🎃🎃 The sun wiped me out though and I am ready for a nap 😴 #halloween #pumpkinpatchButton
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Kind of obsessed with this new photo app lately lol. We love the crunchy nostalgic filterButton
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My first solo Broadway experience! Impulse bought a ticket this morning and had a great time at this show. Got to see my fav Alex Brightman again, and, as always, he crushed it. He was so funny and an absolute delight to see perform. Without spoilers, there was a scene that hit very close to home to me as an actor, and made the whole play worth seeing. Colin Donnell and Ian Shaw were also great and for a moment made me forget that they weren’t the original actors from the film. Can’t wait to see more from them. Overall, I had a great time at this show. Well done! #sharkisbroken #sharkonbroadwayButton
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First year of NYC (2/2). This is by far not a comprehensive collection of memories to document my first year of living in NYC, but several are moments that I haven't yet had the chance to share. Year one has been an absolute blast. If you had asked me this time last year what all I would have seen or done in my first year, I don't think I could have imagined any of this. This year has been full of so much love and fun and new things. One down, so many more to go! #nycButton
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First year of NYC (1/2). This is by far not a comprehensive collection of memories to document my first year of living in NYC, but several are moments that I haven’t yet had the chance to share. Year one has been an absolute blast. If you had asked me this time last year what all I would have seen or done in my first year, I don’t think I could have imagined any of this. This year has been full of so much love and fun and new things. One down, so many more to go! #nycButton
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First day of school! Jk lol, but I did start at the new position as a supervisor at AMNH! And I also moved to a whole new apartment. So many new things this week lol. But I’m so very grateful for the events and people in my life who have gotten me to this point, and I’m excited for many more good and new things to come. Hey guys. Love you guys ❤️Button
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Okay, this post is a lot of catch up from the past two weeks, haha! First of all, I had an absolute blast last week as I went back to SEMO to attend the Lanford Wilson New Play Festival. I got to see old faces I haven’t seen in a while, and meet so many new ones! I even got to be in one of the staged readings and was on the winning team in new play trivia! Lanford is always the best and I left with some writing ideas that I’m currently cooking up. And this past week! We were in final dress and then the performance of Remembering Morgan at Playwrights Horizons. Officially had my off-Broadway premier as a stage manager! I could not have asked for a better cast and crew during this process and I’m still catching up from the performance yesterday. I’m just surrounded by reminders of why I love doing what I do and feel so encouraged to keep on it. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store. ❤️ #lanfordwilsonfest #rememberingmorgan @duafnycButton
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Remembering Morgan at Playwrights Horizon. This Friday June 9th. Link for tickets in bio.Button
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Broke my phone screen from rock skipping, but it’s a still a great day. #statenislandferry #touriststuffButton
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I knew I was walking in to a sad play, but why am I still sad lol. Pictures From Home has given me a lot to think about. About family, legacy, and my art. What all of these things mean to me and what I am to do with them. A very beautiful piece that Im glad to have seen. @picturesbway #picturesbwayButton
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Something pretty cool coming up in June! I’m very excited to be working on @anniebrwn ‘s piece “Remembering Morgan” with such a promising team. Check out @duafnyc ‘s page for more festival info, and keep checking back for updates! #duafnyc #rememberingmorganButton
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Yesterday was a good day ❤️ Got to do some fun work and also hang out with friends. Looking for more of this time.Button
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Absolutely blown away by this show. Came for the puppets and left with so much more. It was such a charming and beautiful story told by master storytellers. If you haven’t seen this yet, why haven’t you?? #lifeofpi #lifeofpibroadwayButton
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Just finished this great book! I had been waiting for months to finally be able to read this book, and I blasted through it in a week. It was a lot to process, but is inspiring to remember to treat people like people and advocate for the safety and well-being of our child actors, among other things. If you haven’t read this yet, please do! #imgladmymomdied #jeanettemccurdyButton
