Seven faculty members from Florida State University have received Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards for the 2026-27 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

FSU’s seven scholars will travel to Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Belgium, Vietnam and India to teach, conduct research and engage with colleagues in their fields.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational and cultural exchange program. Led by the U.S. government in partnership with 160 countries worldwide, Fulbright offers programs for passionate and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds to study, teach and conduct research. Participants enrich their education, advance their careers and make meaningful contributions to communities abroad and at home.

In addition, FSU’s Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht received a Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) Award, which supports two-week seminars for U.S. higher education administrators to learn about participating countries’ higher education systems, exchange information on best practices and explore the potential for partnerships with institutions of higher education in the host country.

Hecht will use the award in France, where she will participate in briefings, campus visits, appointments with government officials, networking and cultural activities and meetings with French international education professionals to familiarize herself with France’s higher education and research system.

The 2026-2027 Fulbright Scholars from FSU are: 

Jim Lile, a professor at the School of Theatre in the College of Fine Arts, will use the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to teach courses about Western production practices and conduct research on Asian production methods at National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan, during the spring 2027 semester. 

Lile brings 25 years of experience in live theater. He was first invited to Taipei in October 2023 to conduct a series of master classes based on his experience with the Western theatrical technical production methods used for opera, musicals, plays and dance. The short visit provided such a valuable opportunity that Lile wanted to return to Taipei to continue teaching and learning more about live performance practices in Asia.  

By focusing on the various organizational structures, training techniques and uses of text, movement and music to tell stories, Lile will explore how cultural values and traditions are reflected in technical production methods. 

“I hope to build an international network with theater designers and technicians and create long-term collaboration opportunities in Taiwan and other regional countries,” Lile said. “Taiwan’s multicultural history offers rich opportunities to study the diverse traditions and histories of Asian live performance.” 

Judith Pascoe, the George Mills Harper Professor in the Department of English in the College of Arts and Sciences, will expand on her research and teaching interests in Nara, Japan, through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program starting in March.  

This is Pascoe’s second Fulbright award to Japan. She previously received the Fulbright Japan Lecturing Award for the 2009-2010 academic year while teaching at the University of Iowa. This experience led to her writing “On the Bullet Train with Emily Brontë: ‘Wuthering Heights’ in Japan,” an account of her quest to discover the reasons for the continuous Japanese embrace of the novel “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë. 

Pascoe will teach classes and continue her research on Japanese adaptations of world literature at Nara Women’s University from March to August 2027. Her classes will draw from her experience as a specialist in nineteenth-century literature, while her research will focus on why certain works have gained popularity among youth demographics.  

“I look forward to fine-tuning the teaching strategies I cultivated for use in Japanese classrooms, to forging relationships with new Japanese colleagues and to learning about present-day Japanese challenges,” Pascoe said. “The Fulbright support for the humanities is a tremendously strong force for kindness, empathy and cross-cultural solidarity.” 

Hui Wang, an associate professor in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, will conduct collaborative research at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore from January to July 2027 through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.  

While at NTU, Wang will collaborate with colleagues on a research project focused on improving manufacturing quality control and process design in advanced production systems, particularly 3D printing.  

The project combines process simulations, sensor measurements and engineering knowledge to better understand how manufacturing conditions affect product quality. 

“Singapore provides a unique environment where advanced manufacturing and data-driven engineering innovation are closely integrated,” Wang said. “Beyond the technical research, I value the cultural exchange aspect of Fulbright very highly. I believe there is much to learn from Singapore’s emphasis on discipline, efficiency and engineering rigor, while also sharing perspectives from the U.S. research environment that encourage open discussion, interdisciplinary exploration and student-centered mentoring. 

Aleksandra Zimmerman, the Ed McIntyre Associate Professor of Business Administration in the Department of Accounting at the Herbert Wertheim College of Business, will carry out research in Antwerp, Belgium, during the fall and spring semesters.

Zimmerman will work with researchers at the University of Antwerp and Vrije Universiteit Brussel, where she will collaborate with faculty on research and engage with students and scholars on topics related to accounting and auditing, human capital and labor markets, and regulatory policy. Her research project will focus on accounting and business with a particular emphasis on issues related to emerging trends and to the accounting and auditing profession and regulation policies in a global context.

