07/21/2026
Summer may mean a break for some students. But for musical theatre majors in SUNY Cortland’s Performing Arts Department, it provides an opportunity to shine on new stages.
Several students have spent their summers working with local theater companies across multiple states. The roles provide valuable experience. More than that, they showcase the skills developed in Dowd Fine Arts Center on campus.
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The university’s B.F.A. in musical theatre includes a partnership with the nearby Cortland Repertory Theatre. Students work with faculty to hone their craft and gain the confidence that help them find success in front of an audience or behind the scenes.
Among the students involved in summer productions:
- John Malagrida, senior: Cortland Repertory Theatre intern company; Dance Curly in “Oklahoma,” Dick in “9 to 5,” ensemble in “Annie.”
- Ann Marie Thorell, senior: “Finding Nemo” at Quisisana Resort in Center Lovell, Maine.
- Illyria Escher, junior: Romeo and Juliet with Trust Your Gut Productions in Gloversville, N.Y.
- Ezra Rudenko, junior: Anatole in “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” at WCT Next Stage Program in Watertown, Massachusetts.
- Sam Smith, sophomore: Robert Martin in “The Drowsy Chaperone” at the Endicott Performing Arts Center in Endicott, N.Y.
SUNY Cortland faculty are helping support the local theater scene as well:
- Deena Conley, associate professor and department chair: director of “Baskerville” at Cortland Repertory Theatre.
- Scott Holdredge, assistant professor: scenic design for “Oklahoma” at Cortland Repertory Theatre; resident scenic and lighting designer at Franklin Stage Company in Franklin, N.Y.
- Ben Kapilow, music director and assistant professor: assistant music director for “A Bronx Tale” at The Rev in Auburn, N.Y.; music director for “Dear Evan Hansen” at Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, N.Y.; and music director at French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts in Hancock, N.Y.
- Mark Reynolds, costume designer: director of “Daddy Long Legs” at Cortland Repertory Theatre.
- Ben Wells, publicity coordinator and production manager: social media marketing for Cortland Repertory Theatre.
With the fall semester fast arriving, audiences can also look forward to SUNY Cortland’s 2026-27 schedule of musicals, dramas and comedies.
Last school year, audiences enjoyed productions that included family favorite “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” and cult classic “Rocky Horror.”
New productions will be announced soon.
Supporters can follow the SUNY Cortland Performing Arts Department Facebook page and @sunycortperform on Instagram.