Trail Blazing Alumni: Meeghan Holaway ’84 - Creating Connections on and Offstage

“I've been acting my entire career, and have taken many jobs revolving around teaching,” Meeghan said. “I’ve taught acting to kids, run theater summer camps, done regional theater, singing, and some voiceover work.”

Since graduating from Bush in 1984, Meeghan has been involved in a wide variety of acting jobs in different places around the country. Some of her most notable roles include: Holidate, Criminal Minds, About Fate, and World of Worldcraft.  She’s recently begun directing and acting in episodes of a web series comedy called Thee Third Act, which is now available to stream on YouTube TV.

“Thee Third Act is so interesting, because it’s about this romantic relationship between two women, told in six scenes,” Meeghan explained. “But the audience chooses the order of the scenes every night, and then we do the play in the order the audience chooses. So, it means that the relationship is different when you see it out of order.”

As Meeghan continues to explore all avenues of her acting abilities, she emphasizes the importance of good writing that allows actors to focus on their craft without worry. Over the years, she’s developed the ability to build connections and trust when working with writers and other actors. Meeghan reflects fondly on her high school experience at Bush, highlighting the trust and respect she received from her teachers.

“What I was lucky enough to get in high school was being treated with so much trust and respect by everyone,” Meeghan said. “We were allowed to express our thoughts and our opinions. My Arts and Humanities studies were conducted in a circle, which meant we got to look at each other and have discussions as individuals. So that stayed with me. Obviously, the education was excellent, but I was given a lot of confidence in my ability to be a self-starter and have initiative.”

Meeghan feels that Bush provided her with a lifelong love of learning, fostered a sense of compassion for others, and taught her how to take charge. She acknowledges she still has much to learn about the world of directing, but she’s not afraid to learn, grow, or make mistakes, thanks to the Bush faculty who encouraged her throughout her schooling.

“There were so many faculty that made a difference in my life,” Meeghan said. “Instead of calling our instructors Mr. or Ms., we called them by their first names. To me, that meant we were equals, and respect was earned by actions, instead of titles. They earned our respect by just being kind and knowledgeable.” 

Meeghan returned to Bush for the June 1 Bush Block Party and performed at the Bush Alum Improv Comedy Show with fellow alums Ben Ryan ’97, Ben Weber ’90, Heidi Godt ’84, and Ben Johns ’91.
 

“Scott Palmason ’00 was the alum who was organizing the whole thing, and then he got COVID and couldn't make it,” Meeghan said. “The moment I said I would do it, I told Heidi Godt, who I knew before we went to Bush. When we both got accepted to Bush as students, she was who I knew on day one. We are still close friends to this day, so I immediately called her, and said: ‘you should do this improv thing with me.’ She was reluctant, but she agreed.”

Thanks to Heidi Godt taking charge in Scott’s absence, the Bush Alum Improv Comedy Show came together successfully.
 

“Performing for an audience that knew me from childhood was so special and rewarding,” Meeghan said. “There’s so much joy in being able to perform in front of friends and feeling the sense of pride it brings.”

Years after graduating, Meegan remembers the sense of community and compassion she felt at Bush, which made her feel supported, valued, and part of a family. As a student, she participated in action module programs–better known as AMPS–which took students out into the community to help others, reinforcing the idea of civic responsibility and cultivating community.
 

“My class volunteered for the Forestry Service, clearing brush,” Meeghan said. “At other times, I helped serve at a food bank. It was an unbelievable experience; I’ll never forget it.”

Meeghan feels that Bush fostered a sense of equality and mutual respect, which has stayed with her throughout her life. She believes that this sense of community and compassion has helped her thrive in a competitive field like acting. Meeghan encourages prospective students to apply to Bush, giving prominence to the supportive and engaging environment.

“Bush provides a foundation of community, friendship, and a love of learning that is unparalleled,” Meeghan said.