It is my pleasure to welcome you to the first production of our 2024-2025 season, Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, the first of six unique and timely productions we have dubbed: “Classics of All Kinds.”
Samuel Beckett’s seminal work, first performed in 1953, remains a cornerstone of modern drama and an enduring reflection on the human condition. As you settle into your seats, you are about to embark on a journey into a world where time seems to stand still, and the search for meaning is both poignant and perplexing.
As we begin the second season in our newly renovated Main Stage Theatre, I would like to recognize the work of faculty designer and the Don Powell Chair in Scenic Design, Ralph Funicello. We are honored to have Ralph, a Tony Award nominated scenic designer, collaborating with our talented student and faculty designers to create the world of Waiting for Godot. This opportunity for students to collaborate with one of our world renowned faculty provides an unprecedented learning experience. Thank you, Ralph!
Waiting for Godot is a brilliant showcase of the talent that spans across our School. The art of collaboration is at the heart of what we do in TTF, and you will see that displayed on stage tonight. What you won’t see is all of the crucial work that goes on behind the scenes. Please take a moment to read through this program to see the “village” that it takes to produce one of our productions.
Thank you for supporting the SDSU School of Theatre, Television and Film.
Enjoy the show!
Stephen Brotebeck, Interim Director School of Theatre, Television, and Film
WAITING FOR GODOT
By Samuel Beckett Director Peter Cirino & Associate Director Maya Efrat+
Setting: “Wherever you go, there you are” —Buckaroo Banzi
Scenic Design ........................................................................... Ralph Funicello
There will be one fifteen-minute intermission. This production uses flashing/strobe lighting, and contains theatrical fog/haze.
Produced by Special Arrangement with Broadway Licensing Global.
++Guest Artist +MA in Theatre Arts
*MFA in Musical Theatre
°MFA in Design and Technology for Theatre, Television, and Film
^Qualifying or Thesis/Capstone Production
DRAMATURG’S NOTE
Enduring Hope: Companionship and Survival in Waiting for Godot
Samuel Beckett, the Irish playwright, wrote Waiting for Godot, a tragicomedy, in 1952. The story is about two tramps, Vladimir and Estragon, who engage in various types of conversations and games to pass the time while waiting for Godot, about whom they do not know anything.
Godot keeps sending messages that he will come, but will he ever show up? While Vladimir and Estragon wait for Godot, they bicker and get frustrated, but even then, they lean on each other.
By playing games and having fun, they make life bearable for each other, showing us that we can find joy and relief even when it seems like nothing is changing. At times, the characters even want to hang themselves and end it right then and there, but waiting for Godot together gives them a reason to want to survive and live on.
In this uncertain world, we too constantly wait for a glimmer of hope, relying on our friendships and relationships to help us navigate life’s daily challenges.. We nourish our lives with creativity and passion and work towards achieving our goals.
During difficult times, when we feel desperate, hopeless, and are tempted to give up, we draw strength from within and from those around us to pick ourselves up again. Just like Vladimir and Estragon, we value our love and friendships, finding meaning in the conversations and small moments that inspire us to hold on to our hopes and dreams.
–Sahar Hakimi, Dramaturg
DIRECTOR
PETER JAMES CIRINO graduated from University California San Diego UCSD with a Master of Fine Arts. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees from Southwest Texas State University. After graduating from UCSD, Peter founded Planet Earth Multicultural Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona, an alternative theater that produced avant-garde plays, Television series, films, late-night cabarets, traveling shows, and collaborative works. Peter has translated many classic Spanish works for English productions. Professional acting experience includes numerous Spanish-language commercials, films, and voice-over credits. Currently Peter is a professor at San Diego State University. He has also taught at UCSD creating a series of student written plays and monologues. Additionally, Peter developed the curriculum for the Teatro Meta program at the Old Globe Theatre. Peter has been the Artistic Director for the San Diego Asian-American Repertory Theatre and CoArtistic director and founder of TuYo Theatre in San Diego.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
MAYA EFRAT is an actress, educator, and director who recently moved to San Diego from New York City to pursue her Masters in Theatre Arts from San Diego State University. She also holds a BFA in musical theatre from the University of California, Irvine. Theatre is her greatest love and passion and hopes to inspire future generations and assist them in their journey of self-discovery and love for the arts. Directing credits include: Annie, Curtains the Musical, and Moomins and the Great Flood.
