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Introducing the 2024-2025 New York Academy Company

It is with much honor that we introduce this year’s New York Academy Company and anticipate this full season of moving performances from the newest generation of dedicated and powerful actors.

Barbara Rubin Company Director

Led by Barbara Rubin, director, acting and dialect coach, The Academy Company performs a wide range of plays from classical to contemporary, which are performed before an invited audience of Academy guests, agents, casting directors and other industry professionals.

2024-2025 New York Company Members

Aaron Going

(he/him) Billings, Montana

Like the great Glen Campbell, Aaron is a "Rhinestone Cowboy". Born and buttered in Billings, MT, one of Aaron's earliest performances was dressed as a tiny cowpoke, singing "My Home is Montana". Bit young by the acting bug, Aaron has played various roles including leads in Shrek the Musical, Rumors, and even Baby Jesus in the Nativity story. Since leaving Montana, Aaron has found a second home here in New York City. His Academy credits include Iago in Othello and Lumpkin in SMASH. In his free time, he enjoys tennis, archery, axe-throwing, and kayaking. Aaron is grateful for the ever-present support of God, his family, and his friends and faculty here at The Academy!

Alexandra Byrne

(she/her) Leicester, United Kingdom

Alexandra Byrne is a British-American actor based in New York City. She discovered her love of acting through the joy she had performing her own plays for her parents as a child, although she had to force her brother and sister to act alongside her. She honed her craft at the Young Actors Theatre Islington (YATI) before pursuing advanced training at The Academy. Alexandra is dedicated to delving deeply into her characters, embracing their psyches, and reflecting societal nuances with authenticity and insight. She expresses colossal gratitude to her family and friends for their unwavering support. She is excited to begin her Company year and grow as an artist and individual.

Alison Zhang

(she/her) Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand - you’re probably thinking Lord of the Rings, the All Blacks and the sheep grazing grass among the beautiful scenery. On a peaceful Tuesday while Alison was a freshman studying for her bachelor's degree in business, she was offered a role in a Pizza Hut commercial. That one moment revved her journey as an actor. She took classes at various studios until her senior year and was accepted into the Auckland Theatre Company. Upon graduating with her Bachelor’s, Alison landed at The Academy with three navy suitcases, determined to develop herself as an artist. She awaits the next time you think of New Zealand, when the name Alison Zhang will pop into the list of Aotearoa’s wonders.

Austin Lightning Carrothers

(he/him) Red Hook, New York

An actor and musician, Austin Lightning Carrothers was born and raised in the Hudson Valley. He found great joy in studying philosophy and English literature at SUNY New Paltz. For ten years, he managed a farm where he also honed his carpentry skills. Austin discovered the joy of acting, finding a similar sense of fulfilment in exploring a character’s life as he found in studying philosophy and playing team sports. This path led him to theatre back home, befriending inspirational colleagues, and to the establishment of Troupe Enigma, a community theatre. This unwavering support gave Austin the push to enroll at The Academy. A few of his favorite explorations include: Oscar Wilde in Gross Indecency, Clifford in Deathtrap, Max in Lend Me a Tenor, Sergius in Arms and the Man, and Sydney in SMASH. Austin is grateful for the craft of acting, as it allows him to collaborate with individuals dedicated to telling stories that reflect and explore the variety of human experience.

Autumn McCree

(she/her) Dunwoody, Georgia

Autumn McCree was born in Atlanta, GA and has spent her life spread throughout the East Coast of the United States. Her passion for theater started on the page. A natural bibliophile, Autumn found the root of life within books and would go to the movies to see the manifestations of her imagination she had reading. She would spend hours after watching films researching all the love placed in each project. This search led to her journey at The Academy and to the New York Company. With each character she is entrusted to play, her love of the process grows, and it is an honor to tell each story. When not in the theater, Autumn can be found writing poetry, leading a self-love seminar, or singing a song placed in her heart.

Bonnie Voyce

(she/her) Casa Grande, Arizona

Bonnie grew up in a family of performers, and from the minute she was born, she fit right in. As a little girl, she would spend her free time at her community theater participating in every way she could, but in middle school, she realized she was hungry for more. At this time, she enrolled at a performing arts high school and began studying voice professionally with Craig Bohmler. After graduating high school, she participated in a one-week musical theater intensive at Open Jar. Being a member of The Academy Company has been a lifelong dream of Bonnie's, since she grew up hearing her father's stories of growth, community, and joy from his own days as a Company member 40 years ago. Bonnie would like to thank her family and friends back home for their never-ending support and love. Academy credits include Duke in Measure for Measure, and Grandma in Revolt. She said. Revolt again.