The project seeks to address how different institutional structures, cultural norms and regulatory environments influence accounting, auditing and business practices and decision making. Through collaborative research and scholarly exchange, Zimmerman aims to better understand how institutional and cultural settings shape business practices, regulation and standard setting.

“Belgium is an ideal location for this work given its central role in European regulatory and economic systems,” Zimmerman said. “I am most looking forward to the collaborative aspect of the Fulbright experience, working closely with international colleagues, engaging with students, and immersing myself in the academic and cultural life of Belgium and visiting other schools in Europe. Fulbright support is particularly important for accounting and business because these fields are deeply shaped by global economic forces and international regulation.” 

Biwu Ma, professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, will also travel to Belgium to conduct research at the University of Antwerp during the upcoming fall and spring semesters through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. He will spend the academic year merging material science and medical physics to improve how ultra-high dose rate radiotherapies monitor radiation in real-time. 

With recent advancements in FLASH radiotherapy, an emerging cancer treatment shown to reduce damage to healthy tissue while delivering high rates of radiation at extreme speeds, comes a need to create radiation dosimeters that reliably detect dosages. Ma’s work focuses on developing organic-inorganic hybrid scintillation materials to provide accurate, real-time dose monitoring and enhance treatment precision. 

“The (University of Antwerp) provides a unique environment where materials science can be directly connected to clinically relevant validation and translational research,” Ma said. “The award emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in driving scientific innovation and translating fundamental discoveries into real-world societal impact.” 

Frankie Wong, the McKenzie Endowed Professor in the College of Nursing and founding director of the Center of Population Sciences for Health Empowerment, will travel to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, next spring to further his research at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities at National Vietnam University (VNU-USSH).

Wong, who has visited Vietnam nearly 10 times in the past decade and has previously worked in countries like China, Russia, South Africa and Tajikistan, will further his work examining HIV-related stigma intervention among high-risk men in Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam with the highest rate of HIV in the country. His work seeks to encourage more people to engage in HIV research, which can lead to more cutting-edge strategies to mitigate and/or prevent this global burden. 

“The Fulbright Fellowship will allow me to have an immersive experience. I believe I have the temperament, humility and appreciation of American culture to serve as an effective cultural ambassador for the U.S.,” he said. 

Paromita Sanyal, an associate professor of Sociology in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy and research associate at FSU’s Center for Demography and Population Health, will travel to India using the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award.

Sanyal specializes in international development, gender, economic and political sociology. Her research examines large-scale programs aimed at inducing development, women’s empowerment and financial inclusion.

As a member of the World Bank’s Social Observatory team, which is based in India and tracks projects aiming to eradicate poverty and improve livelihoods around the world, she uses her insights to understand the impact of socioeconomic interventions on women in India. She will expand upon this work during her Fulbright experience.   

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build connections, and work to address complex global challenges. Notable Fulbrighters include 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Fellows, 41 heads of state or government, and thousands of leaders across the private, public and non-profit sectors.  

More than 800 individuals teach or conduct research abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program annually. In addition, over 2,000 Fulbright U.S. Student Program participants — recent college graduates, graduate students and early career professionals — participate in study/research exchanges or as English teaching assistants in local schools abroad each year. 

FSU faculty interested in learning more about applying for Fulbright Program funding can contact Peggy Wright-Cleveland, Director of Faculty Development in the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement, at mwrightcleveland@admin.fsu.edu or (850) 645-8202. 

To learn more about FSU’s global footprint, visit global.fsu.edu. 

The post FSU faculty earn seven Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards for 2026-27 appeared first on Florida State University News.

Long before Florida State University became known for its research enterprise and nationally ranked academic programs, the arts were helping shape the life of the university.

Music, theater and visual arts were among the earliest academic offerings at the institution that would become FSU, predating many of the STEM and professional programs taught at the university today.

Over the decades, those programs have grown into nationally recognized schools in music, film, theater, dance and design while bringing world-class artists, exhibitions and performances to campus.

Today, as Florida State celebrates its 175th anniversary, the arts remain central to the university’s identity by enriching campus life, connecting the university with the community and preparing generations of artists, performers and creators.

The post FSU 175: 25 defining moments in the arts at Florida State appeared first on Florida State University News.

