Wagner College Theatre Soars to #2 in The Princeton Review’s 2025 Edition of The Best 390 Colleges
Wagner College Theatre has achieved an impressive milestone in The Princeton Review’s highly anticipated 2025 Edition of The Best 390 Colleges, climbing to the #2 spot on the prestigious list of top collegiate theater programs in the United States. This remarkable achievement underscores Wagner College Theatre’s long-standing reputation for excellence in performing arts education.
For over three decades, Wagner College Theatre has maintained a prominent position in the Princeton Review’s Best College Theater top ten, a testament to its unwavering commitment to integrating rigorous academic theory with extensive practical experience. The program’s unique approach provides students with a comprehensive education that bridges classroom learning with real-world application, preparing them for successful careers in the performing arts.
“Our rise to the #2 spot is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, as well as the enduring quality of our program,” said Michelle Siemens, General Manager of Wagner College Theatre. “We are incredibly proud of our accomplishments and grateful for the recognition from The Princeton Review.” As Wagner College Theatre celebrates this significant achievement, the institution remains focused on its mission to provide an exceptional educational experience that continues to inspire and shape the future of the performing arts.
The true testament to Wagner College Theatre’s excellence lies in the success of its alumni. Many have graced Broadway stages and contributed behind the scenes, while others have made their mark across the nation on various stages and screens. Beyond the realm of theatre, the program's emphasis on community, integrity, and professionalism has equipped alumni for diverse careers, including roles as educators, mental health counselors, and librarians.
ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS
On Broadway, Emma Pittman shines as Cherry Valance in The Outsiders, supported behind the scenes by Viraj Shirwardhankar (Company Management) and Korey Sanders (Assistant Props). Rozzie Heeger serves as Deputy General Manager at ATG Entertainment and played a key role in the August Wilson Theatre's recent transformation. Emmy Steele contributed to company management for both Seussical and Illinoise on Broadway. Ray Wetmore and JR Goodman received the 2024 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Puppetry for their work on Water for Elephants. Aidan McDermott was the Assistant Company Manager for An Enemy of the People.
Wagner College Theatre alumni continue to make waves globally, from regional theatre and Hollywood, to founding their own studios. Just a handful of highlights from the past year include:
- Dillon Burke’s debut book, A Line of Thinking: Alone.
- Alex Boniello starring in Disney’s Descendants: The Rise of Red.
- April Lavalle’s new play We Shall Be Monsters had its first reading.
- Katrice Jackson toured nationally with Jesus Christ Superstar.
- Alexa Santiago became an Entertainment Audio Technician at Walt Disney World.
- Alex Moss performed the national anthem at a Yankees game.
- Michael Bullard appeared in Fiddler on the Roof at The Muny.
- Hunter Anderson directed Non-Disclosure, starring Remy Van Collen and Katie Cox.
- Gracie Klebine joined Disney Cruise Line as a performer.
WAGNER COLLEGE THEATRE 2024-25
Experience the excitement of Wagner College Theatre this season and discover why it is one of the nation’s top-ranked collegiate theater programs. Enjoy world-class performances in the heart of Staten Island, including WCT Dance, City of Angels, Once Upon a Mattress, and Let it Be. For more information, visit wagner.edu/theatre or contact our box office with any questions. Subscription Pre-Sale for the 2024-25 season is now available; reach out to the box office at boxoffice@wagner.edu for details. Single tickets, regular subscriptions, and group tickets will be available for purchase starting September 15, 2024.
For more information about our season, faculty, students, and ticketing please visit https://wagner.edu/performing-arts/.
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