SET DESIGNER
RALPH FUNICELLO holds the position of Powell Chair in Set Design at San Diego State University. He is an Associate Artist at the Old Globe Theatre and has designed the scenery for over three hundred productions of plays and operas throughout the United States, England, and Canada. He is thrilled to make his debut designing an SDSU production.
COSTUME DESIGNER
KELAN YANG is a costume designer who works both in San Diego and China. She holds a B.A. from San Diego State University and is in her second year as a Costume Design MFA student at SDSU. She worked as a Costume Designer for the dance show Perpetual (E) Motion at the Malashock Dance Company in San Diego, Costume Coordinator for Children of Eden at SDSU, Assistant Costume Designer for In a Sunshine State at SDSU, Assistant Costume Designer for Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play at SDSU, and Costume Assistant for Cabaret at SDSU. She can’t wait to challenge herself in more different areas. And she is more than excited to see her first design on the Main Stage at SDSU! She would love to thank her partner, her family, and all the people behind the stage for their support!
MISSION The School of Theatre, Television, and Film provides a high quality education for undergraduate and graduate students that emphasizes excellence in the arts and technology, grounded in conceptual and historical foundations. support at psfa.sdsu.edu
LIGHTING DESIGNER
MARY ASHLEY FULTON is completing her qualifier for MFA in Lighting Design at SDSU. She recently moved to California after completing her bachelor’s degrees at Rollins College (Theatre Arts—BA, Critical Media and Cultural Studies—BA). Prior designs include Into the Woods (Annie Russell), The House of Bernarda Alba (SDSU), and Much Ado About Nothing (Kingsmen). As a native of Sarasota, AKA “Circus City,” Mary is proud to bring a touch of circus and vaudeville color to this world. Thanks to her parents, sisters, and partner for all of their support.
SOUND DESIGN
PAUL PETERSON is a Lecturer in Sound Design and Technology at SDSU’s School of Theatre, Television, and Film. San Diego State University: In A Sunshine State, The House of Bernarda Alba, Lucky Me, Mr. Burns A Post Electric Play, Children of Eden, Ziggy, Stardust & Me, Cabaret, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Postcard American Town. Elsewhere: Over 100 shows at The Old Globe, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, San Jose Repertory Theatre, CenterStage, La Jolla Playhouse, Sledgehammer Theatre (Associate Artist), San Diego Repertory Theatre, San Diego Musical Theatre and many more. Education: B.A. in Drama with an emphasis in Technical Design from SDSU.
DRAMATURG
SAHAR HAKIMI is a second-year MA Theatre Arts student. Sahar received her BA in Theatre from SDSU in May 2019. During that time, she worked as an actress for R+J and MAS and was part of the crew for SDSU productions such as Company and Edges. She is interested in arts administration and documentary theatre and hopes to create her work someday. She is glad to be part of this team as the dramaturg.
STAGE MANAGER
MAGGIE HARRIS is a fourth year undergraduate student at SDSU, majoring in TV & Film, Journalism, and Theatre. She hopes to one day stage manage larger theatre productions in San Diego. She was recently an ASM for In A Sunshine State and fell in love with the work. This is her first show that she is stage managing, and she is so excited to be a part of this wonderful crew.
Milo Mee (Vladimir)
Milo Mee is a fourth-year student at SDSU majoring in Performance, Musical Theatre. Some of his most recent roles have been Melchior in Spring Awakening (Trentino Music Festival), Vice Principal Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (SDSU), Dom in Steel Pier (SDSU), Cole in The Free Play Project (SDSU), Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (CMTSJ), Patrick Star in The Spongebob Musical (CMTSJ), and the Minister, Grandmother, Grandfather, and Dancer in The Long Christmas Ride Home (SDSU). Milo was awarded Best Actor in the 2021 California High School Rita Moreno Awards, where he went on to represent the Bay Area at the Broadway League’s annual Jimmy Awards. He is so excited to perform alongside such a talented cast and hopes you enjoy the show.
