Musical Theatre Program FY25-26 Report

College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts

Musical Theatre Program Fiscal Year 2025-2026

Message from Leadership

Dear Donor, The SDSU MFA Musical Theatre Program continues to honor its legacy while embracing opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

This year, we hosted the international Musical Theatre Educators’ Alliance conference, welcoming artists and educators from around the world and reinforcing SDSU’s leadership in the field. The conference created valuable learning and networking opportunities for students and faculty.

We also celebrated the ten-year reunion of the MFA Class of 2016, highlighting the strength of our alumni community.

Another milestone was our collaboration with the Jazz Studies program for Merrily We Roll Along, providing students with an interdisciplinary performance experience. The program was also featured in a full-page San Diego Union-Tribune article recognizing its achievements and growing reputation.

Most importantly, we continue to see our students develop into confident artists. Your generosity makes these opportunities possible, enriching training and empowering the next generation of theatre-makers.

Robert Meffe, M.M. Professor Head of Musical Theatre

Philanthropy

Propelling the SDSU Community Forward Julia R. Brown New Musical Initiative Fund The Julia R. Brown New Musical Initiative Fund supports SDSU’s commitment to developing new works of musical theatre. Through the SDSU New Musical Initiative, MFA students collaborate with professional artists during a two-year process of workshops, rehearsals, and production development. Under the leadership of faculty director Stephen Brotebeck and Head of the MFA Program Robert Meffe, students gain hands-on experience creating original musical theatre.

In May 2026, the Initiative premiered Tomorrow, the Island Dies, a new musical developed through a two-year collaboration among students, faculty, and industry professionals. The production was celebrated for its storytelling, original score, and the work of SDSU student artists.

Following a national search with 327 submissions, The Death of Desert Rose by Elliah Heifetz and Jessica Kahkoska was selected as the Initiative’s next project. Development begins in 2026, providing another opportunity for students to help bring an original musical from concept to production.

Merrily We Roll Along

Student Spotlight

Thriving in the Aztec Experience Courtney Corey, Class of 2026 Class Level: Master's Candidate College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Major: Musical Theatre In August 2024, I arrived at SDSU to begin the MFA Musical Theatre program and met the cohort that would shape the next chapter of my life.

Though we came from different backgrounds, generations, and professional experiences, we quickly became a close-knit community united by a shared passion for theatre. What began as a group of talented individuals soon became a family, supporting one another through the challenges and triumphs of an intensive graduate program.

Returning to the same campus where I had once studied as an undergraduate felt both familiar and transformative. The experience challenged me artistically, intellectually, and personally. Through the support of my cohort and the dedicated faculty of the School of Theatre, Television, and Film, I discovered new possibilities for my creative work and future career.

As I graduate in June 2026, I leave SDSU with a renewed sense of purpose, confidence, and excitement for what lies ahead. The friendships, mentorships, and artistic growth I found here have profoundly shaped my journey.

My SDSU family will always be part of my story, and I look forward to seeing where the next chapter takes each of us.

“

Through the support of my cohort and the dedicated faculty of the School of Theatre, Television, and Film, I discovered new possibilities for my creative work and future career.

”

Student Spotlight

Nole Jones, Class of 2026 Class Level: Master's Candidate College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Major: Musical Theatre What made my experience in SDSU’s MFA Musical Theatre program so extraordinary was the community of artists, educators, and scholars it brought together.

Students entered the program with diverse backgrounds and expertise, creating an environment where we learned from one another as much as from our faculty. As a singer and voice teacher, I shared my own perspective while learning from performers, directors, choreographers, writers, and fellow educators.

A particularly valuable aspect of the program was its focus on preparing students for careers in higher education.

Through coursework, teaching opportunities, portfolio development, and mock interviews, I gained the skills and confidence needed to pursue faculty positions nationwide.

That preparation paid off immediately when I accepted a tenure-track appointment as Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre Voice at the University of Memphis.

Attending SDSU’s MFA Musical Theatre program was truly life-changing. I am deeply grateful for the education, mentorship, and community I found there, and I am excited to carry those experiences forward as I help train the next generation of musical theatre artists.

“

Through coursework, teaching opportunities, portfolio development, and mock interviews, I gained the skills and confidence needed to pursue faculty positions nationwide.

”

Points of Pride

Celebrating Shared Success Recent Highlights Last October, two productions at Cygnet Theatre’s new Liberty Station venue showcased the remarkable impact of SDSU artists across the San Diego theatre community.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike was directed by MFA graduate Anthony Methvin and featured incoming MFA student Andrew Oswald.

Follies featured choreography by MFA graduate Katie Banville and a cast that included numerous SDSU alumni and students.

Recent graduate success: Nole Jones, Class of 2026, starts his tenure-track position in the BFA Musical Theatre program at the University of Memphis this fall.

Rebecca Murillo, Class of 2026, will appear in Cygnet Theatre’s production of The SpongeBob Musical as Sandy Cheeks. This production will be directed by MFA graduate Katie Banville and feature SDSU alumni Brittan Adriana Carrillo, Audrey Deubig, Melissa Glasgow, and incoming MFA student Andrew Oswald.

Stage Talent

SDSU alumni and students directed, choreographed, and performed in two Cygnet Theatre productions across San Diego.

Rising Stars

Class of 2026 talent is rising, with Nole Jones headed to University of Memphis and Rebecca Murillo starring at Cygnet.

Faculty and Staff Achievements

Robert Meffe, M.M. Title: Professor and Head of MFA Musical Theatre Program College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Achievement: Last summer, Mr. Meffe completed his seventh season as Head of Faculty for the Musical Theatre Studio at the Trentino Music Festival in the Dolomites region of Italy. He shared the following: The SDSU MFA Musical Theatre program is built on collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to artistic excellence.

What inspires me most is watching our students grow into confident artists, educators, and leaders who are ready to make meaningful contributions to the field.

Through innovative productions, new musical development, interdisciplinary partnerships, and mentorship from dedicated faculty, our students gain the skills and experiences needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

It is a privilege to help guide their artistic journeys and witness the impact they have both on our campus and throughout the professional theatre community.

“

It is a privilege to help guide their artistic journeys and witness the impact they have both on our campus and throughout the professional theatre community.

”

Thank you for your generous support.

University Relations and Development San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-8045 sdsu.edu | give.sdsu.edu