Sophomore bachelor of fine arts acting major Maddy Poston’s journey into theater began not with the spotlight, but with a desire to ignite change. Growing up, she was deeply affected by the inequalities she witnessed in both the media and her own community.

Now, she is a member of Alpha Psi Omega, a theater fraternity for both men and women and has amped up its game in inclusivity at UCF.

Maddy Poston’s father, Monty Poston, fostered her love for the arts throughout her childhood and adolescence.

“For as long as I could remember, Maddy had a gift,” Monty Poston said. “I nurtured it, and she’s grown into her medium from just a performer, to someone who sparks change. It’s amazing as a parent to see.”

Monty Poston supports his daughter in whatever way possible. As she’s gotten older, it’s been more from the sidelines, cheering her on. 

“I realized through Maddy that stories—especially those told on stage—have the power to shift perspectives and heal,” Monty Poston said. “Theater became her tool to speak truth, to challenge systems and to inspire change.” 

Maddy Poston believes that theater is a transformative force, which she exemplifies in her personal mission statement: “Heal the soul, heal the system and therefore heal the world.” 

Maddy Poston is the co-president of Alpha Psi Omega and brought her lifelong mission of “art as activism” to the stage by directing her first-ever “Art of Womanhood“ event on March 8. The showcase celebrated women and their contributions to the theater industry, uplifting the creative voices of female students at UCF and beyond. 

The Art of Womanhood event marked a major step forward in her mission. It featured a national open call for young women to submit performance pieces, visual art, or written work that reflected their lived experiences.

“You don’t see a lot of opportunity for women in theater, especially at the student level,” Maddy Poston said. “But we are so much stronger when we’re united. This cabaret was about making space where there hasn’t always been space.”

Maddy Poston’s leadership has already made waves both regionally and nationally. In addition to directing powerful works like “Machinal” by Sophie Treadwell, directing Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” and assistant directing rock musical “Rent” by Jonathan Larson. Recently, she was commissioned to create a short film that explores the intersection of fashion, film and theater careers for students at Clarence Farrington School 61 in Indiana. 

Alpha Psi Omega encourages students who don’t have the time commitment for a theater UCF production to audition for lower-commitment theater experiences at a collegiate level, Maddy Poston said. All Alpha Psi Omega productions are written, produced and acted out by students. 

“That mission is what drives my work with Alpha Psi Omega. That’s why I chose to run for co-president, that’s why I stay within my field no matter the change,“ Maddy Poston said.

At UCF, the Chi Xi chapter of Alpha Psi Omega hosts a lineup of events each semester—from member cabarets and play festivals to full-scale student-run productions.

Her co-president, Joey Fields, has played a critical role behind the scenes, helping Poston plan and execute events that highlight intersectionality and inclusivity in the arts.

“The most beautiful thing about the women’s cabaret was how thoughtfully it was curated,” Fields said. “Maddy showcased a range of feminine perspectives—through race, identity, experience—that made the evening feel deeply human.”

One participant, Kait Loughran, sophomore BFA acting major and member of Alpha Psi Omega, shared a piece during the cabaret. 

“It was such a rewarding experience,” Loughran said. “The audience was so loving and accepting. Having people come up afterward to connect with me about my work was incredibly moving. Maddy created a space where our voices were not just heard—they were understood.”

Maddy Poston and Fields are now organizing the next Alpha Psi Omega event: a 24-hour play festival. Maddy Poston hopes to see more women, especially female playwrights, take part in this fast-paced creative challenge.

“This isn’t about individual success stories,” Maddy Poston said. “Yes, women CEOs are inspiring. But I’m more interested in collective empowerment—reconstructing how women are treated in society through the power of storytelling.”

Maddy Poston’s boyfriend, Maximilian Moitoza, has watched his girlfriend develop a plethora of opportunities for women across campus. 

“Maddy consistently pushes herself as a creative,” Moitoza said. “She constantly adventures to explore opportunities with every part of her being.”

Though her projects often center around theater, Maddy Poston said Alpha Psi Omega is open to students of all majors at UCF. Anyone with a passion for the performing arts can apply to join, either through auditions or by working behind the scenes. Information on how to get involved can be found on the chapter’s Instagram page.

Ultimately, Maddy Poston’s work is about more than theater—it’s about building a better world through creativity, compassion, and community. 

“I feel like Poston’s message wasn’t just heard,” Loughran said. “It was deeply felt.”

Editor’s Note: An article of the reporter’s was featured in the “Art of Womanhood” showcase on March 8.