Seton Hill University (SHU) graduate Meredith Davis starred in the 2015 film All Saint’s Eve. The horror film follows a group of friends that work together to break a curse incited by a murdered farmer centuries ago.
Since the age of three, Davis wanted to be an actress. “My father took me to a showing of The Wizard Of Oz, and that’s when I knew I wanted to be an actor/singer,” Davis said. “I didn’t want fame or anything; just to do what Judy Garland did. I was obsessed with her.”
Davis graduated SHU in 2007 with a degree in Theatre Performance. “I learned a lot from the tech part of the program,” said Davis. “I still laugh remembering such good moments I had with Sue O’Neill and Karen Glass. What wonderful role models. I’m so grateful.”
“Mere was a delightful and enthusiastic student, her curiosity and hunger for information was never satiated,” said Susan O’Neill, Costume Director of the SHU Theatre & Dance program. “Mere spent time in the Costume Shop above and beyond what was expected, and it is not a surprise at all that she is being recognized and getting exciting roles professionally.”
“I remember Meredith as being an extremely gentle and kind person. I am very pleased that she has found some success in what is an extremely difficult, and at times cruel, industry. She has exhibited a great deal of determination since graduation,” said Karen Glass, SHU Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts.
After moving to New York City in 2009, Davis heard her actor friends talking about doing movies in the Pittsburgh area, so she decided to send her headshot and resume to North Shore Productions. She auditioned through a teleconference, and earned the role of Maggie in All Saint’s Eve—her first starring role in a film.
“I’m just so grateful because it truly was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life so far,” said Davis. “The entire cast bonded immediately, and we became a family so quickly. I know that’s very common in theatre or on set, but there was something about this cast that was special. Also, Matt Bonacci, who portrayed Will, and I had great chemistry, so it made the 2 a.m. shoots a little less exhausting.”
The film is available to watch through Amazon, Video on Demand and Family Video.
“I think that people should see it because it’s a good way to escape your own reality. It’s very campy, suspenseful, kind of scary and funny all in one,” Davis said.
The future looks bright for Davis. She is heading to Minnesota to work on a film with Triwar pictures, and is waiting to hear about a big job that “may or may not happen.” She stays busy, auditioning at least four days a week, and is also focusing on her writing. She is currently working on writing a screenplay, and also runs a blog about her dating experiences in New York City. Read it online at beatlesgirl89.wordpress.com.
“I didn’t expect I’d have many followers, but I guess people enjoy reading about dating in NYC,” said Davis. “It’s nothing like Gossip Girl or Sex and the City, but it is pretty comical.”
Davis is also an animal activist for NYCLASS, a nonprofit animal protection organization. Best known for their efforts to end the inhumane and outdated horse and carriage industry in New York City, the organization works on many different animal issues. Introduced back in December, Intro 573 seeks to end the carriage industry by May 2016.
“The legislation is a win-win for all,” said Davis. “Not only does it call for the horses to be retired to loving homes, but it also takes care of the jobs of the current carriage drivers; no one will lose a job if this legislation is passed.” Sign the petition at nyclass.org.