Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2025. As your time at CSUF comes to a close, please know that you will always be a part of the Titan family, and the Department of Theatre and Dance. I hope the best for you as you being this new chapter of your life.
Every twist, turn, challenge, and success that you have encountered up to this point will shape your life moving forward. Take all of them as lessons for growth. Lean on your connections and relationship to help guide you towards your next steps in life and know that we will always be here in the Department of Theatre and Dance for guidance.
We would like to celebrate all of those graduating at the COTA Graduation party on May 14th at 4pm. RSVP
The departments of Theatre & Dance, Art and Music would like to celebrate the graduating class of 2025.
Wednesday, May 14
Time: 4pm-6pm
Place: CPAC Grand Foyer
RSVP Here
What recent/exciting job or opportunity have you gotten?
CHELLE DENTON
In August 2024, after touring the country in the musical “Jagged Little Pill” for 10 months, I got the call that I would be making my Broadway debut in the new musical “Smash”. We are currently in previews and open on April 10. It truly is a dream come true!
How did your experience at CSUF help to get you this job?
This is exactly the job I had dreamed of having when I started the B.F.A. program at CSUF. I was given opportunities at CSUF to not only practice my craft in all areas of musical theater (singing, acting, dancing), but also to learn the importance of professionalism to become the type of artist people want to work with. I am grateful my training at CSUF continues to ignite my passion for musical theater and has given me the confidence to continue pursuing my dreams.
What advice do you have for current students when starting out into the job market after graduating?
I would tell graduates to continue to work hard and that it’s ok to not have it all figured out immediately. There will be moments when saying “yes” feels right, and when following your gut and saying “no” feels necessary. Focus on being a kind and driven human being and the right opportunities will find you.
SPOTLIGHT
FARIS KHAN
What recent/exciting job or opportunity have you gotten?
While there have been several surprising opportunities that have come my way because of CSUF, being brought on as a puppet builder for an upcoming short film entitled “Walt’s World” is one that stands out above the rest.
How did your experience at CSUF help to get you this job?
I got this job through another alumnus of CSUF, who is an independent director. He explained to me that he was looking for someone who knew how to make puppets and through word of mouth from students within the theatre department, he got my name and looked me up. He saw the work I was doing for Mt. San Antonio College’s production of “Avenue Q,” a performance I did with the Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry and various other personal puppets, and liked what he saw.
When I arrived on the set, they asked me to perform some of the puppets and once the cameras were rolling, I was in my element. While there is a difference between performing on a stage and acting in front of a camera, I was able to use many of the principles of acting I learned from my time at CSUF to give the puppets life.
What advice do you have for current students when starting out into the job market after graduating?
My advice to students looking for work post-graduation is to network. It’s important to build relationships with people within this field whether you are an actor, costume designer, director, playwright, set designer, or other professional. Having a platform to showcase your work – a website or personal Instagram page – is also a huge plus and a great way to show your strengths to others in your field.
What recent/exciting job or opportunity have you gotten?
The role of Orpheus in “Hadestown” on Broadway.
How did your experience at CSUF help to get you this job?
TIMOTHY LEE
At CSUF, my professors pushed me to work harder because, at that time, they didn’t know what to do with me since there were not many Asian actors. But it taught me to focus on myself and rehearse a lot, and to be kind even when things are not fair.
What advice do you have for current students when starting out into the job market after graduating?
School is just one space for you to learn and grow, and you will continue to grow after graduation. I had a rough time in school because I felt as though I wasn’t recognized “enough,” but what is “enough”? I was seen as the kid who work hard, but not the one who was the most talented and I didn’t really land big roles. But if you love musical theatre and love performing, you will persevere. Just remember wherever you are, be kind and do your job well.
DILLON LOPEZ
What recent/exciting job or opportunity have you gotten?
Right after graduation, I landed a job as a lighting technician at RK Diversified Entertainment. It’s been an incredible to work with top-tier lighting and production gear and bringing live events to life. Every day, I get hands-on experience with brand-new technology, designing and operating lighting setups that enhance concerts, festivals, and corporate events.
How did your experience at CSUF help to get you this job?
My time at CSUF played a considerable role in getting me to where I am today. I owe a lot to my lighting mentor, Scott Bolman, who taught me technical skills and helped me build the confidence and connections I needed to break into the industry. These hands-on opportunities gave me a strong foundation, but the mentorship and networking truly opened doors for me.
What advice do you have for current students when starting out into the job market after graduating?