Caydence Aug

(she/her) Cedar Park, Texas

Caydence Aug, born and raised in Austin, Texas, has been determined to be a member of this Company since she was 13 years old. Caydence has a deep love for uncovering the specific complexities of human relationships, which is a great part of what drives her immense passion for acting. She also has a keen appreciation for Shakespeare. Some of her Academy credits include Prince Hal from Henry IV Part 1, and Danielle from Status Quo. In her spare time, she enjoys playing her guitar and exploring new places. Caydence is the oldest of four children: one brother is two years younger and two baby sisters are both under three. She loves them so much and is inspired to do her best every day in hopes of showing them how dreams can be tangible if you work hard and love harder.

Christina Gove

(she/her) Cumberland, Maine

Never for a second did Christina question her childhood dreams of pursuing a life in live performance. Growing up, she could be found crafting skits with her brother at the dinner table, taking dance classes after school, or singing her heart out whenever she had the chance. It was not until she enrolled in a theater camp at age 9 that she found an outlet for all three of her creative passions: musical theater! Her career has since led her to perform in many devised, school-related, and community theater productions, in addition to theatrical directing, vocal performance, visual art, and other creative endeavors. Her Academy credits include Bishop of Ely/Mistress Quickly/MacMorris/Alice in Henry V and CB’s Sister in Dog Sees God. She would like to thank her friends, family, and the Academy Company for their infinite love; and her younger self, for never letting go of her dreams.

Claudia Mayo

(she/her) Sydney, Australia

Born to be a rock star with her first single - written at the age of five and performed atop the dining room table - Claudia soon realized that she was destined for the stage, but not in the way she thought. While studying acting in New York, Claudia truly found herself; her passion for the craft grew stronger while at the Academy. She would like to thank all her teachers that guided and supported her while on this journey. One of Claudia’s favorite roles is Henrietta from SMASH, by Jeffery Hatcher. While working on this play, she discovered this quote. “If you want to teach an audience a lesson, you'd better make them laugh, or they'll kill you.” Claudia carries this with her every day.

Dee Slavin

(she/they) Denver, Colorado

Growing up in Denver, Dee discovered acting at an early age. They were fortunate enough to be constantly immersed in the arts through visual arts classes and attending a performing arts high school for theatre. Dee is always looking for ways to creatively express herself and to help others do the same. They are passionate about arts education and treasure the time they spent as a teacher’s assistant and assistant director for a children’s theatre company back in Colorado. She is incredibly grateful to be able to further her education at The Academy this next year. Their Academy credits include Mrs. Arbuthnot in A Woman of No Importance and Clover in Animal Farm. Other credits include Katherine in Taming of the Shrew, a Swing in The Serpent, and Hero in Much Ado About Nothing.

Ellie Peterson

(she/her) Boonsboro, Maryland

Born in Kansas, Ellie lived half her life in Maryland but never doubted that NYC was where she would end up. She fell in love with acting as a little girl but moved away from it to try other passions. After trying every sport imaginable, the acting community pulled her back in - and she hasn't looked back since. Her Academy credits include Chorus/Montjoy in Henry V and #11 in The Wolves. She would like to thank her family and friends, especially her parents who support her endlessly, and her twin sister, the light of her life.

Emily Rosen

(she/her) Fort Collins, Colorado

Emily is an actor, singer, and songwriter born and raised in the mountains of Colorado. As a child, she started out taking jazz dance and playing guitar, before finding her home in the theatre. Her artistic expression is infused with a deep love of nature, and a desire to bring peace and healing through storytelling. She moved to New York to attend The Academy and had the honor of being the student representative speaker at her graduation. Academy credits include Katherine in Radium Girls and Myra in Hay Fever. She carries her father’s wisdom with her always: “Allow life to wash over you like a river.”

Eva Kottakis

(she/her) Buffalo, New York

An avid novel reader, Eva grew up surrounded by stories. But her true storytelling passion was acting, though she feared it was an unattainable fantasy like the ones she read. This led her to explore various interests such as writing and martial arts, but after performing in several shows, the call to acting was too great and she committed fully to the craft. During this process, she found The Academy and immediately knew it was her place. Each day that she is privileged enough to do the work she loves, she remembers that little girl who had big dreams who now gets to learn more about herself and the world. Academy credits include Antigone in Antigonick and Hotspur in Henry IV Part I.

