For Women's History Month, The Actors Society proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of women who continue to shape the entertainment industry and beyond. From acclaimed actors and playwrights to authors and casting directors, these women are breaking barriers and redefining their fields.
This month, we highlight the journeys of artists like Jennifer Coolidge, Martha Millan, Kate Moennig, and many more—each making history in their own way.
Read Part 2 of our celebration below.
Aline Vida (‘97)
After graduating, Vida became an accomplished singer and general manager for the Seattle-based music services company, Gigs4U. The company’s roster has been featured on TV and film, and seeks to deliver compelling musical talent.
Lisa Frisone (‘97)
Lisa Frisone and Kevin Shinnick (‘77) have moved their theatre company (previously The Ensemble Theatre Company of New York) to Rochester from New York City. Their first show, The Lion in Winter, has been well-received.
Marlee Carpenter (‘13)
Extraction USA, starring Marlee Carpenter, was released on GooglePlay, YouTube Movies, and Tubi. The action flick will be screened in select theatres during Pride Month.
Libby Yowell (‘23)
Libby Yowell recently participated in First Kiss Theatre Company's FebLab 2025, where three teams devised original plays via Zoom, later premiering earlier this month. Her group’s play, Wilson and the Whale, explored themes of emotional depth and unintended harm through the story of a young woman who harpoons herself to a whale. Up next, Yowell will perform in a staged reading of Snog Islet, a satirical take on Love Island by Jack McManus, directed by Henri Brusasco. The reading, presented by Kitchen Sink Theatre Company, will take place on March 13th at The Rat in Brooklyn.
Martina Goldring (‘17)
Recently, Goldring starred in the opera Hajar at Cal State Fullerton, where she is studying for her Master’s in Vocal Performance. Next up, Goldring will be playing Pamina in Mozart’s The Magic Flute.
Michelle Ng (‘16)
Michelle Ng, founder of Mini Nation Pictures and Quiet On Set, transitioned from acting to producing and now oversees a diverse slate of film, television, and multimedia projects. Currently, she is developing new works, particularly in the realm of fast-growing vertical dramas.
Justine Valdez (‘05)
For the past four years, Valdez has worked at Poway High—recognized as San Diego’s “Best Public School”—as an associate and assistant director for the Titan Theatre program, guiding students in productions at The Poway Center for the Performing Arts. Justine is committed to shaping the next generation of theatre artists and leaving a lasting impact on arts education.
Elizabeth Grace Wakefield (‘19)
Elizabeth Grace Wakefield now has features on all major TV platforms, including Disney+, Apple TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITV, Discovery+, and the BBC—marking a significant milestone in her career.
Roxanne Z. Kind (‘77)
Roxanne Kind has built a career teaching acting, directing, and performing. She currently teaches scene study at Saddleback Community College’s Emeritus program. She is the author of A Small Life, a historical novel set in Chile.
Brittney Mignano (‘12)
Since graduating from The Academy, Mignano has worked as an actor and educator in Santa Cruz. This summer, she will start a Shakespeare program for children.
Garance Chanisgaud (‘11)
Chanisgaud has appeared in countless Danish films and TV series, and founded the production company Mad Girls. She collaborates extensively with Brittney Mignano, including the upcoming Project Lobotomy, a piece based on historical accounts of lobotomies conducted in mid-century Denmark.
Saida Fakher (‘17)
Saida Fakher recently starred as a mafia boss in Zwijgrecht, a film syndicating in Europe pending a wider release. In addition to acting, Fakher owns Fakher Media and is an executive producer at River Rock Films. She’s also developing Brenda Live, a lead role and production venture within the Gods of Sound and Light cinematic universe. Looking ahead, Fakher plans to launch The Real Stage in 2026, a platform connecting talent and industry leaders.
Lauryn Savela (‘23)
Recent grad Lauryn Savela stars in The Children’s After-Hour, a new 10-minute play featured at the Fresh Fruit Festival. The piece will be presented on Friday, March 28th at 7PM in Theater for the New City.
Valerie David (‘96)
Valerie is a 26-year, three-time cancer survivor and creator of The Pink Hulk: One Woman’s Journey to Find the Superhero Within, an award-winning comedic drama that has inspired audiences in over 60 festivals across 25 cities worldwide. Valerie earned the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Resilience in Action and The Pink Conqueror Award for her impactful work. The sentiment of the piece still resonates with audiences: Never give up hope!
Puy Navarro (‘01)
Accomplished writer and actress Puy Navarro brings another story to life. Through her upcoming piece Searching for My Twin, Navarro seeks to give a voice to the voiceless and shed light on a history that “must not be forgotten.”
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