Sascha Parafinuik (Estragon)
Sascha Parafiniuk has been acting since the age of 10. Sascha’s acting accomplishments all began as baby Turk in the theater production of Tarzan! Since then, he has been fortunate to perform in many different productions ranging from comedies, to dramas, to the avant garde, such as Murder in the Knife Room, Spamalot, West Side Story, Les Miserables, Metamorphosis, Heathers, Chicago, and Miku and the Gods, to name a few. He most recently portrayed Mama’s Boy in a fringe production of Christian St. Croix’s We Lovers. He is currently a senior studying theater here at San Diego State University. He not only loves the stage but can also be seen in student short films. Although Sascha’s first love is the theater, he also enjoys playing music, laughing with friends, board games, and adventuring to beautiful places with his friends. He has been waiting for an opportunity like this show for forever and he can’t wait any longer to share it with everyone.
Alondra Zuniga (Pozzo)
Alondra (Al) Zuniga is a fourth-year student majoring in Television, Film, and New Media Production at SDSU, with a minor in Digital Journalism. They have previously worked on several student short films both on and offcampus. This is Alondra’s debut as a cast member in a main stage production at SDSU, though they have previously contributed as an assistant director and dramaturg for the university’s production of House of Bernarda Alba. Alondra is thrilled for audiences to experience the dedication and hard work of this talented cast and crew.
David Saifer (Lucky)
This is David’s first mainstage production at SDSU. He is a computer science major who got involved in the theatre department through SDSU’s only long form improv group Iota Eta Pie, with whom he has been performing improv for two years. David’s last theatre performance was around 2012 in The Weather Show. In David’s free time he writes and films skits and plays piano. He is very excited to be performing!
Joshua Gallelo (Boy #1/Boy #2)
Josh is a second year at SDSU and he’s super excited to be in his first production! He is majoring in Accounting and minoring in TFM, and has always had a passion for anything relating to theater. He first fell in love with Waiting for Godot when reading it during his senior year of high school. He feels honored to work with such a talented group of people and hopes you enjoy the show!
Acknowledgments & Special Thanks
Adrian Alita | Vincenzo ‘Vinnie’ Cirino | Giovanni ‘Jimmy’ Cirino
Petyr James Cirino | Oniric A. Cirino | Bianca Cirino
Miguel and Alicia Acosta | Antonia Lopez | Lenore ‘Tita’ Aguilar
Angie Parkhurst | Melanie Dumont | Micki Carlson| Nancy Santiago
PRODUCTION STAFF
MANAGEMENT & CREATIVE
Assistant Director ....................................................................... Brooke Dalton
Costume Run Crew .................................................................... Tatym Shinkle, ...............................................Giovanna Espinoza-Lopez, Elizabeth Pittoors
Laundry/Maintenance Crew .................................................. Matthew Talley
PRODUCTION STAFF
LIGHTING
Lighting Advisor.......................................................................Anne E. McMills
Lighting Shop Supervisor..................................................... Kat Makarushka
......................................... Zaida Alonzo, Andrea Dankah, Emerson Clarke, .................................... Feliz Citron-Pousty, Andrew Garcia, Isabella Gaeta
..................................................................Audrey Daynes and Amanda Mann
Concessions............................................................................ Skull and Dagger
+MA in Theatre Arts *MFA in Musical Theatre
°MFA in Design and Technology for Theatre, Television, and Film ^Qualifying or Thesis Production
SDSU SCHOOL OF THEATRE, TELEVISION, AND FILM DONORS
We are pleased to thank our generous supporters, as all that we accomplish would not be possible without the generous support of alumni and community members, who make significant contributions to support our students and programs at SDSU. Thank you!