Gaya Matican-Bock

(she/her) Melbourne Beach, Florida

Gaya Matican-Bock, born and raised in Melbourne Beach, Florida, has been acting since she was four years old. Some of her favorite roles include #7 in The Wolves, Chava in Fiddler on the Roof, and Elizabeth in Laundry and Bourbon. You can spot her soon on streaming, in 1300 Miles to Broadway, directed by Kenny Ortega and starring Kristin Chenoweth. Gaya is eternally grateful for all the opportunities that she has earned and to be in such an amazing city, performing alongside extremely hard working and talented individuals. She would personally like to thank all her teachers at The Academy for their tough love and endless support over the last two years, as well as Barbara for welcoming her and her fellow Company castmates into such a fruitful program.

Isabel Jaramillo

(she/her) Quito, Ecuador

Isabel was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador – yet, she always had a sense that New York City was her home and the performing arts were her passion. From a young age, she began singing in her school choir, and discovered that she had a knack for various accents. She perfected her English by watching movies. Films have always been an inspiration and a symbol of hope for her, and she believes in the power of storytelling. After graduating with high honors from university and briefly working in advertising, Isabel pursued her passion for acting and enrolled at The Academy. She is grateful to be able to do what she loves every day in NYC. Some of her Academy credits include Sorel in Hay Fever and Agatha in SMASH. She is excited to embark on this journey with her fellow Academy Company members.

Isabel Van Wagner

(she/her) Ewing, New Jersey

Isabel's favorite game growing up was playing pretend. When she learned being an actor meant getting to play pretend forever, she knew she'd found her calling. She first came to the stage through dance, finding inspiration in the voiceless expression it allowed her. Expanding that expression, Isabel took up vocal training and attended various theater camps to find that her world was in harmony when experienced through all three mediums. Nothing has ever felt more at home to Isabel than being on stage, sharing her art with any and all willing listeners. She is thrilled to spend this year, with her Company peers, playing her favorite game of pretend. Isabel thanks her family for always supporting her drive for the arts and her friends for being her greatest cheerleaders!

Jaden Cavalleri

(he/they) Lisbon, Portugal

Born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, Jaden grew up with a passion and inherent instinct for play. He spent his childhood watching movies like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Cinderella, and all Pixar-related films, which sparked his love for storytelling. Jaden attended a performing arts high school, where he made his debut as a playwright and director with the play 3 Perfeitos Desconhecidos in June 2022 at the Teatroesfera, a theatre company in Lisbon. Driven by love, hope, empathy, and understanding, Jaden moved to New York City right out of high school to pursue his dreams. Alone in a strange country, his motto became, "Face fear, and walk right through it." Some of his notable credits include playing the King of France and Fluellen in Henry V, and Doctor Professor in The Creature. He is thankful every day to be doing what he loves and is grateful to everyone who supports him, especially his amazing parents.

John Jiang

(he/him) Asku, China

Born and raised in Xinjiang, China, John has always been interested in public speaking and comedy sketches. At 15, he attended Cheshire Academy in Connecticut and found his passion for the stage. John got his BA from Union College, where he acted in over a dozen productions. Since coming to The Academy, John has taken on roles such as Lord Illingworth in A Woman of No Importance and Matt in Dog Sees God. He is extremely excited to see what Company has in store for him, and he would love to thank his family and friends for their incredible help and support!

Jose L. Hernandez

(he/him) Waterbury, Connecticut

Jose’s passion for acting started when he moved for the 7^th time to the town of Waterbury, Connecticut. There, he met Kevin Collins, an English teacher and Director for the Waterbury Curtain Players. Being an energetic youth, Jose’s primary focus was on sports such as football, mixed martial arts and pole vaulting for track & field. Mr. Collins mentored Jose and introduced him to an entirely new form of expression through improv and play readings. Knowing Jose was about to move to a new town once again, Mr. Collins asked Jose to promise that he’d continue to pursue acting. Jose began participating in community theater but soon joined the U.S. Navy to have an opportunity to go to an acting school after his contract. Now living the dream at The Academy, Jose continues to grow his craft with his newfound community. He would like to thank his mother for dealing with him for all these years!

Kaitlyn Scott

(she/her) Vero Beach, Florida

Born and raised on the gorgeous beaches of Vero Beach and Orchid Island, Florida, Kaitlyn has always had a strong pull towards adventure. She went to a performing and visual arts high school, where her love for acting originally blossomed. She felt at home in a place where she could constantly play and explore - and knew she couldn’t give it up. Kaitlyn is honored and eager to continue to develop her craft in The Academy Company, and to bring herself fully into what it means to share this craft with others.

