Jocelyn Lonquist, a recent Samford University graduate, has been accepted for the resident acting company with the Charleston (S.C.) Stage Company. She is the first Samford graduate to be accepted by this prestigious organization.

Lonquist will be in residence with the Charleston company from July through May 2015. She will act in seven of their nine productions and be assistant director for one show. Her first role will be as Inga in the production of Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein."

Lonquist also will teach in the Charleston Stage Theatre School for youth, which she says she "especially is looking forward" to doing.

"I think Charleston Stage will be an exciting time for new growth and lots of fun," Lonquist said. "I am so grateful for the tools that Samford has given me to go out into this world."

Marybeth Clark, the company's associate artistic director, said she was "excited to work with a Samford graduate" for the first time and "looks forward to making new connections" with the university.

Lonquist received her bachelor of fine arts degree in May. She was active with Samford Theatre as an undergraduate.

"Jocelyn is an example of the professional-minded, ambitious students Samford theatre and dance seeks to graduate," said department chair Don Sandley. "Anytime a student steps out of our program into a fine professional theatre company we are proud. This breaks new ground for us, and we are particularly excited that a graduate like Jocelyn will represent us. Charleston Stage Company will enjoy the talents of one of our very best and brightest."