The School of Television, Theatre, and Film Announces 2026 Outstanding Students

The School of Television, Theatre, and Film is one marked by creativity, experimentation, and personal growth through the arts. These students have embraced such aspects across various disciplines, pushing themselves to be the best performers or creators they can be.

Charlotte Bridant: Outstanding Undergraduate student in Theatre Arts

“No matter your role, no matter how big or small, you can touch people and help them in ways you didn't think possible. It is so important to take everything you do seriously and handle it with care,” says Charlotte Bridant, an outstanding undergraduate student in theatre arts. Bridant is graduating with an emphasis in youth theatre with a minor in LGBT Studies.

As a passionate member of the SDSU theatre community, Bridant hopes to work as a theatre teacher, something she has already dipped her toes into through her work at a local theatre studio in San Diego.

Along with that job, Bridant has served on the board of Skull & Dagger Dramatic Society as director of public relations and participated in multiple productions with them as both a performer and a choreographer. Outside of theatre, Bridant loves to dance, has been involved in KASA Ignite, and was a founding member of Revive Dance and CYPHER.

Bridant gave a special thanks to Dani Bedau for leaving such a lasting impact on her during her time at SDSU.

“Ever since my freshman year, she has been there for me, offering me so much mentorship and opportunities,” Bridant said. “My college experience would not have been the same without her. She has always believed in me and pushed me to be the best possible version of myself.”

Bridant’s advice to incoming SDSU students is to “say yes” to everything and embrace all the opportunities one can.

“The biggest thing you will regret is not doing something,” Bridant said. “So many doors open for you if you are willing to walk through them.” 

“As a perfectionist, showcasing the parts of my singing and acting that I felt like weren't good enough freaked me out so much that I started crying. However, I knew that if I didn't work on the parts of myself that weren't strong, I wouldn't become the best performer that I can be,” says Jordan Davenport, an outstanding undergraduate in musical theatre with a minor in creative writing.

Davenport has been involved in the Black Resource Center and their first Black fashion show, Black Renaissance Theatre as artistic director, and KASA Ignite: K-Pop dance club.

Davenport also worked as an intern assistant stage manager and assistant choreographer for Project Performer, a training studio for child performers.

Davenport said that performing original work will always hold a special place in her heart. Although she still enjoys performing well-known shows, she said being a vessel for original material is “so fulfilling and insightful.”

“With my future career, I want to be able to have writers, authors, playwrights, and filmmakers speak through me,” Davenport said. “I want to be an outlet for people to tell all kinds of stories.”

Davenport named Nole Jones as the instructor who has had the most impact on her.

“He is also one of my true safe spaces. Sometimes I felt like I wasn't good enough to be a performer. He supported me and always reminded me that I deserved to be here,” Davenport said. “His kindness has led me to discover new things about myself and become confident in my abilities.”

Davenport’s advice to incoming SDSU students is to explore and have fun, and that while school is important, students should build their social lives and take advantage of everything San Diego has to offer.

Finley Louch: Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Television, Film, and New Media

“I believe my academic experience is defined by my peers I learned alongside, as they are a huge reason for my success. Filmmaking hasn't been and never will be something you can do yourself, and the time I have spent learning and working with them has certainly impacted me on a great level,” says Finley Louch, an outstanding undergraduate in television, film, and new media with an emphasis in production.

Louch was president of SDSU’s improv team and has performed in a collection of Black Renaissance Theatre and Skull and Dagger productions. 

He also interned on a documentary in his last two years of college, eventually becoming an editor on the project.

For Louch, one of the greatest challenges he faced in college was being initially rejected from the TFM production major, especially because students are only allowed two opportunities to apply.

“I pride myself on my ability to work through adversity, and that is exactly what I did,” Louch said. “…It taught me to understand how to face rejection with intention, as there is much to learn from it.”

Louch identified Associate Professor Mary Posatko as the faculty member who has made the greatest impact on his academic journey.

“I am positive that the documentary I directed in TFM 540 was as powerful as it could have been because of her. She consistently pushed me to go the extra mile, that the time I was spending was worth it, and that I could be the best version of myself,” Louch said.

His advice to incoming SDSU students is to take on as many diverse opportunities as they can and cultivate meaningful relationships with their peers.

“Maintain those connections because those are the people who will make a difference in your life both personally and professionally,” Louch said.

Alexander Ameen - Outstanding Graduate Student in Theatre Arts

“I’m ambitious, determined, and fearless. I hate bullies and I’m always up to fight for what is right,” says Alexander Ameen, outstanding graduate student in theatre arts. 

Ameen aspires to become a professional playwright after graduating, and his final project was a full-length play titled “The Stormy Present.”

Set in the media office of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, an idealistic newcomer arrives ready to serve his country. 

“Instead, his presence starts a fight over what that country actually represents, and threatens to expose the quiet violence beneath everyday obedience. ‘The Stormy Present’ is a provocative portrait of a modern military force at war with itself,” said Ameen.

Amaris L'Heureux-Telfer: Outstanding Graduate Student in Film and Television Production

“My goal is to work professionally as a filmmaker with a focus on directing and cinematography.  At SDSU, I have gained immense technical knowledge and had the opportunity to develop my filmmaking skills by putting them into practice,” said Amaris L'Heureux-Telfer, outstanding graduate in film and television production.

L'Heureux-Telfer said she has learned a lot about her own strengths and weaknesses in her time at SDSU and gained more confidence to pursue a career in such a competitive field.

“I have tried to make the most of my time and the resources here at SDSU, learning everything that I can and taking advantage of the amazing opportunities offered,” L'Heureux-Telfer said.

L'Heureux-Telfer’s thesis is a 15-minute stop-motion animated film called “Sheepdog.” The film follows a dog that has been raised by a flock of sheep and must discover what it means to be a dog.

“Creating a narrative without dialogue has been a fun challenge in visual storytelling,” L'Heureux-Telfer said. “Everything about the film has been meticulously handmade and it's been amazing to see something so personal take on a life of its own.”

Kelan Yang: Outstanding Graduate Student in Design and Technology

“During my three years at SDSU, I participated in numerous theater projects both on and off campus. Whether as a designer, an assistant, or a craftsperson, I gained valuable experience,” says Kelan Yang, outstanding graduate student in design and technology with an emphasis in costume design.

Yang’s dream is to become a versatile costume designer, and she said her time at SDSU allowed her to connect with studio artists, illustrators, animators, and other artists, pushing her further toward her goal.

 Yang’s final project was working with the team of “Tomorrow, the Island Dies,” a musical theatre premiere created by Ryan Scott Oliver and directed by Stephen Brotebeck. Yang said the musical tells a story about “the good side and bad side of humanity on an island that is soon to be abandoned forever because of climate change.” 

Yang thanked her mentor, Denitsa Blizanokova, who she said has “generously shared her extensive experience and techniques as a costume designer” and “pushed (her) to push (her) limits and achieve greater success.”

Also included in the School of TTF outstanding students is Alyssa “Ajay” Junious: Outstanding Graduate Student in Musical Theatre.