Stuntwoman, Point Park University Alumna and a Professional Dancer: Meet Claire Medinis '22 Alumni Profile

Why did you choose Point Park University for dance?

During my senior year of high school, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to pursue dance professionally or instead attend a large university and audition for a dance team. I attended the Dancewave Through College and Beyond audition in New York City, where Point Park was one of the schools, and I was accepted. I had never heard of Point Park prior to this audition.

I visited the campus and attended a jazz class, which made me choose Point Park. Being in the studio and observing the level of training really stood out to me. I remember a conversation I had with students afterward; they spoke so passionately and confidently about the program and the faculty. I vividly remember one of them telling me that I would be crazy not to go there after being accepted. After that, I was sold on it. Point Park is a special place and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have been a student there.

Highlight your career path and key roles since graduating from Point Park.

I booked my first job right after graduation as a dancer with Royal Caribbean and had three contracts. The first contract I danced in was the Two70 theater on Quantum of the Seas. In my second contract, I booked my first aqua show, which was really exciting. During that contract, I had the opportunity to understudy the aerialist, which introduced me to a new skill set. On my third contract, I was again hired as a dancer in another aqua show and understudied the aerialist. Early in that contract, though, the aerialist sustained an injury and had to leave the show. I stepped into the aerialist role for the remainder of the contract, an experience that was incredibly rewarding and amazing.

The performance world really is a crazy place and I think it’s important to let things flow because you never know where it’s going to take you. The opportunity to be a solo aerialist in the show broadened my scope as to what I could do as a performer and I’m really grateful for that. Later in that contract, my friend, the martial artist in our show, introduced me to the idea of stunts. It was something I had never thought of before, but I genuinely lit up inside when she suggested it to me.

After that contract ended, I decided to transition into the stunt industry. In short, I moved to New York City, began training seriously, and after about a year, I joined SAG-AFTRA. I’ve been training in so many new skill sets and I dove into a new world. I met so many incredible people who have welcomed me into the industry with open arms and helped me get on the right path. Becoming part of the union was a huge milestone and I’m really grateful to have gotten to this point. This is just the beginning now. I am focused on continuing to build my career, further training and pursuing more opportunities in film and television.

Tell us about your work as a stunt performer.

My work as a stunt performer is still developing, but it’s something I’ve really enjoyed exploring through training and the filming opportunities I’ve had. Stunt work is a broad field, and for me it’s been focused on movement-based performance like acrobatics, wire work, fight choreography and falls/wrecks.

Coming from a dance background, I’m drawn to how much stunt work combines movement and martial arts with storytelling. I’ve loved learning different martial arts, choreography, working safely with partners and figuring out how movement translates on camera. It’s an area I’m excited to continue growing in as a performer.

What excites you most about your work?

The people. The world of stunts is an incredibly versatile industry and there’s a lot that goes into it. There are falls, fighting, acrobatics, driving, fire stunts, water stunts and so much more. Stunt performers come from all types of backgrounds and it's truly amazing to witness and work with highly trained individuals in fields different from mine. I think it’s really cool to train and collaborate in that kind of environment because there’s so much to learn from the people around you.

I also have really enjoyed the discovery aspect of it all. Learning how to safely throw your body to the ground repeatedly was a major learning curve and also a new kind of sore that I had never felt before! I found myself loving every part of it, though. The process is demanding and humbling, but really rewarding.

How did your undergraduate experiences and training at Point Park set you up for success?

Point Park gave me the foundation I needed to succeed as a professional performer. I developed discipline, versatility and body awareness, which I’ve been able to apply in dance, aerial work and stunts. My movement background allows me to pick up physical choreography more efficiently and perform it safely.

Beyond technical training, Point Park emphasized professionalism, audition prep and networking. Learning how to build relationships and maintain connections has been essential in the stunt industry, where work is often secured through trust and reputation rather than traditional auditions. Every step of my journey, from booking my first contract to transitioning into a new field, can be traced back to the tools I gained at Point Park.

What advice do you have for a student considering Point Park’s School of Dance?

Point Park is an amazing school with a really versatile program. The faculty are extremely well-versed in the industry and they really care about your individual growth as a performer and as a person. That level of care is so important. Choosing a school is a very big decision because it lays the groundwork for your entire career, no matter where it takes you. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the tools that Point Park gave me.

 

More About: business management, jazz, Conservatory Alumni, Dance Alumni, Conservatory of Performing Arts, dance