Alexis Griess always knew she wanted to be a performer, having auditioned at drama schools all across the country before making her final choice. What she didn’t know when she arrived at The Catholic University of America is that another medium, television, would captivate her.
As a student at The Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art, she knew that she would be surrounded by artistic opportunities. She notes that one of her reasons for attending Catholic University is D.C.’s dynamic theater scene, with renowned cultural institutions like the The Kennedy Center. Since she arrived four years ago, she has achieved her dream of being on stage. Not only is she well known at the Hartke – her credits include four mainstage shows and several operas – but she has also participated in the development of new shows at workshops and readings. She also recently had a breakthrough role in her first professional musical production.
With all of her hard work and dedication as a thespian, it should be no surprise that she has had success in television broadcasting. Although it may seem like broadcasting and theatrical performance would be unrelated, Alexis has found that her skills have been much more transferable.
“Being a TV reporter and learning how to craft a story for TV helps me craft a story on stage,” she says.
Alexis’ interest in broadcasting was first piqued when she took a course with Glenn Osten Anderson, an associate professor of media and communications. Later, she would establish the Cardinal Broadcasting Company with a friend, filling a hole in the campus media landscape. At first, the newly-formed organization was small, supported mostly through the initial founders and their friends. However, Cardinal Broadcasting Company has had tremendous growth in the past few years. At the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, the first meeting was standing room only.
Alexis reflects on this achievement, perhaps her legacy at Catholic University, by noting that it was the spirit of the University that supported such an endeavor. “Catholic University is energetic! Seeing the people around campus having them support you in your clubs, in your classes and your extracurriculars and your internships. The energy radiates off the campus and off of it.”
Alexis’ passion went beyond building a space for broadcasting at Catholic. Through internship opportunities, she has been able to connect with D.C. news professionals and join reporters out in the field. As a senior, she’s now preparing to start a career on the news.
“The biggest thing I learned at Catholic University is my sense of self.”
