Celebrating Pride '25

From regional stages to digital soundwaves and national book tours, alumni of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts continue to shape today’s cultural landscape with bold performances and boundary-pushing storytelling. For Pride Month 2025, we spotlight three standout artists—Isaac Volbrecht (‘14), Vico Ortiz (‘11), and Kate Moennig (‘98)—whose recent work exemplifies the Academy’s legacy of artistic excellence and meaningful representation.

Isaac Volbrecht

Isaac Volbrecht stars this summer in two standout roles at Minnesota’s Summerset Theatre: Corny Collins in Hairspray and Wadsworth in Clue. After time spent working in the New York theatre scene, and building his career across the Americas, Volbrecht brings charisma, heart, and depth to the regional stage.

A passionate advocate for queer and trans visibility in the arts, he continues to expand representation through bold, nuanced performances. These roles mark an exciting new chapter in U.S. theatre for the reestablished, stateside artist.

Vico Ortiz

Over the past year, Vico Ortiz has significantly expanded their voice acting career and visibility within the entertainment industry. 

Ortiz secured a recurring voice role as Dani Vázquez in the fiction podcast What Happened in Skinner, a series recognized with an Ambie Award for Best Indie Podcast. This role underscores Ortiz’s versatility and growing influence in the audio drama space.

In January of this year, Ortiz played in two episodes of The Sex Lives of College Girls, reprising their role of Tova from previous seasons.

Additionally, Ortiz appeared as a featured guest on season 2 of GLAAD’s digital series Dímelo in 2024, enhancing their profile in queer media circles. Their candid and engaging presence on the show has further established them as a prominent voice in LGBTQ+ representation. 

Vico Ortiz premiered their solo performance, Rise of a King, at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June 2025, following a sold-out run at New York City's Fuerza Fest. Written and performed by Vico Ortiz, this cosmic burlesque comedy mashes up drag, astrology, and awkward growing pains in a wild ride of self-discovery—crowning whoever dares to be their quirky, glorious self. 

Kate Moennig

In June 2025, Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey unveiled their highly anticipated dual memoir, So Gay for You. The book offers readers a candid look behind the scenes of their lives and work, chronicling their enduring friendship and evolving careers.

Since the release, Kate and Leisha have actively promoted So Gay for You with in-depth profiles and interviews across major platforms. Highlights include a cover story for The Advocate, features in Interview Magazine and People, and a thoughtful conversation on NPR’s All Things Considered where they reflect on their legacy and influence within queer culture.

The tour is in full swing with stops in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Minneapolis, bringing the conversation directly to fans and communities nationwide.

Alongside the book promotion, Kate continues to co-host the podcast PANTS with Leisha Hailey, a creative outlet born during the pandemic that remains a key part of their collaborative work and connection with listeners.

Through these endeavors, Kate remains a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation, utilizing her platform to promote visibility and explore the complexities of identity within the entertainment industry.

Through her work on So Gay for You and in various media, Kate Moennig offers an intimate exploration of identity, friendship, and resilience, inspiring many with her openness and authenticity.