(Bradenton, Fla., August 12, 2025) — State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota’s Music Program recently presented its annual Music Theatre Cabaret Fundraiser. Twenty-two SCF alumni from the music theatre program came back to SCF to sing their favorite Broadway show tunes and classical music pieces. The event’s proceeds benefit SCF Music Theatre Ensemble’s Fall 2025 “West Side Story” musical production.

The cabaret performers were Caitlyn Healey, Zion Thompson, Serenna Jones, Eika Horaguchi, Lily James, EmmaLee Holmes, Kira Marino, Katie Priest, Stephanie Turner, Teia Watson, Fernando Vera, Michael Evans, Shane Patterson, Nicole Lykiardopoulos, Aliyah Carter, Mia Freeman, Marcus Johnson, Samuel J Echevarria Jr., Shaylee Plichta, Jonah Jacobbi, Nina Moroney and Kevin Moroney. Melodie Dickerson, SCF’s director of choral and vocal studies and performing arts department chair, played piano accompaniment and directed the show.

Dickerson appreciates all the SCF students she has worked with in musicals. She is thankful for the alumni’s return and help in continuing the college’s legacy of music theatre programming. 

“It started as a fundraiser to support the fall musical, and it certainly has accomplished that goal over the years; however, it has become a special event itself,” said Dickerson. “It brings me so much joy to see how many alumni are willing to share their time and talent and give back to SCF. So many of them tell me that no matter what school or additional training they’ve had, SCF always feels like home.”

Carter starred in three SCF musicals and performed in the cabaret, saying, “The SCF faculty does such great work in facilitating the passion and drive needed to create magic on stage. I’m forever grateful for my SCF experience.”

Learn more about SCF’s music program at SCF.edu/Music or call 941-752-5351. Donate to the SCF performing arts and theatre programs at SCF Foundation.

Photo caption: SCF Music Theatre alumni perform at the annual cabaret fundraiser at SCF.

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