Kass Everly

(they/them) Grafton, West Virginia

Kass grew up in West Virginia with a fascination for the arts and its many forms. From a young age, they were a member of their school choir where they were introduced to pieces from musicals like Wicked. Ever since, the love of choir has combined with their love of storytelling and has driven them into acting alongside singing. After performing The Great Denver Railroad Scam at the International Mother’s Day Shrine, volunteering as a background extra for a locally filmed movie with Dean Cain, and several high school shows, Kass knew acting was going to be their career. Academy credits include Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Alma MacNeil/Sob Sister/ Mrs. Fryer and others in Radium Girls. Back at home, Kass can sometimes be found fostering cats and drawing in their free time.

Lena Mikorey

(she/her) Munich, Germany

Lena is an actress from Munich, Germany. She has always had a love for stories and storytelling, whether they were written centuries ago or experienced on the subway. Stories are our human commonality, and acting is the privilege to depict and experience them. She studied media with film and creative writing at Goldsmiths University in London, where she was also VP for the Acting Society. After years of thinking ‘Why would I become an actress?’ she switched her thinking to ‘Why wouldn’t I?’ Some favorite roles include Catherine in Henry V, Nina in The Seagull, Beth in A Lie of The Mind and Evelyn in The Shape of Things. Lena is incredibly grateful for the wisdom and guidance of everyone at The Academy and excited to continue giving life to stories in Company.

Luna Vinter

(she/her) Eskisehir, Turkey

After reading too many YA/fantasy/romance novels, watching way too many sci-fi movies and daydreaming an unhealthy amount about being in those stories she read and watched, this legally blind, lion-hearted Turkish girl dropped out of her psychology PhD program and moved to America to pursue an acting career. It would be accurate to say that Luna knew nearly nothing about acting and fell in love with the craft only during her conservatory training at The Academy, seeing how much presence and authenticity her training brought to her life on and off-stage. Her credits include Joan Helford in Time and the Conways, and M. Curie/Mrs. Reoder/Ensemble in Radium Girls. Outside Company, you can catch her (if you can) browsing the second-hand stacks of the Strand Bookstore, composing the soundtrack of her life on the piano, dancing salsa through the night and still, daydreaming…

Martina Demaio

(she/her) Buenos Aires, Argentina

Born and raised into a family of six, with both Latin and European heritage, Martina has always had to fight to be heard. Literally. Her journey started off in her kitchen in Buenos Aires, putting on shows for her siblings. This is where she found her love for performing. Martina has studied acting in various forms from the age of eight, deepening her love for the arts as the years go by. Being from a loving family that travels the world every year, she has been exposed to many walks of life. Martina’s goal is to be the voice for those who struggle to find their own, encouraging the importance of peace within oneself.

Micquel Pereira

(he/him) London, United Kingdom

Born to an Indian father and Guyanese-Jamaican mother in South London's Croydon, Micquel surprised his family when, at the age of 13, he told them he wanted to be an actor. He shocked no one more than his mum who asked, "What you going to do? Make silent movies? You don't talk." Some years later he went on to train at The BRIT School, Mountview, and Identity School of Acting, all in London, before making his way over to New York to The Academy. He wants to thank his hardworking and supportive mother, supportive sisters, and above all God, without whom none of this would be possible.

Swasti Maharaj

(she/her) Trinidad and Tobago

Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Swasti’s love for acting only grew from her passion for the performing arts which she was exposed to at a young age in her country. Swasti was smitten. She joined the choir and dance group, and as part of the drama curriculum at SWAHA Hindu College, she began acting and writing plays. She knew what she wanted to do: she wanted to perform, she wanted to inspire. Seeing her passion for acting, her parents made the greatest sacrifice by selling the family’s home so Swasti could accomplish her dream. Without the love, support and sacrifice of her family and friends from home, she could not have been here. Some of Swasti’s Academy credits include Connie in Dance Nation and Escalus/Mariana in Measure for Measure.

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Introducing the 2024-2025 New York Academy Company

2024-2025 New York Company Members

Aaron Going

Alexandra Byrne

Alison Zhang

Austin Lightning Carrothers

Autumn McCree

Bonnie Voyce

Caydence Aug

Christina Gove

Claudia Mayo

Dee Slavin

Ellie Peterson

Emily Rosen

Eva Kottakis

Gaya Matican-Bock

Isabel Jaramillo

Isabel Van Wagner

Jaden Cavalleri

John Jiang

Jose L. Hernandez

Kaitlyn Scott

Kass Everly

Lena Mikorey

Luna Vinter

Martina Demaio

Micquel Pereira

Swasti Maharaj

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