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No new content, so here’s an unshared one. Just trying to wake up and do my day. Photos by @photosby_.jacobButton
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A collection of sketches in my journal from work. 1. “I’m Freaking Out” by The Wrecks 2. Very minimal impression sketches of three characters from a play I’ve started. 3. The bedroom of two of those main characters. 4. The living room/kitchen area of same house 5. Myself in Bob’s Burgers style 6. (a) “I’m Freaking Out” by The Wrecks. It’s technically supposed to be a picture of Kanye West, but I liked the idea of bathroom gnome more. (b) “The Judge” by 21 Pilots 7. Some wizards concepts based on the new Harry Potter game 8. (a) random girl (b) “Make Me Happy” from 35MM 9. “Sober Up” by AJRButton
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In this episode of Doctor Who… These ones look like image stills from an episode just out of context, and I kind of love them for that Okay that’s the last Museum post I swear lol Photos by @photosby_.jacobButton
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Museum Day Pt 2/2. Cast me in Doctor Who plz lol Pictures by @photosby_.jacobButton
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Museum Day Pt 1/2. Pictures by @photosby_.jacobButton
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These kids took the big apple by storm! Thank you @54below for hosting a couple of cool cats this evening. @hearditfromabirdie #54below #hearditfromabirdieButton
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I tried to pick some of my favorite memories from this year, but this doesn’t do it nearly any justice. It’s a good problem to have, I guess! Thank you to everyone who helped make it. 2023, ready to kill it! #happynewyear #2023Button
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I’d just like to remind everyone how much I love this show. And how I appreciate Broadway lotteries existing. Thank you for your time. #beetlejuicebroadway #beetlejuicemusical #beetlejuicebway #netherworld #broadwayButton
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!Button
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Way, way overdue but here are a few pictures from The Romantic Movement by Emily Bohannon @emilyjb7 My first original new play to have worked on, and what an amazing experience! Shirley was a character that had so much of myself in her, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have brought her to life onstage. Set and Properties Design: Brandon M. Newton @newtonscenicdesigns Costume Design: Amber Marissa Cook @ambermarisacook Lighting Design: Christopher George Haug @cghaug Photos: Kenn Stilson #theromanticmovement #newplay #lanfordwilsonfest #lanfordwilsonnewplayfestival #semoButton
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Carried that sucker down 10 streets! My shoulders are now bruised lol #nycliving Video by @jacksonbradshawofficialButton
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I waited until the 2nd day of November like a decent person, haha. And yes, I am looking for little 2ft trees online right now, why do you ask? #muppetschristmascarol #christmascarolButton
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I’ve always wanted to keep a journal of some sort, just to have things to look back on fondly decades later. And I’ve had some pretty cool stuff happen this week. So I decided rather than forcing myself to find something to write about every day, I just write when I feel inspired or when something I’m excited for happens. I think it’s just a good way to dip my toes back in. Can’t wait to fill this up! #journaling #journalofcoolhappenings #coollifestuffButton
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First ever sightingButton
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Had some good light and good hair today, so decided to grab some pics outside. Also got photobombed by my upstairs neighbors shoes. 🤷🏻♀️ #newhair #nycButton
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Still getting used to the fact that the long hair is gone lol. Haircut curtesy of @julia.julia.hair Musical was “Showcase: The Musical” by @kevinrenn_ at @thegreenroom42 I was sick a couple weeks ago, and then I was busy, so sorry for the long gap #lookingforninjaturtles #day47 #tmnt #haircut #newmusicalButton
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Union Square park! #lookingforninjaturtles #day5 #nyc #tmntButton
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#lookingfortheninjaturtles #day1 #nycButton
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We did it! The big move to NYC! Week one down, and I had two great job things happen today. Here we go!Button
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This past week of apartment hunting was exhausting. But I got to see so much more of NYC, and I got to see my all-time favorite Broadway show for the first time! I actually cried when it started. We still have some work to do, but I can’t wait to come back. #beetlejuicebroadway #theplaythatgoeswrong #nycboundButton