The Florida State University School of Theatre presents “The Play That Goes Wrong,” a comedy by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, opening Friday at The Richard G. Fallon Theatre.

The show follows a troupe of actors who prove that even when their play unravels into a theatrical symphony of disasters, the show must go on.

“The School of Theatre ends the season with a bang … or in this case, perhaps a well-timed thud … as ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ leans wholeheartedly into its delightfully chaotic spirit,” says Brad Brock, director of the School of Theatre. “The show’s charm is undeniable. Everything just clicks — the writing is sharp, the set ‘mishaps’ are a puzzle the audience gets to enjoy and the cast brings such energy that you can’t help but get swept up in it. We want people to laugh so hard they leave with happy tears.”

The cast features FSU students Jacob Ost (Chris), Gabriel Martinez (Jonathan), Onyekachi Anyagaligbo (Roberta), Camryn Overstreet (Denise), Amanda Holton (Sandra), Adam Fuller (Max), Mckenna Brooke Noel (Annie) and Steffen Lawrence Robinson (Trevor).

The production is directed by Joz Vammer, with scenic design by Sophie Smrcka, lighting design by Naiomy Pérez Del Valle, sound design by Alroy Harry and costume design by Makenzie Vaughan.

Performances will run Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 19, at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre.

Tickets are available at tickets.theatre.fsu.edu. For more information on the FSU School of Theatre’s 2026-2027 season and academic programs, visit theatre.fsu.edu.

“The Play That Goes Wrong” is presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service under license from Mischief Worldwide Ltd.

The post FSU School of Theatre presents ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University’s School of Theatre invites audiences to cut loose this month with its production of “Footloose,” the high-energy musical inspired by the 1980s cult classic film.

The story follows Ren McCormack, a city teenager who moves to the small town of Bomont only to find that rock music and dancing have been banned. Ren’s rebellious spirit soon sparks a movement, challenging town leaders to reconsider the ban and let the local teenagers dance again.

Performances run from Friday, Feb. 20, through Sunday, March 1, at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre.

“Ultimately, ‘Footloose’ endures as a story of healing and community,” said Director Dewayne Barrett. “When the town finally dances, it is not rebellion; it is reconciliation.”

The post FSU’s School of Theatre presents ‘Footloose’ appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University will celebrate the achievements of its newest alumni Friday as the fall 2025 semester draws to a close. FSU will award 2,982 degrees, and more than 2,000 graduates are expected to participate in commencement ceremonies. 

The ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. President Richard McCullough will preside over all three events: a doctoral hooding ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by ceremonies for bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degree recipients at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

Featured speakers include Florida State Rep. Lawrence McClure and retired FSU head men’s basketball coach Leonard Hamilton. 

FSU’s fall graduates are putting their education to work in fields from health care to the arts. The students featured here have strengthened the university through their research, service and leadership and are ready to do the same beyond FSU. 

Lagos, Nigeria native Bolade Olateju is on the verge of reaching another personal milestone as he earns his doctorate in exercise physiology with the FSU Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Science. 

Following graduation, he plans to continue his work in biomedical research with a focus on preclinical and translation studies aimed at cardiovascular and metabolic health. Olateju values the significant work he has accomplished while mentoring his students at FSU. 

“During my time at FSU, I have been fortunate to build a diverse and impactful record of academic research and leadership accomplishments,” Olateju said. “I have trained and mentored numerous students, supported multiple federally funded research projects, and contributed to several publications focused on sarcospan, cardiac remodeling and cardiometabolic disease.” 

Olateju chose FSU’s Exercise Physiology Ph.D. program “because of its strong reputation in integrative human physiology and translational research.” Searching for a program that would accelerate his research — particularly in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases — Olateju is thankful for the challenge FSU provided. 

“I wanted a program that would challenge me, support my growth as a scientist and allow me to conduct meaningful research,” Olateju added. “FSU provided exactly that.” 

Jocelyn Muñiz, a graduating Master of Public Health (MPH) student, was recently promoted to program administrator of the Public Health Dental Program at the Florida Department of Health. 

The Public Health Dental Program guides the Florida Department of Health’s initiatives to strengthen and protect oral health across the state. The program has an incredible impact across Florida, managing statewide dental health data, setting policy priorities, supporting education and prevention programs and providing direct dental services.  

