Lehman College Theatre Major Wins Scholarship to Attend MFA Program

Lehman College senior Walter “Wally’’ Lugo has won a scholarship and stipend to attend Florida State University’s MFA program in technical direction. Lugo is the theatre department’s first student to win a graduate-school scholarship.

What makes the scholarship even more impressive is that Florida State only accepted five students for the three-year MFA program. Technical theatre coordinates the scenery, lighting, and sound of stage productions.

“The technology used in theatre is constantly changing,” explains Ken Ross, technical director of Lehman Stages. “The MFA program will allow Wally to learn and be ready to enter the entertainment industry at a higher level.”

Lugo thanked Ross and theatre professor Claudia Case for helping him navigate the admissions process, which included interviews and project work. “Without them, I never would have gotten through it,” notes Lugo, who also is a former captain of the College’s swim team.

“Walter showed real dedication throughout the application process, and, by getting an MFA, he is putting himself in a great position to have a professional career in theatre,” says professor Case.

The Theatre Program offers training in performance arts, including acting, directing, and playwriting; costume, lighting, and scene design, including technical theatre; and the dramatic literatures and history of the theatre. There is also a dance minor, which provides students with performance opportunities beyond the classroom in dance concerts and participation in the Theatre Program’s musical comedy productions.

Theatre students have ample opportunities for a hands-on learning experience both on and backstage in the Lovinger Theatre and in the Studio Theatre and the S.E.T. (Student Experimental Theatre).