SDSU Theatre Program Celebrates a Century of Performance Excellence

Theatre activities at San Diego State University originated in 1914, but the program was officially established in 1926 by Sybil Eliza Jones, who directed the first complete season of faculty-led plays. Over the past 100 years, SDSU’s theatre has evolved significantly.

Notable milestones include the introduction of Theatre for Young Audiences in 1971, the first Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technical Theatre in 1978, and the only Master of Fine Arts program in Musical Theatre in 1982. Esteemed alumni like Gregory Peck and Kathy Najimy illustrate the program’s impact. The centennial season kicks off with Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party from October 16-22, 2023, and includes productions like The Maids and Seussical, showcasing the enduring legacy and contemporary relevance of SDSU Theatre.