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Ahh!! Had such a great time this past week at the 2022 Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival. While this isn’t a comprehensive post of my time this week, these are some of my highlights. I had the absolutely pleasure and honor to be in “Tough” by Margot Connolly. This play was my favorite one from all of the submissions I had read and I was so excited that it was included in the festival. The cast I got to work with was absolutely perfect, and we had great direction from Lonny Price. I could not have asked for a better combination of people to work with. I also got to compete in New Play Jeopardy, and team Annihilator swept by 30 points! That scholar bowl experience came in handy, haha! I aim to be back next year, but if not, I’m very thankful for the time I’ve had these past two summers. Thank you to everyone who helped this week go so great, and I can’t wait for more. #lanfordwilsonfestButton
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Had a great time in St Louis last night with my friends! It was such a cool experience to see #karatekidmusical in it’s pre-Broadway run. You could tell that every person in the audience was so excited to be there, and the show was an all-around great time. Can’t wait to see where this show goes! #thekaratekid #stagesstlouis #kirkwoodperformingartscenterButton
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Hey guys! I did it! Ready for the Big 🍎 #classof2022 #semoalumni #graduation #nycboundButton
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It’s heeeeeere!!! The Romantic Movement by Emily Bohannon opens April 27th! Set in the summer of 1967 at a Florida honors band camp, an ensemble group of teens and young adults navigate growing pains of life with the threat of war hanging over their heads. Our team has been working so hard these past few weeks and we’re so excited to share this new story with you! You can buy tickets now at the River Campus Box Office website, or in person at the box office in the Cultural Arts Center on River Campus. Be there or be square! #theromanticmovement #newplay #lanfordwilsonnewplayfestival #emilybohannonButton
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A highlight reel from my week in NYC. Can’t wait to go back 😉 #nyc #springbreak #seniorshowcase #classof2022Button
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Your NYC class of 2022 seniors. #actingisbelievingButton
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Tonight we had our premiere night for “Look Back”!!! It was so awesome to be able to hear an actual audience reaction! I’m so grateful to be able to have met, worked with, and become friends with these three goobs. Watch what these guys get up to, I’m sure it’ll be great. The other two films, “Druqks” and “Untitled Self Portrait” were fantastic and I’m so glad that were done justice by being viewed on the big screen. #lookback #druqks #untitledselfportrait #studentfilm #studentfilmsButton
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Which one is your fav?! Had a fantastic time a couple weeks ago taking some pictures with @kkayliedavis !! These are just a few of my favs. Kaylie, thank you so so much for these great photos! #photoshoot #newpics #headshots #photographyButton
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Here’s a dump of photos and videos from the last litter of puppies, all the way back in 2020. While in the middle of zoom classes and the world ending, it was nice to take care of these babies every day. Missing dog presence in my life atm (PS There are not currently any puppies available, and I do not have any information on a future litter.) #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverpuppy #goldenretrieversofinstagram #goldenretrieverpuppiesButton
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Stolen picture from @jacksonbradshawofficial Last night we had a zoom reading of The Romantic Movement and it was so much fun! I can’t wait for rehearsals to start! #lanfordwilson #lanfordwilsonnewplayfestival #theromanticmovementButton
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Did you all know that you can soon own your own copy of the 2021 Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival Short Plays collection??? They’ll be available for purchase on River Campus (I forget when officially but I’ll absolutely let you all know), but also at Barnes and Noble and on Amazon. We also put on these plays this past fall and they were awesome! They focus on roles that college-age students can play but also on roles that feature women, poc, queer, and other minority characters. I can’t wait to come back to the festival in June for its second year! (Also cool because I got to read for Ryan in the staged reading of Lawncare by Paul Vintner at the festival last summer!) #lanfordwilson #lanfordwilsonnewplayfestival #dobbinsconservatoryButton