As the program administrator, Muñiz oversees dental health plans to increase access to oral health services, promote preventive care and improve outcomes across diverse communities.  

“Working at the Florida Department of Health, I already feel like I apply my education to my job,” Muñiz said. “Being a public health major really helped me understand the inner workings of policy and the reasons that health and health-related issues are in the state that they are. Knowing the system and its influencing factors impacted my desire to make a change from within.” 

Muñiz is a Tallahassee native and earned her bachelor’s degree in public health from FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP) in 2023. Muñiz credits her time at COSSPP with helping her build the strong professional network that opened doors and propelled her toward her dream career.  

When asked what aspect of FSU has left a lasting impact on her, Muñiz said, “Dr. (Deanna) Barath has had the biggest influence on me as a student and as an individual in the field of public health. Not only does she give me feedback on my classwork, but she also provides guidance on my professional career, helping me build my résumé, serving as a reference, and offering insight into the public health system and how it functions.” 

Joanna Chowdhury, a graduating Master of Public Health (MPH) student and two-time COSSPP alumna, was named Northwest Regional Health Manager for Special Olympics Florida. 

In this position, Chowdhury works closely with clinicians and students, training them to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role is hands-on and collaborative, supporting work with volunteers for health education classes at partnered community facilities and coordinating noninvasive health screenings at sporting events and partner sites. 

“What makes this role so special is that I get to do something I absolutely love, bridging the clinical side of health care with public health in a way that genuinely makes a difference,” Chowdhury said.  

Chowdhury chose to attend FSU because of the Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE), which provides first-generation students with academic preparation and support through programming and advising to face challenges due to educational or economic circumstances.  

“It was the deciding factor for me, and looking back, it completely shaped the trajectory of my education and career,” Chowdhury said. “CARE gave me access to resources I didn’t even realize I needed to be successful in college: life coaching, case management, university housing and a support system that showed up for me consistently.” 

Through CARE, Chowdhury learned about COSSPP’s Combined Pathways program, which allowed her to blend two of her interests — public health and social sciences — while saving time and money. The pathway helped her transition from her dual bachelor’s degrees (B.S. Public Health and Interdisciplinary Social Science) into the MPH program, giving her a clear direction toward the field she now works in.  

Chowdhury’s dual degree shapes her understanding of both fields. Taking courses such as urban and regional planning and public administration influenced her perspective on policies that impact health care. “It taught me to view public health as a connected system where history, policy and environment all shape outcomes,” Chowdhury said.  

The support from FSU aided her academic and personal development. One professor, specifically, Ladanya Ramirez Surmeier, made a lasting impact during Chowdhury’s most difficult moments. After the death of her father, Ramirez Surmeier encouraged her to seek mental health support. 

“She reminded me that I could not advocate for others if I was not willing to advocate for myself,” Chowdhury said. “Her advice became the missing piece in my healing.” 

Chowdhury is and has been involved in several organizations and programs, including Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., CARE, FSU University Housing and the Master of Public Health Student Association. These organizations provided her with community, mentorship, friendships and opportunities for professional development. 

After graduation Chowdhury hopes to continue advancing health equity and mentoring future public health professionals.  

Jada Llerena, of Stuart, Florida, is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She credits the FSU community and curriculum with strengthening her commitment to service and equipping her with the confidence to succeed. 

During her time at the College of Nursing, Llerena researched GABA migration in the developing brain after nicotine exposure. However, one of her most meaningful experiences was serving as an ACE Learning Tutor. 

“FSU taught me that knowledge is most powerful when it is shared, a lesson that continues to guide me as both a student and a future nurse,” she said. 

Llerena also notes that the faculty played an instrumental role in her development by challenging and supporting her growth. After graduation, she will begin her career at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. She will work in the Neuro and Vascular Intensive Care Unit at the Level 1 trauma center, where she hopes to mentor other nurses and continue the cycle of guidance she found at FSU. 

Max Allen, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the School of Theatre, with a dual track in performance and directing. Drawn to FSU for its renowned arts programs and the ability to utilize the Bright Futures Scholarship, Allen said the campus environment was a major draw. 

“I’d known FSU for a long time. It has very strong arts programs with a lot of supportive faculty, and I’m really glad I made the decision,” Allen said. 

