Biography
A busy college student
Outside of Acting, Teaching, and being a full-time student, Andrew has 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 past 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. Currently, Andrew is the active (’25-’26) Executive Director of UNISTA, overseeing and leading a board of students to plan events, provide theatrical oppurnities, and producing a full scale student lead production.
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 is currently serving as the Co-Captain of Some Assembly Required Improv (SAR) at the University of Northern Iowa. This position allows him to lead rehearsals and exercises to strengthen the team’s skills, and to lead feedback discussion 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 has been a part of Some Assembly Required for 3 years, or since Fall 2022.
Learn more about SAR on Instagram @SARImprov
Iowa Thespia 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 was 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 and a F are selected each year through a competitive application process and an essay.
