Tanya Fedak

Avenue Editor

Tanya Fedak is the Spring 2025 Avenue editor and third-year journalism major. You might also recognize her from WUFT, where she's an anchor and reporter. When she's not on the clock, you can find her rereading "Me Before You" or planning her next trip to NYC.

Trevor Wayne gazes at a collection of playbills in his dressing room at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in New York, New York on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.

Tanya Fedak

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

From The Swamp to the Concrete Jungle, one UF musical theatre student makes his Broadway debut

By Tanya Fedak | Mar. 27

The 27-year-old made his Broadway debut in “The Outsiders” in April as the understudy for the protagonist, Ponyboy Curtis. The show, which won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical, opened on a Saturday, and Wayne made his debut the next Tuesday without ever having run the show in rehearsals.

Jonah Marais hugs a fan after his performance at Depot Park on Feb. 23, 2025.

Kade Sowers

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Jonah Marais reflects on boy band fame, mental health and self-discovery

By Tanya Fedak | Mar. 18

Jonah Marais has navigated the complexities of fame and identity since his time in the boy band Why Don’t We. Since then, Marais embarked on a solo career, using music as a means of rediscovery.

Ramsey first became famous after a video of him singing in a Walmart went viral, and he was dubbed the "yodeling boy."

THE AVENUE | MUSIC

Falls Into Place: Mason Ramsey’s rescheduled night in Gainesville

By Tanya Fedak | Jan. 24

18-year-old country singer Mason Ramsey performed at Gainesville's Heartwood Soundstage Thursday.

UF Ukraine Rebuilding Initiative members stand with Gainesville mayor to mark sister-city partnership Oct. 31, 2024.

Courtesy to The Alligator

ENTERPRISE | POLITICS

Sister cities and stronger futures: a partnership to help rebuild Ukraine

By Tanya Fedak | Jan. 16

Across the ocean in Gainesville, a group of UF students are working to help Ukraine return to the normal it knew before Feb. 24, 2022.

Worker feeds tiger at Carson Springs Wildlife on Nov. 9, 2024.

Armand Raichandani

THE AVENUE | LIFESTYLE

Gainesville endangered animal sanctuary harbors lions, tigers and more

By Tanya Fedak | Nov. 21

Carson Springs is a nonprofit organization working to combat the increasing risk of extinction by keeping wild species in environments similar to their native habitats.

Lead Ethan Garrepy puts on his wig for the Music Man show at the Constanz Theater on Oct. 26 2024.

Armand Raichandani

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

A glimpse backstage with stars of “The Music Man” as they prepare for closing weekend

By Tanya Fedak | Nov. 4

From Oct. 16 to Oct. 27, the UF School of Theatre and Dance put on a nine-show run of the musical, which follows traveling conman Harold Hill, played by Ethan Garrepy, who goes from town to town persuading citizens of his “plan” to form a boys marching band. After collecting payments for instruments and uniforms, he skips town, starting his pursuit of his next victims. But this time, it’s a little different.

Volunteer searches for spoiled pumpkins at the Abiding Savior Lutheran Church on Oct. 20, 2024.

Armand Raichandani

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Gainesville’s guide to fall festivities and pumpkin patches

By Tanya Fedak | Oct. 21

To get in the fall spirit, here is a list of the five best pumpkin farms in the Gainesville area.

Participants at the Walk for Sickle Cell event pose for a photo finish on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

Armand Raichandani

ENTERPRISE | HEALTH

Gainesville community raises awareness for Sickle Cell

By Tanya Fedak | Sep. 23

Streetlight hosted its second annual Strides for Sickle Cell Walk Sept. 21. With more than 300 people in attendance, the event raised over $4,000 to spread awareness for sickle cell disease.

Armand Raichandani

THE AVENUE | ART AND THEATER

Gainesville volunteer theater champions diversity with bold productions

By Tanya Fedak | Sep. 4

Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, located just west of the university on Southwest Second Avenue, creates an intimate experience and open conversations for performers and audience members alike.

Courtesy to The Alligator

THE AVENUE | FASHION

UF psychology senior set to debut How Bazar’s first interactive runway

By Tanya Fedak | Apr. 15

The “Noah Aaron Sams Supernova Runway Extravaganza” is an interactive runway event hosted by Sams, a 21-year-old UF psychology senior and aspiring clothing designer, at How Bazar. Inspired by his time in Gainesville, the event will feature a culmination of Sams’ fashion creations he made during his time studying at UF.