Allen’s undergraduate career was defined by high-level research. Through the IDEA Grant and the Honors in the Major program, he developed projects and attended graduate-level seminars, opportunities rarely afforded to undergraduates. He credits mentors such as Kris Salata, chair of the School of Theatre, and Assistant Professor Sarah Fahmy for guiding his journey. 

Allen plans to pursue a doctorate in theater to continue his work as a director, performer and scholar.

Mckenzie Simon, of Broward County, Florida, has made a lasting impact on campus through extensive service and leadership. A member of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) program, Simon served as a Summer Bridge Ambassador, supporting first-generation college students during their transition to campus life. 

Simon also served as an ambassador for the College of Nursing and a “Take Stock in College” student ambassador, mentoring students across Florida. 

“Obstacles aren’t stop signs, they’re invitations to push harder,” Simon said. 

Beyond his ambassador roles, Simon gained clinical experience as a nurse extern at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. He was also a featured speaker at the Horizons Unlimited Conference, where he offered advice to incoming nursing students. 

After graduation, Simon will join the Cardiac Surgery ICU at HCA Florida Capital Hospital. He plans to gain critical care experience before pursuing certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. 

At just 19 years old, Nicolas Monteagudo is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

Monteagudo’s time at FSU was marked by academic distinction and advocacy. He was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi — becoming one of only two nursing students in his cohort selected for the nation’s oldest collegiate honor society, and Sigma Theta Tau, the International Nursing Honor Society. 

Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), Monteagudo worked with James Whyte, director of the Ph.D. in Nursing Science program, to investigate HIV-related stigma. As a Hispanic student, he found particular meaning in his work with the Florida-Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and contributed to initiatives that increase underrepresented minority students in STEM. 

He also conducted policy analysis for the Florida Department of Management Services regarding health care costs and advocated for cancer research funding. 

“Graduating at 19 has taught me that there is no ‘perfect’ timeline for success,” Monteagudo said. “If there is one piece of advice I can impart, it is this: dreams without action become anxiety. When you think of your dreams, I hope you sing with rapture and dance like a dervish, fearlessly, freely and without hesitation.” 

Monteagudo plans to become a nurse practitioner and pursue a doctorate in nursing, following in his mother’s footsteps. 

When Olivia DeForest started at FSU in 2022, she wasn’t certain which direction to take. Fortunately, her strong math abilities and interest in practical applications led her to choose finance as her major. 

“I knew that I had a passion for making money, and that was about it,” DeForest said. “I honestly picked finance because I knew that I was much more of a math person. When I initially started taking my classes, I found myself really interested in the material.” 

This month, she receives her Bachelor of Science in Finance after thriving as a student at FSU’s College of Business. DeForest took a demanding courseload, worked multiple jobs, paid her way through school and was involved in Kappa Delta Sorority, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity and Dance Marathon. 

Her biggest obstacle at FSU also became the turning point for her career ambitions. After her sophomore year, she applied for an internship at financial services company Raymond James but was rejected. She used the rejection as motivation and landed a finance and accounting internship with the company the next year and later secured a full-time position 

“I was heartbroken,” DeForest said about the initial rejection. “I kind of took that as ‘Okay, I can either completely redirect or use this as my motivation and go get it next summer.” 

In January 2026, her new position awaits her as one of Raymond James’ corporate banking credit associates. “From my first day of freshman year, my reason for attending FSU has been to get an education, secure a job and eventually excel in my career,” DeForest said. “It’s really cool to say in four years here, I did exactly what I wanted to do.” 

The post Honoring Achievement: FSU’s fall 2025 graduate spotlights appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University’s School of Theatre presents “Junie B. Jones, The Musical,” based on the beloved children’s book series by Barbara Park.

Join Junie B. Jones as she navigates the ups and downs of growing up. From making new friends to developing her talents, this spirited six-year-old tackles each day with enthusiasm, humor and her own unique perspective on the world.

Performances will run from Thursday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 23, at The Richard G. Fallon Theatre.

“This show is packed with fun for everyone,” said Melissa Tarduno, the production’s director. “The creators of ‘Junie B. Jones, The Musical’ beautifully capture the big emotions children experience and remind us how friendship, family and resilience help us overcome our insecurities.”

