News About RSMT Alumni

Some news about some of RSMT’s Alumni.

Ray Uriel (Rashawn Mills) is a professional singer, songwriter, actor, and data analyst originally from Gary, Indiana. He is best known for his standout run as a semifinalist on Season 23 of NBC's The Voice in 2023.Music Career & The VoiceRay grew up in a musical environment, attending a performing arts high school where he trained in classical music, opera, and choral singing. After graduating from the University of Indianapolis, he eventually relocated to Arizona to balance his creative endeavors with a corporate career as a business analyst.In 2023, he auditioned for The Voice under the name Ray Uriel, delivering a smooth, contemporary R&B style that heavily impressed the coaches.Blind Audition: He performed Joji's "Glimpse of Us", turning the chair of coach Chance the Rapper.The Battles & Knockouts: He won his battle round singing Donny Hathaway’s version of "Jealous Guy" and advanced through the knockouts by performing Stevie Wonder's "Lately".The Playoffs: His performance of Wizkid's "Essence" drew massive praise, with coach Niall Horan noting it gave him "goosebumps" and comparing his artistry to Frank Ocean.Semifinals: He made it all the way to the live top-8 semifinal round, where he performed New Edition's "Can You Stand The Rain" before being eliminated just ahead of the finale.Recent Projects & Original ReleasesFollowing his time on national television, Ray actively writes, models, and performs. He frequently documents his ongoing artistic journey on his Official Instagram Profile:Original Music: In March 2026, he released his latest single, "Find Your Way," a melodic track exploring life's ups and downs. He previously released a holiday special titled "Nostalgia" in late 2025.Musical Theater: He continues to expand his acting portfolio, recently starring in a local professional production of the musical Ragtime.

David Bedella is an acclaimed American actor and singer who has achieved major stardom in UK musical theatre, notably winning three Laurence Olivier Awards. Born on September 25, 1962, in Gary, Indiana, he spent the early part of his career performing across Chicago and New York before finding massive success in London's West End.Notable Musical Theatre RolesJerry Springer: The Opera: He originated the dual role of the Warm-Up Man and Satan. This career-defining performance earned him his first Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical.In the Heights: He played Kevin Rosario in the London production, earning his second Olivier Award.& Juliet: He originated the role of Lance Du Bois in the West End and later reprised it on Broadway in 2024, winning his third Olivier Award.The Rocky Horror Show: He redefined the iconic role of Frank-N-Furter across multiple high-profile UK tours and the 2015 West End live broadcast.Chicago: He starred as the smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn in the West End.Film and Television CreditsHolby City: He is well-known to UK television audiences for his series regular role as Dr. Carlos Fashola on the BBC medical drama.Voice Acting: He has contributed his distinct voice to children's entertainment, most notably voicing the narrow-gauge engine Victor in the Thomas & Friends franchise.Hollywood Films: He made minor appearances in major blockbusters including Oliver Stone's Alexander (2004) and Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins (2005).Recent Screen Projects: He has appeared in series like Jack Ryan, Sexy Beast, Big Mood, and Sister Boniface Mysteries.

Brian Lynch) is a veteran musical theatre actor and choreographer best known for starring as Jean Valjean in the Marius Company of the Les Misérables U.S. National Tour. He performed with the tour for years, having originally served as its dance captain and understudy before taking over the lead role.Beyond his iconic run in Les Misérables, his theatrical career includes several notable highlights:Touring History: He also toured nationally with the companies of Cats and Aspects of Love.Regional Theatre: Prior to his touring career, he was a staple at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Summit, Illinois, for over a decade. He choreographed and played the lead role of Danny Zuko in Grease, taking home a Chicago Joseph Jefferson Award for his choreography.Academia: He later transitioned into education, teaching acting and dance at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. He designed the college's musical theatre major and served as their Fine Arts Director.

Jarius Newman (also known as Jarius Taylor-Newman) is an American musical theatre actor, singer, and dancer originally from Crown Point, Indiana. As a proud member of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, he dedicatedly uses his platform to amplify underrepresented stories. He is best known for his versatility in leading theatrical roles and his work with major entertainment entities like Disney Cruise Line.Background and EducationEarly Life: Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, he discovered his love for storytelling early on by singing in church with his brother.High School: He attended Merrillville High School, where he starred in regional productions and secured major theatrical scholarship opportunities.Higher Education: He graduated from Ball State University's prestigious Musical Theatre program as part of the Class of 2025.Major Stage RolesNewman has built a diverse resume spanning contemporary musicals, pop-rock theater, and Disney classics:Lola in Kinky BootsPatrick Star in The SpongeBob MusicalSeymour Krelborn in Little Shop of HorrorsLumiere in Beauty and the BeastSheldon in The PromCareer Highlights and AchievementsProfessional Work: While still a student, he worked professionally for regional companies including Cedar Point and Weathervane Playhouse.Industry Recognition: He was a multi-time finalist for the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship and the Musical Theatre Institute. He also won a sought-after, six-month paid acting internship with the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.Commercial Performance: He is a MainStage Performer for Disney Cruise Line, featuring in high-profile entertainment events like the Broadway Stars Series aboard the Disney Destiny.Creative Ventures: Beyond performing, Newman co-created and hosted the pop-culture and advocacy podcast Get Into It alongside Myles Keys.  Jarius Was last seen on the Ross Stage in the 2022 Beauty and the Beast, where he played

Jacob Reinhart is an actor and musician based in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region. He is heavily active in regional and community theater, while also pursuing professional musical projects as a guitarist and bassist.Artistic ProfileVocal Profile: He possesses a wide vocal range stretching from G1 to G5, featuring a dark, rich tone in his lower register that often lands him "heavy" and antagonistic roles.Philosophy: He approaches acting by bringing his own unexpressed emotions into his characters, stating that he likes to "make my character become more of me."Other Pursuits: Beyond performing arts, he is an amateur bodybuilder and fitness enthusiast.Notable Stage RolesJack in That Other Person at the Chicago Street TheatreMiles in She Kills Monsters at the Chicago Street TheatreDr. Jacob is currently out west in Montana having taken his first major professional acting contract for the 2026 summer season at the newly renovated Yellowstone Westgate Theatre in West Yellowstone, Montana.Current Summer 2026 EngagementHe is heavily involved in their rotating summer repertory schedule, which spans 37 performances running from June 4 through September 26, 2026. At the Westgate Theatre, Jacob is taking on a heavy multi-talented track:Acting Roles: He is performing on stage in professional productions of the classic Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun and the farce comedy See How They Run.Musical Work: Utilizing his skills as a rhythm section musician, he is playing guitar and bass live for the theatre's Old Time Western Melodrama variety