Endowed Funds
Established with a commitment of $50,000 or more
Ages of Drama - Live! Endowment • Allison Rossett Endowed Scholarship in Musical Theatre • Bellinghiere Endowed Scholarship • Bolles Family Musical Theater Endowed Scholarship • Brita C. Davis and Richard R. Davis Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Carol Vassiliadis Endowed Scholarship in Musical Theatre • Chad Shelton Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Theatre Design and Technology • Chuck and Robin Luby Endowment for Musical Theatre • Clarence and Catherine Stephenson Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Clayton Brace Awards Endowment • Darlene and Donald Shiley Endowment for Student Excellence in Musical Theatre • Deborah M. Dexter Endowed Scholarship in Musical Theatre • Denis Sanders Memorial Endowment • Denise Madruga Endowed Scholarship in Theatre • Don Powell Interface Program Endowment • Drama Circle Endowment • Gordon J. Lusk Endowment • Hayes Anderson Student Excellence Endowment • Henry Edward and Gail Johnson McAdams Memorial Endowed Scholarship • Henry Stanton Endowment • Hunton D. Sellman Endowment • James Chris Nichols Memorial Endowment • Judith and Jack White Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Julia R. Brown Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Maggi McKerrow Endowed Scholarship for Theatre • Maggi McKerrow Endowed Scholarship for Study Abroad • Mangan/Christensen Endowed Scholarship for Musical Theatre • Marion Ross Endowed Scholarship • MFA Musical Theatre Endowed Professorship • Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Nella Feldman Gross Endowment • Paulette Wilson Endowment for Musical Theatre • Powell/SCE Design Endowed Chair • Robert Shields Memorial Endowment • Ron and Sue Heller Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Roscoe-Tiffany MFA Musical Theatre Endowed Scholarship • Ruth Anna, Louis F., Dorothy Cable Endowed Scholarship • Sybil E. Jones Endowment • The McCabe Family Endowed Scholarship • Theatre Endowment
Annual Funds & Scholarships
Up to $50,000
Aztecs to Hollywood • Bellinghiere Scholarship • Clayton Brace Awards Scholarship Fund • Drama Circle • Nella Feldman Gross Scholarship Endowment • Michael and Anne-Charlotte “A.C.” Harvey Scholarship • Ron and Sue Heller Fund for Musical Theatre • Gale Anne Hurd TFM Program Love Letters Production Fund • Los Lobos Documentaries Film Fund • Denise Madruga Scholarship • John J. Martin and Katherine Fitzhugh • MFA Musical Theatre Scholarship • Gail Johnson McAdams Memorial Scholarship • Musical Theatre Musical Theatre Archive Operations • Musical Theatre Production Fund • Dan Prentice Memorial Musical Theatre Fund • Dennis Sanders Scholarship • San Diego Theatre Arts Research Lab • Michele Schlecht MFA Musical Theatre Scholarship • Hunton Sellman Scholarship • Chad Shelton Memorial Scholarship • R P Shields Scholarship Student Success Fund Theatre, Television and Film • Judy White Scholarship
SDSU SCHOOL OF THEATRE, TELEVISION, AND
DONORS
Generous Supporters
$500+ in the Last 5 Years thru August, 2024
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ADMINISTRATION
FACULTY & STAFF
Stephen Brotebeck, Professor & Interim Director of TTF
Stephanie Garibo Alday, TTF Academic Advisor
TaiReikca LA, Box Office Coordinator
TELEVISION, FILM, AND NEW MEDIA FACULTY/STAFF
Marwa Abdalla, Lecturer
Abraham Amkpa, Lecturer
Ralph Blanchard, Lecturer
Jose De Matos, Tech Engineer
Krystal Dawkins, Lecturer
Jeff Deverett, Lecturer
Oliver Eclarinal, Lecturer
Alex Farnsley, Lecturer
Michael Feinstein, Lecturer
Lizzette Flores, Equipment Supervisor
Mark Freeman, Professor
Ángel Granados, Lecturer
Glenn Heath, Lecturer
Brian Hu, Associate Professor
Brie Iatarola, Lecturer
Donn Johnson, Lecturer
Brendan Julian, Lecturer
Martha M. Lauzen, Professor, Executive DirectorCenter for the Study of Women in Television/Film
Stephanie Lee, TFM Shop Foreman
Jessica McGaugh, Assistant Professor
David Morong, Professor, Graduate Advisor