This colorful musical captures the joy, challenges and hilarious misadventures of childhood in a way that will resonate with audiences of all ages.

“Junie B. represents a bit of all of us, proving that when we believe in ourselves, anything is possible,” Tarduno said. “Big or small, you’ll have a ball!”

The cast features FSU School of Theatre students Leah Joy Ifill and Gianna Weerasooriya sharing the title role of Junie B. Jones, with Ellie Rae Dobleske as May, Patrick Melley as Herb, and Londyn Kirol as Lucille.

The production features direction by Tarduno, scenic design by Ryan Douglass, costume design by Diana Girtain, sound design by Alex Riggs, and lighting design by Lindsay Kramer.

Tickets are available now at tickets.theatre.fsu.edu. For more information on the FSU School of Theatre’s 2025-26 season and academic programs, visit theatre.fsu.edu.

“Junie B. Jones, The Musical,” is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com 

The post FSU School of Theatre presents ‘Junie B. Jones, The Musical’ appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University’s School of Theatre presents “You on the Moors Now” by Jaclyn Backhaus, a mashup of classic literature’s most beloved heroines.

In this showdown, Elizabeth Bennet, Catherine Earnshaw, Jane Eyre and Jo March refuse to play by society’s rules any longer. When these iconic characters from “Pride and Prejudice,” “Wuthering Heights,” “Jane Eyre” and “Little Women” collide in one unforgettable encounter, they rewrite their stories with passion, defiance and a 21st-century twist.

Performances will run from Friday, Oct. 31, through Sunday, Nov. 9, at The Lab Theatre, 502 S. Copeland St., located between St. Augustine and Lafayette Streets.

The post FSU School of Theatre presents ‘You on the Moors now’ appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University’s School of Theatre presents “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical thriller.

Set in Victorian London, this story follows the vengeful barber Sweeney Todd as he returns from unjust imprisonment, seeking retribution. When he reunites with the resourceful Mrs. Lovett, their twisted partnership takes a sinister turn that will forever change Fleet Street.

Performances will run from Friday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre.

“Murder, meat pies and mayhem set against some of the most complex and wonderful music ever written.”

— Chari Arespacochaga, the production’s director and FSU associate professor.

“Murder, meat pies and mayhem set against some of the most complex and wonderful music ever written,” said Chari Arespacochaga, the production’s director and FSU associate professor. “Sweeney Todd promises to be an unforgettable time in the theatre! It’s a haunting fable of pain, power and the perilous pursuit of justice — a tale as timeless as it is terrifying.”

The post FSU School of Theatre presents ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ appeared first on Florida State University News.

Single tickets for the Florida State University School of Theatre‘s 2025-2026 season are now on sale. This season’s lineup features three musicals and two plays, and spotlights the talent and skill of FSU’s students.

“We hope that you will join us for the incredible season of productions and celebrate these artists, creative teams, and performers with us,” said Brad Brock, director of the School of Theatre.

The season opens Friday, Oct. 17, just in time for Halloween, with Stephen Sondheim’s dark and thrilling musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” running through Sunday, Oct. 26, in the Richard G. Fallon Theatre.

From Friday, Oct. 31, through Sunday, Nov. 9, the Lab Theatre will host Jaclyn Backhaus’ acclaimed play “You on the Moors Now,” a classic romance with a 21st-century twist. In this bold reimagining, iconic 1800s heroines take control of their own destiny.

The annual Theatre for Young Audiences production, “Junie B. Jones the Musical,” plays Nov. 20-23. Based on the beloved children’s book series, this lively and heartwarming show will delight audiences of all ages.

Spring 2026 brings two crowd-pleasers to the Fallon Theatre: the rockin’, high-energy musical “Footloose” from Friday, Feb. 20 to Sunday, March 1, and the uproarious comedy “The Play That Goes Wrong” playing from April 10-19.

Tickets range from $10-$30 each and can be purchased online, by phone at (850) 644-6500 or at the Fine Arts Ticket Office in the Fine Arts Building at 540 West Call Street.

The Fine Arts Ticket Office is open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and one hour before each performance. Performance times are 8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday.

For tickets and more information, visit tickets.theatre.fsu.edu.

