Five Towns College Senior Showcase

Six FTC Theatre Students Sign with Talent Agencies After 2026 Senior Showcase

The annual Five Towns College Senior Showcase in New York City reflects the Theatre Arts program’s emphasis on conservatory training, professional preparation and legitimate industry connections.

By Jacob Bila

At Five Towns College, theatre training is designed to lead directly into the professional entertainment industry. As an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the College offers rigorous, conservatory, Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in both Acting B. F. A. and Musical Theatre B. F. A.

Through intensive instruction, musical theatre students train in the triple-threat of acting, singing, and dancing.  There are hourly private vocal lessons; 21 required dance classes with levels in ballet, jazz, and tap;  acting thru song; acting training; musical theatre skills; and musical training in harmony, sight singing, and ear training.  Acting students train in acting for the stage and camera, using the techniques of Stanislavsky as well as the American Method training of Strasberg, Adler, Meisner, and Hagen.  Additionally, there is training in voice, movement, dance, stage combat, and professional career preparation while gaining extensive experience through fully mounted, collaborative productions and projects.   And, both MT and Acting students gain training in auditioning.

Both Musical Theatre and Acting students train in these various disciplines in classes taught by veterans of their craft. That professional preparation reaches its culmination in the Five Towns College Senior Showcase, a career-launching event that places graduating performers in front of talent agents, casting directors and other industry professionals in New York City. Students prepare for the New York City Showcase throughout their entire senior year by refining their performance material, audition skills, résumés, websites and professional portfolios. During the year industry professionals provide workshops and master classes that establish connections to show business. Our showcases have brought talent agents and casting directors together with emerging performers, which help connect FTC students with opportunities for success in musicals, plays, movies, TV, and commercials.

The results of our Showcases demonstrate the value of that preparation. Here are the results of the 2026 FTC Senior Showcase, in which 12 seniors attend and 6 signed with agents:

  • Aidan Barrio signed with BMG Talent.
  • Symone Hammond signed with Plaza 7 Model & Talent Agency.
  • Jamil Denard signed with Adunni Rose Talent Agency.
  • Alex McLaughlin signed with The Price Group Talent Agency.
  • Hazel Ragsdell signed with WSM Talent.
  • Jonny Iris signed with S+C Management.

What distinguishes the Five Towns College Theatre Arts program is its clear connection between conservatory training and professional opportunity. Students do not simply study performance—they rehearse, audition, collaborate and create the proper materials and credentials to present themselves to the people who can help launch their careers. Supported by experienced faculty, industry professionals, frequent performance opportunities and individualized mentorship, the Senior Showcase serves as the final bridge between student and successful working artist. The recent signing of these six FTC performers through the Five Towns College Senior Showcase is a powerful reflection of their talent and preparation nurtured by a Theatre Program committed to helping its graduates take the crucial, big steps into the industry of their passion.