SDSU School of Theatre, Television & Film Announces Outstanding Students

Donae Swanson: Outstanding Theatre Arts Undergraduate 

In her time at SDSU, Donae Swanson served on the Executive Board of SDSU’s Black Renaissance Theatre Organization for three years (two years as the President), and received mentorship through SDSU’s BSSK program, a summer program that offered early exposure to college coursework and curriculum. Last spring, Swanson was also inducted into the Jane K. Smith Cap and Gown Chapter of the Mortar Board National Honor Society for college seniors. She has performed in numerous productions on campus and directed a play for Black Renaissance. Swanson leaves SDSU with this: “The best advice I can offer to an incoming student at SDSU is to stay open to discovery, to change, and most importantly, to your own growth.” 

Quoc Duy Le Do: Outstanding Undergraduate Student of Television, Film, and New Media

Quoc Duy Le Do took part in many clubs and organizations during his time at SDSU, including the Asian Cinema Club, Film Society, TFM Emerging Filmmaker’s Showcase, and was an avid member of the SDSU APIDA Center. Do aspires to work as a writer, director, and producer in the film industry in the future, and says that the SDSU TFM department has prepared him for this venture. Do sums up their SDSU experience by saying, “In the classrooms and on the production sets at SDSU, I have collaborated with the most creative and talented minds, many of whom have become my dear friends. Being in the company of my peers has inspired and motivated me to become the best version of myself.” 

Robyn Wilkinson: Outstanding Master’s Graduate Student in Theatre Arts

For her Master’s thesis at San Diego State University, Robyn Wilkinson created a five-part educational video series offering dramaturgical analysis of queer plays and musicals. Her goal is to give more accessibility to impactful theatre works, particularly those from LGBTQ+ voices. After completing her Master’s degree, Wilkinson will return to SDSU to pursue her teaching credential, with plans to become a high school theatre teacher. Her time at SDSU has been transformative, helping her discover her calling in public education through invaluable performance opportunities, industry connections, and supportive mentorship. She notes, “Many conversations with friends and faculty helped me find my way, as well as the many theatre education jobs I was able to secure with the connections made at SDSU. I truly cannot understate how vital the performance, networking, and employment opportunities here have been for me.” 

Nayeli Bailey: Outstanding MFA Student in Theatre Arts with a Concentration in Design and Technology 

Nayeli Bailey is a passionate lighting designer with a growing portfolio that spans theatre, themed entertainment, and architectural spaces. For her final project at SDSU, she designed the lighting for the musical Rent, which she says was an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a talented team on a powerful production. As a first-generation college student, Bailey is driven not only by her creative goals but also by a desire to support and uplift others with similar journeys. Her time at SDSU has helped her clarify her career path and build the skills and connections she needs to move forward in professional lighting design. 

Lizzete Flores: Outstanding MFA Student in Film and Television Production

In her final semester at SDSU, Lizzete Flores created a short film with detail in production design, which is her main area of interest. To accomplish this, she utilized the TFM facilities on campus, where she was able to showcase her talents in this field. After graduating from SDSU with a master's in Film and Television Production, Flores hopes to work in the art department of the film industry.