For current students about to jump into the industry, my best advice is this: take every opportunity to learn and connect with people in your field. Go to industry events, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The more you immerse yourself in the industry, the more opportunities will come your way.
MIRANDA VASQUEZ
What recent/exciting job or opportunity have you gotten?
I am thrilled that I been offered and accepted a spot in the M.F.A. stage management program at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale and, recently, I worked at Musical Theatre West as a Assistant Stage Manager on the production of Jersey Boys. In fall of 2024, I was fortunate enough to be a stage management apprentice for the play “I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” by Isaac Gomez at the Denver Center for Performing Arts when it was in its final workshop phase before publication.
How did your experience at CSUF help to get you this job?
During my time at CSUF, my mentors and professors offered me great advice and helped me make connections post-graduation. I am still connected to my mentors, and they have very willing to answer my questions and go over which job opportunities would benefit my professional journey. I have drawn from my experience at CSUF and used the challenges and successes I faced in college to my advantage in the professional world. Learning from my past experiences and expanding on what did and did not work has allowed me to grow significantly as a collaborator and artist.
What advice do you have for current students when starting out into the job market after graduating?
Don’t be afraid to apply for positions you think are far out of your reach. You never know what may come of any application. The act of simply putting your name out in the industry allows those companies to keep your name and resume on file in case they have other opportunities for you. No one path is the “right” path. Everyone has their own journey. Do what feels right for you and what brings you the most joy. If you are unsure what type of theatre/entertainment area you want to be involved in, apprenticeships and internships can be very helpful in giving you a better understanding of each facet of the industry. Ask questions! People are, for the most part, more than willing to help you learn if you ask.
KENNEDY CENTER AMERICAN COLLEGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
Sarah Ripper received recognition for being the Musical Theatre Initiative Chair for Region 8 of KCACTF (Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival).
Nicole Maldonado was recognized with two awards in the stage management category:
• Regional Excellence in Unconventional Works
• Region 8 Student Choice Award
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Glove Puppet Performance • Thursday, April 17 • 10am • Titan Walk
UROC SCAR (Student Creative Activities and Research) Day Friday, April 18, 9am-4pm TSU Pavilions B and C • MORE INFO HERE
Center Theatre Group Workshop • Friday, April 25 • 11am • CPAC 217
Shakespeare Projects • Wednesday, April 30 & Friday May 2 • 11:30 am • CPAC 121
Spring Dance Theatre • May 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 • Hallberg Theatre
BFA Devised Project directed by Michael Polak • May 1, 2, 3 • 8:30pm • Visual Arts Complex
The Black Cat (staged reading) by Lauren Sweet, directed by Alex Wolfe Hinojosa May 2 and 3 • 8pm • Grand Central Theatre (Grand Central Art Center)
Then and Now (student project) by Zoe Reisman • May 2 & 3 • 8pm • Arena Theatre
Dance Composition B Showcase • Tuesday, May 6 • 6:30pm • CPAC 272
Filmapalooza • Thursday, May 8 • 7:30pm (reception to follow) • Titan Theatre (TSU)
Devised Theatre Project (THTR 570B) directed by Tyler Garcia Friday, May 9, 8:00 pm (Tentative performance May 10 at 8pm) • Arena Theatre
Born Fighter (Reading of a new musical) Music, Lyrics, Book by Joseph George Directed by Gabby Jackson • Monday, May 12 • 7pm • Arena Theatre
Design Expo (panel discussion) • Wednesday, May 14 • 11am—12:30 • Young Theatre
Design Expo (open gallery) • Wednesday, May 14 • 12:30-3:30 • Young Theatre
Ashley Eller’s Cabaret • Wednesday, May 14 • 12:00-1:00pm • Recital Hall
COTA Graduation Party • Wednesday, May 14 • 4pm • CPAC Grand Foyer • RSVP
The Musical Theatre’s Bigs & Littles Concert • Friday, May 16 • 12:00-1:00pm • Recital Hall
GET TO KNOW THE DANCE PROGRAM
26/27 SEASON SELECTION
This is your chance to participate in the Season Selection process for 26/27. Please make all play and musical selections through this link.
STUDENT WELCOME DAY
August 22 • 10am-5pm
in the CPAC Grand Foyer
Please join us for the Department of Theatre and Dance Welcome Day.
We are looking for current student volunteers to help lead activities throughout the day. This is your chance to build community and meet new incoming students in the department.
Please RSVP so that we know who is coming and if you are interested in being a student leader. Lunch will be provided.
