Katie Tomney Class of 2016 

MainStage Dancer Disney Wish/Disney Cruise Lines 

3 Words They Use to Describe “The Gig”: Fast-Paced, Multifaceted, Inspiring

“I joined the Dance program because I knew it would give me the push and preparation I needed to turn my passion for dance into a viable career path and introduce me to new connections and pathways in the dance field that I never would have known existed! We were regularly exposed to a variety of dance styles which encourages a degree of versatility and an ability to adapt to change. The most meaningful thing I learned is that there is no one path to success- there are so many avenues to making the arts a viable career! I am grateful to my mentors at Academy for helping me see all that being a well-rounded, working professional in the arts could look like! “

• Fairfax HS/Fairfax Academy  

• University of Buffalo: Dance Program (introduced to via Academy Dance teacher now Academy Admin, Ms. Cook!)

• Professional Dancer/Performer 

"I’m working on booking a theatrical National Tour in the near future and the ultimate goal is to one day dance on Broadway! I cannot wait to make my official move to NYC this summer and continue working everyday to make those dreams a reality!”

Check out some footage of Katie’s current work on Disney Wish and Instagram!

Zach Tomney Class of 2019 

Audio Technician & Podcast Editor | Fairfax

3 Words They Use to Describe “The Gig”: Fast-Paced, Detailed, Teamwork

“I originally came to Academy because I wanted to be a film composer…until I found out I was no good at writing! I became a live-sound engineer after dabbling in studio mixing. The most important thing I learned from Academy was the importance of networking- at some point it is no longer what you know, but who you know! After graduating I studied Music Technology with an emphasis in studio mixing. I took a live-mixing class with my current boss and fell in love with it. My job at George Mason is interesting- I help as a stagehand one day, and as the main Front of House mixer the next. The variety is the best part- one day could be a jazz concert, the next an opera, and then it could be a cirque show!”

• Fairfax High School/Fairfax Academy 

• George Mason University: Music Technology 

• Professional Audio Technician & Podcast Editor

“I'd love to give a  shout out to Mr. Johnston, my former MCT teacher, Mr. Carlin who is a wonderful mentor, Mrs. Cook who is my second mom, and my family - especially my sister who is currently living her Disney dreams as a Mainstage Dancer on the Disney Wish.”

Thank you Katie & Zach for sharing your stories and inspiring today's #faxacad students! Break legs and make moves! To share your Fairfax Academy Alumni in the Industry story, please reach out to Career Experience Specialist, Amy Hard.