2025-2026 Season at a glance:

• Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street | Oct. 17-26 | Richard G. Fallon Theatre

• You on the Moors Now | Oct. 31-Nov. 9 | Lab Theatre

• Junie B. Jones the Musical | Nov. 20-23 | Richard G. Fallon Theatre

• Footloose | Feb. 20-Mar. 1 | Richard G. Fallon Theatre

• The Play That Goes Wrong | Apr. 10-19 | Richard G. Fallon Theatre

The post Single tickets on sale now for FSU theatre season performances appeared first on Florida State University News.

Chari Arespacochaga, Florida State University School of Theatre associate professor and director of the MFA Directing Program, will return to her hometown of Manila in the Philippines in August to direct a production of “Into the Woods” for Theatre Group Asia.

Theatre Group Asia is an international theater group under the artistic direction of Tony Award-winner Clint Ramos and focuses on producing works led by Filipino creatives and performed by artists of Filipino heritage. The group holds a commitment to engaging Filipino audiences and fostering connections within the international theatre community.

Arespacochaga is a world-renowned director known for her work in theater, film, multimedia, special events and concerts. Her directing credits include “Rent” (which won Musical of the Year in Columbus, Ohio in 2023), “Kinky Boots,” “Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812,” which was performed at FSU in 2024, among many others. Arespacochaga holds a BFA in film and audiovisual communication from the University of the Philippines and an MFA in theater directing from the University of Victoria in British Columbia. She has been at FSU since 2018.

This will be Arespacochaga’s first time in the Philippines in 10 years.

“It’s really exciting to be going back,” she said. “Some of the cast members are very dear friends and colleagues whom I worked with before I left Manila. Some of them are former students of mine who are currently enjoying their own fields of success and are creating their own paths in this artistic world. I am in a great company and we all cannot wait to create this world for everyone.”

The post FSU Theatre professor to direct sold-out production of “Into the Woods” in the Philippines appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University recently showcased the second annual “Preview @ FSU” series, a unique collaboration between the College of Music and the School of Theatre through the Music Theatre Program.

This year’s performance, “Amelia and Me,” written by Stacey Luftig and Phillip Palmer, tells the story of pioneering pilot Amelia Earhart and her friendship with fellow aviator Jackie Cochran. Set in 1935, the musical explores the events leading up to Amelia’s final flight and highlights the bond between these two remarkable women.

The series is a new works initiative that provides a platform for students to work closely with professional writers and composers, offering the students hands-on experience in the early stages of musical development.

“Through this series, we aim to provide our students with the opportunity to be part of a new musical in its early stages,” said Alisa Hauser, assistant professor of music theatre and program director. “This experience is crucial for their professional preparation, as it mirrors the work they will do in the industry after graduation. The series not only benefits the students but also provides invaluable support to the writers and composers.”

Developing a new musical theatre production takes a lot of resources. This program gives students the chance to build their skills by participating from start to finish in the process.

“With this opportunity to come here, we provide rehearsal space, accompanists, student stage managers and assistants,” Hauser said. “It’s invaluable for the writers, and it is something that writers are hungry for.”

The performance was held at the Augusta Conradi Studio Theatre, providing an intimate setting for this powerful story.

The post Florida State University’s College of Music and School of Theatre collaborate for ‘Preview @ FSU’ series appeared first on Florida State University News.

Florida State University’s School of Theatre presents Karen Zacarías’ award-winning play, “The Sins of Sor Juana,” inspired by the life and work of 17th-century Latin American poet and philosopher Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.

Even under the Inquisition’s eye, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz’s poetry blazed with passion and defiance, igniting independent thought among elite women. Threatened by her sway, her adversaries hired a rogue to tame her. Their fiery, witty and romantic battle left one question: Who would surrender? Karen Zacarías’ award-winning play proves that well-behaved women rarely make history.

“Sor Juana’s story is one of resilience, intellect and the fight for self-expression against a world that seeks to silence strong spirits,” said Monika Gossmann, assistant professor of performance. “Through a dynamic fusion of dance, song, Indigenous movement and sword fighting, our talented cast brings this powerful narrative to life with authenticity and passion. This production is a celebration of Hispanic heritage and an invitation for audiences to engage with a story that transcends time.”

The post FSU School of Theatre presents ‘The Sins of Sor Juana’ appeared first on Florida State University News.