Vernon Mortensen, Lecturer
Greg Penetrante, TV/Film Studio Engineer
Dane Picard, Lecturer
Mary Posatko, Assistant Professor
Timothy A. Powell, Professor, Area Head
Genadi Radiul, Lecturer
David Steinberg, Lecturer
Rich Underwood, Lecturer
Stuart Voytilla, Lecturer, Undergrad Advisor
THEATRE FACULTY/STAFF
Adrian Alita, Associate Professor, Head of Acting
Dani Bedau, Associate Professor
Denitsa Bliznakova, Professor, Head of Costume Design & Technology
Cynthia Bloodgood, Lecturer
Peter Cirino, Associate Professor
Ronald Councell, Staff Accompanist/Vocal Coach
Kristen Flores, Scenic Charge Artist/Prop Master
Ralph Funicello, Don Powell Chair, Scene Design
TaiReikca LA, Production Facilitator
Peter Herman, Wig Making, Make-up Costume
Construction
D.J. Hopkins, Professor
Brooke Kesler, Lecturer
Noah Lange, Performing Arts District
Technical Specialist
Kat Makarushka, Theatrical Lighting, Projection, & Sound Lead
Randi McKenzie, Emerita Assistant Dean
Anne McMills, Associate Professor, Design/Technology MFA Graduate Advisor
Brian McVicker, Technical Director
Robert Meffe, Professor, Graduate Advisor, Head of Musical Theatre
Laurinda Nikkel, Lecturer
Shelley Orr, Associate Professor, Graduate Advisor for MA Theatre Arts
Wilfred Paloma, Lecturer
Paul Peterson, Lecturer
Nicholas Ponting, Lecturer
Jesca Prudencio, Associate Professor
Randy Reinholz, Professor
Jill Rovatsos, Lecturer
Jay Sheehan, Faculty Production Manager, Stage Management Advisor
Nancy Snow Carr, Lecturer
Teri McConnell Tavares, Costume Shop Manager
Katie (Laura) Turner, Lecturer
Josh Walden, Visiting Professor
Christopher Warren, Associate Professor
Andrew Young, Scene Shop Foreman
EMERITUS FACULTY
Hayes Anderson, Professor Emeritus
Carroll Blue, Professor Emerita
Anne-Charlotte Harvey, Professor Emerita
Greg Durbin, Professor Emeritus
Michael Harvey, Professor Emeritus
Elizabeth Heighten, Professor Emerita
Kaye Jameson, Professor Emeritus
Paula Kalustian, Professor Emerita
Margaret Larlham, Professor Emerita
Peter Larlham, Professor Emeritus
Robert E. Lee, Professor Emeritus
Roy Madsen, Professor Emeritus
Donald R. Martin, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus
Margaret McKerrow, Professor Emerita
Tom Meador, Professor Emeritus
Jack Ofield, Professor Emeritus
Michael Real, Professor Emeritus
Beeb Salzer, Professor Emeritus
Loren Schreiber, Emeritus Professor
Rick Simas, Lecturer Emeritus
Carolyn “C.J.” Keith, Lecturer Emerita
John Witherspoon, Professor Emeritus
Craig Wolf, Professor Emeritus
GENERAL INFORMATION CELL PHONES
As a courtesy to those around you, please turn off or silence cell phones while in the theatre.
CAMERAS & RECORDING DEVICES
The use of any cameras and/or recording devices is strictly prohibited without advance written permission from The School of Theatre, Television, and Film.
LATE ARRIVALS & NO-SHOWS
Please arrive on-time and do not be a no-show.
Latecomers may be asked until an intermission to be seated; and, seats not claimed will be re-sold.
BOX OFFICE
Hours of Operation: One-hour before Curtain The Box Office is closed for all school holidays as well as during the summer vacation period.
Purchase Tickets Online: ttf.sdsu.edu
General Admission Tickets: Theatre $20 / Film $10 (Prices may vary for special events/productions)
Theatre productions, film events, and TV programming are made possible by the generous support of our donors. To make a contribution to our outstanding programs, please call 619.594.4548 or visit psfa.sdsu.edu
Take a Seat!
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You have the opportunity to Take A Seat in the spotlight and enjoy having your name, a sentiment, anniversary date, or the name of another person you wish to honor laser-engraved on an elegant nameplate placed on one of the theater seats. Your sponsorship will support performances, students, faculty, and the greatest needs of the SDSU performing arts program.
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