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Oh my gosh! I had such a fun day today! There were many firsts: first time going to the Fox Theatre, first time seeing Cats: The Musical, and first time getting to meet Zach Bravo! It was such a good show and I’m so glad to have seen it. And thank you, Zach, for being so nice and friendly at the stage door. “The Rum Tug Tugger is a curious cat…and there’s no doing anything about it!” #catsthemusical #foxtheatre #thefabulousfoxButton
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Happy (late) Thanksgiving from some friends and family! Visiting with our pups made me realize how much I miss having them around. J’Nae is a cutie and I wanted to share a picture she made me take 😆😆. And my brother let me do some makeup on him! Lol, you can see that comedy skills run in the family. (And I can’t stand this kid being taller than me and have a deeper voice when he’s eight years younger, sheesh.) #goldenretriever #makeupclass #agemakeup #familytimeButton
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TW just in case… My first attempt at some gore makeup in class last Wednesday! I get scared putting on the latex and stuff, but then color pulls it all together is what I’m learning, haha! #fakeinjury #goremakeup #theatregoreButton
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Tonight I’ll be taking over @semo_dobbinsconservatory ‘s Instagram! Come see what all goes on backstage of You Can’t Take It With You with your very own local Assistant Stage Manager! Can’t wait to see you there!Button
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So we’re going to call it here now. Open this time capsule in 30 years and see how close I got. This was for an assignment in makeup class #agemakeup #timecapsule #30yearslater #2051 #theater #theatre #theatremakeupButton
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Hey, got it almost exactly on the anniversary of this show! Throwback to when I was a nun in The Three Musketeers…well, one of the nun looks (believe it or not, there was more than one). My favorite night was when @hey.thereshannah ran out only to slip and fall flat on her butt 😆 Photo credits: Kenn Stilson Director: Bart Williams Scenic and Lighting Design: Christopher Haug Costume Design: Amber Marissa Cook #thethreemusketeers #3m #kenludwig #dobbinsconservatory #jeaninelarsondobbinsconservatoryoftheatreanddance #nunsButton
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💥💥 Photo credits: @jacksonbradshawofficial @skinnyprius (and Mac was also present) #lookback #studentfilm #shortfilmButton
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Got something kinda cool in the works right now. Will post with more updates as soon as they’re available Photo creds @olivetree614 @jacksonbradshawofficial @mactheexperience @skinnyprius #shortfilm #studentfilm #lookbackButton
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Last week I had an amazing experience being an actor and participant of the inaugural year of the Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival! In that one week alone, I learned so much about the industry and the creation of new works, and it also reignited my inspiration to create. 10/10 would recommend and can’t wait for next year! Photo creds @maebaustert #lanfordwilson #lanfordwilsonfest #capegirardeau #junglejuiceButton
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It was time for some new headshots @arevalophotography #headshot #newheadshotButton
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Join us for our last showing of Caesar today at 2pm CST! Link for tickets in bio! Photo Creds: Mae Baustert Director: Bart Williams Lighting Design: Benji Arrigo Scenic Design: Brandon M. Newton Costume Design: Amber Marissa Cook, Cate Croghan #juliuscaesar #caesar #shakespeare #semo #rivercampus #jeaninelarsondobbinsconservatoryoftheatreanddanceButton
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What is distressing me in this picture??? Catch Julius Caesar at the end of the month to find out! Let me know down in the comments if you plan on seeing the show. Tickets to see it in-person are sold out, but you can still stream it! Click the link in my bio to get your tickets! Photo credits to @maebaustert Also check the nice @cloakbrand shirt I’m wearing! I love their clothes! #juliuscaesar #shakespeare #shakespearejuliuscaesar #theatre #rehearsal #dobbinsconservatory #jeaninelarsondobbinsconservatoryoftheatreanddanceButton
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Hey everyone! Check out our poster for Julius Caesar! I’m very excited to be a part of the Dobbins Conservatory’s production of Julius Caesar! I’ll be playing the role of Metella Cymber. Show dates are on the post. The show will be available to see live (with a socially distanced audience, but tickets are going QUICK so get them now or miss your chance!) or watch on stream! Just google “SEMO river campus Julius Caesar tickets” and you’ll find where you can buy tickets. See you there! #juliuscaesar #shakespeare #shakespearejuliuscaesar #semorivercampus #dobbinsconservatory #jeaninelarsondobbinsconservatoryoftheatreanddance #theatreButton
