Meet our UCF Graduate Students

Post created by Thea Tinawin

Photo of UCF TYA grads and OFS staff training together on how to support Neurodiverse Learners.

Meet the first-year students in UCF’s MFA Theatre For Young Audiences program!

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of Orlando Family Stage’s most valuable and unique partners. Theatre UCF and Orlando Family Stage (OFS) work together to guide students pursuing an Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre For Young Audiences (TYA),  with UCF giving them academic instruction and OFS providing professional experience. Every two years, new students are recruited for the program. This year, we are excited to welcome our next cohort of MFA TYA grad students! Meet them below:

 

Ryan Arnold

What made you want to apply for the program?

My mentor actually convinced me to apply for the program. He said that I have a unique perspective that youth theater needs.

What are you most excited for?

I am most excited to work more with puppetry at OFS.

What are you currently working on at OFS?

I am currently assistant directing for the Youth Academy production of the Wizard of Oz Youth Edition.

Camille Blaydes

What made you want to apply for the program?

I applied to this program because I am a teacher who wants to study how Arts Integration can be used in the STEM curriculum. This program will help me explore new ways to enhance the curriculum. 

What are you most excited for?

I am looking forward to working with the OFS for my Arts Integration research. I’m excited to learn about playwriting so I can develop my own educational works.

What are you currently working on at OFS?

I am currently stage managing for the OFS Teen Perspectives Lab: Enough! Plays to End Gun Violence.

Kaila Cohen

What made you want to apply for the program?

I was looking for something that would combine my passions in directing, teaching, and dramaturgy. I love how this program values both academic and practical work as I learn more about theatre and myself.

What are you most excited for?

So many things! I’m truly just looking forward to doing more of what I love and taking that to a higher, professional level. Having the opportunity to learn and create among people who share a deep passion for theatre is really amazing.

What are you currently working on at OFS?

I’m currently co-directing Alice in Wonderland: The Jukebox Puppet Musical in partnership with Running Man Theatre Company at OCA!

Leah O’Hanlon

What made you want to apply for the program?

I was really inspired after I was given the opportunity in undergrad to work in children’s hospitals in a theatre setting. The joy it brought the kids really lit up my life.

What are you most excited for?

I’m excited to have so many new experiences, in theater and in life!

What are you currently working on at OFS?

Currently I’m working with marketing and development! Theatre doesn’t just run on performances!

Joseph Slater

What made you want to apply for the program?

After taking Theatre History with an outstanding professor, I’ve discovered how essential it is to not only teach students, but inspire them to make change. I want to help the next generation grow into something they can be proud of. Not through ordinary lectures, but through engaging courses that explore their interests.

What are you most excited for?

I am most excited to gain experience in this field. While I have plenty of experience with dramaturgy, I lack teaching experience. 

What are you currently working on at OFS?

I’m currently working in the Box Office, and I will also be co-facilitating a class in the Youth Academy. I have also been working on creating some lesson proposals so I can work with students in a classroom setting.

Thea Tinawin

What made you want to apply for the program?

I have been working with children in both arts and non-arts settings since I was in middle school! When I came across the MFA TYA program, it seemed like a great opportunity for me to combine my passions for theatre and working with youth.

What are you most excited for?

I am most excited to continue inspiring the next and future generations! I am also excited to explore how mental health intersects with theatre for youth.

What are you currently working on at OFS?

I am currently serving as an assistant for the education department (which includes writing this post)! I am also going to be co-facilitating Story Drama: Snoopy and Woodstock’s Adventures! In addition to my normal roles at OFS, I will be presenting at the FATE Conference to represent OFS’s Mind Matters program and facilitating a Story Drama at WUCF’s Book Bash!

 

Interested in learning more about the MFA Theatre For Young Audiences program? Click here! Applications will open again during the 2026-2027 academic year.