Biography
A busy college Grad
Outside of Acting, Teaching, and being a full-time student, Andrew found himself quite busy with other opportunities, such as student organizations, event planning, and leading student boards. Below you will find some of Andrew’s collegiate achievements.
UNI Student Theatre Association (UNISTA)
The mission of the University of Northern Iowa Student Theatre Association (UNISTA) is to produce theatre that offers students of the university opportunities to explore their creative impulses in a non-critical environment. Andrew has helped with this mission by creating events catered to students, which in turn creates great opportunities for students.
Andrew served as the Executive Director of UNISTA during the ’25-’26 year., overseeing and leading a board of students to plan events, provide theatrical opportunities, and produce a full scale student lead production. During this year, the board produced Almost Maine, involving 30+ students, many of whom were in new positions for the first time. Through the help of the UNI Theatre Department, we were able to tour this show to 2 local venues, a new venture for UNISTA.
Previously, Andrew was the Artistic Director (’24-’25) of UNISTA, and throughout the year has planned the season of events, along with overseeing the fulfillment of these events. Some events that have happened this year are Lip-Sync Battle, Best of Broadway Cabaret, Play in a Day, and an Open Mic Night, all giving great performance opportunities. Workshops planned to expand student skillsets with UNI Professors, such as comedic writing and or stage combat. Lastly, each year UNISTA produces a full production that is led entirely by students. This year, UNISTA produced God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza. This show was directed, designed, built, and acted fully by students, and produced and overseen by UNISTA. Another endeavor Andrew spearheaded this year was a new UNISTA Membership program, a program that allows people to become more involved in UNISTA while gaining much-needed volunteers to help with events.
Before being the Artistic Director for UNISTA, Andrew was the Marketing Director (’23-’24). In this position, Andrew created all marketing materials for the student org, promoting events, work calls, and anything else that needed to be marketed. This season, the show we produced was Animal Farm by Ian Wooldridge. Andrew oversaw marketing and outreach for this production. Some outreach opportunities included creating a banned books display at the Cedar Falls Public Library, inviting schools to come see the performance, and creating a wall of propaganda in the lobby of the theatre. See below for some marketing materials created by Andrew.
Learn more about UNISTA on Instagram @UNISTA_Board
Some assembly Required (SAR) Improv
Andrew served as the Co-Captain of Some Assembly Required Improv (SAR) at the University of Northern Iowa from 2025-2026. This position allows him to lead rehearsals and exercises to strengthen the team’s skills and to facilitate feedback discussions using the language of critique. Along with this, he also helps plan and arrange public shows and a yearly bonding trip. Andrew also creates any materials that may be used during the show, such as prompt bowls, slideshows, and signage. Andrew had been a part of Some Assembly Required for all 4 years of his college experience, from Fall 2022 through Spring 2026.
Learn more about SAR on Instagram @SARImprov
Teaching Assistant
During his senior year, Andrew served as a teaching assistant for 2 college classes. In the fall semester, he assisted in a Playscript Analysis. This role allowed Andrew to lead group discussions, answer student questions, and give feedback on student work, along with formalities such as taking attendance and preparing class materials.
In the spring semester, Andrew assisted in Acting. This role allowed Andrew to take a deeper dive into the Chekhov technique. Andrew was also responsible for leading group discussion and feedback, leading physical and Chekhovian warm-ups, and providing useful and specific critiques of monologues and scenes. Andrew also led a lesson focused on the importance of commitment and follow-through of action through the lens of improvisation.
Iowa Thespian Festival
Each year, the University of Northern Iowa hosts the Iowa Thespian Festival, attracting over 1,000 high school students each fall for a weekend of awards, performances, workshops, and technical opportunities. Andrew served as the Student Festival Coordinator for the 2025 festival. He led a board of students through a weeklong prep period in preparation for the weekend-long festival. Such roles included creating agendas and worklists, planning and reserving spaces, organizing volunteers, and, during the festival, being prepared to jump into emergencies or conflicts.
Bob Wise Broadway Tour
Andrew was awarded a full scholarship trip to New York City to attend several professional theatre shows, meet alumni, and establish connections in the industry. Two students are selected each year through a competitive application process and an essay. During this trip, Andrew got advice from professionals working in the theatre field, along with experiencing New York City.
