100 Years of Theater at SDSU

One hundred years ago, the Hollywood film industry was booming, the automobile was becoming widespread and San Diego State University had begun its first official season of theater. 

Fast forward a century later, the SDSU School of Theatre, Television and Film has produced hundreds of plays, been nominated for numerous awards and been named a Top 10 production school by The Hollywood Reporter. The school is known nationwide for its acclaimed programs that have bred generations of artists.

This year, the school celebrates its 100th anniversary season with a diverse mix of six plays and musicals hand-picked by the season selection committee, including Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party, The Maids by Jean Genet, a soon-to-be-announced new Broadway comedy, the theatre for young audiences version of the musical Seussical and Shakespeare’s King Lear starring Randy Reinholz in the title role. 

In addition, the School will present an Exploration Series of four staged readings, including collaborations with local theatre companies, and has been chosen as one of only 55 venues granted to host the 2026-2027 Albertine Cinémathèque French Film Festival. Several special fundraising events are also planned, including a 100th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 16, 2026.

Each of these productions, as well as the student-directed plays produced by clubs like the Musical Theater Club and Design and Technology Association, showcases students’ creativity, leadership and talent.

Caroline Quanstrom, a second-year majoring in Theater Performance, plans to pursue acting and theater design with her degree.

“The School of Theatre, Television and Film has helped me with this goal by giving me experience, the ability to build connections, learn about myself and expand my skill set through different classes,” said Quanstrom.

She says she was amazed by the breadth of opportunities available through SDSU Theatre. The different plays, musicals, workshops and readings have allowed her to collaborate with students and faculty members of all backgrounds while bettering her skills.

Stephen Brotebeck, the Director of the School of Theatre, Television and Film, says the program has an exciting year ahead. 

“We want to honor the past while looking towards the future,” said Brotebeck. “It’s important to continue tradition while also seeking out what contemporary changes we can do.” 

This ranges from the school’s unique Master of Fine Arts programs to the requirement for acting students to study abroad. Both are a part of a broader mission of diversifying the student experience while deepening their perspectives of theater.

As the funding of the arts continues to be a debate across the country, Brotebeck believes that teaching students to “hone their craft while having the life skills to create a career out of it” is crucial in encouraging young artists. He says many people are called to study theater because it fuels their spirit. It’s about doing it because they love it. 

100 years from now, theater may look entirely different as it evolves alongside social and technological changes, including artificial intelligence. Brotebeck hopes that evolution will be positive.

“Look at Netflix, look at Spotify, look at Apple Music,” said Brotebeck. “If the arts were gone you wouldn’t have any of that. The arts are embedded into who we are as humans.”

Tickets for the SDSU 100th anniversary season of theatre run $15-$25 and are available at the  School of Theater, Television and Film website.