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I had a pretty fun day yesterday! Met an actor I look up to for the second time, went to the pool with some friends, and then bought my first alcoholic drink at Applebee’s (and then my gift card didn’t work 😞 lol). Thank you everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I read every message and appreciate it all. I’ve had a birthday I’ll never forget! #21stbirthday #alexbrightman #applebees #funwithfriendsButton
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This is the most snow I’ve seen in like 7 years 🥶❄️🤪 #snowday #mississippiriver #capegirardeau #snow #winterstorm #winter #semo #rivercampusButton
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The shenanigans are back in business. This time: being a Power Ranger in the snow and a dead body in the student office. Happy First week of classes everyone! #stagecombat #quarterstaff #quarterstafffight #deadbody #studentworker #college #shennanigans #snowdayButton
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Some golden sibling appreciation #goldenretriever #brotherandsister #siblings #cutedogsButton
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(Funny blooper from private voice juries) I miss my friends already #mygrandplan #thelightningthief #finals #blooper #winterbreakButton
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My first Thanksgiving where I wasn’t able to quite celebrate with family like usual. I did get to visit family today (they actually made the meal lol), and I got to have a whole fun and fulfilling day with some of my school family. It was the best I could’ve asked for for this year. Thank you guys @yul_andre @diamonsym #thanksgiving2020 #thanksgiving #friendsgivingButton
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Which one should I use for these auditions? Photo creds @yul_andre #headshot #resume #headshotButton
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@average.gryffindor and I’s fight from yesterday. Stage combat has me missing Three Musketeers a lot. Commentary by @sqwilson_ #stagecombat #broadsword #college #theatrekids #swordfightButton
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A good selfie from the other day #selfie #overcast #goodlighting #nofilter #rivercampus #dobbinsButton
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Just some pupper ‘preciation #piper #tucker #ruth #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverpuppy #goldens #dogsofinstagram #goldenfamilyButton
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Glad everything’s back to its normal level of crackhead #college #collegelife #clapping #hairdryer #confusionButton
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(Couple days late) Very awesome pre-opening gift from our guest lighting designer, Dean! I now have my own wrench! And I know how to adjust source 4 stage lights now. So now I have my own wrench to adjust with! Lol, thank you Dean #theatre #bringiton #jeaninelarsondobbinsconservatoryoftheatreanddance #summerstock #summerartsfestival #wrench #spotlightopButton
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Extreme Fanning: Scene Shop Edition #bringiton #jeaninelarsondobbinsconservatoryoftheatreanddance #summershow #crew #extremefanningButton
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Little sis *finally* got to graduate yesterday. Good luck at big school, sis! Love you! @lauren.lyerla #classof2020 #cobden #cobdenappleknockers #appleknockerprideButton
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Don’t mind me, just trying to recreate Lion King with baby Ruth #disney #lionking #circleoflife #goldenretriever #puppy #goldenretrieverpuppy #ruth #ruthie #babyruthButton
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Wishing everyone a Happy Father’s Day! #fathersday #happyfathersdayButton
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Some summer reading. A Doll’s House by Ibsen is on the way, should be here tomorrow Anyone have any suggestions of must-reads? #tribesninaraine #tribes #ninaraine #theboysnextdoor #tomgriffin #allmysons #arthurmiller #thepillowman #martinmcdonaghButton
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These 10 pics do no justice to the year I’ve had. I tried to kind of work in reverse order, and I promise it’s more interesting as it goes along. I tried to post some that I haven’t shown on insta before. This year has offered so much growth for me. I’m so happy with all of the change and opportunity and work that has come into my life. I’ve been able to make so many good memories, all of it starting with what I call “Musketeer Boot Camp” the week before the fall semester began. I started last year going into my second main stage show at SEMO, and ended it in my room in my BFA review. I’m so thankful for this year and I’m even more excited for this next one to start. See you guys then! - - - #endoftheyear #semo #semostudent #bfaacting #bfaactingstudent #actingstudent #collegelife #metamorphoses #thethreemusketeers #zoom #zoomclass #coronacation #dannydevito #shrekthemusical #aerial #trapezeButton
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Puppies got their first bath last night! They didn’t know what to think lol. Except for Mint, he just wanted to chew up an unfamiliar towel, haha. #puppies #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverpuppy #goldenretrieverpuppiesButton