Featured Alumnus: Marco Antonio Rodriguez ('97)
At Buffalo State Theater
We meet you where you are and customize your curriculum to foster and develop your artistry. We set high standards within an academic environment of compassion while providing opportunities in our vibrant television, film and theater community of WNY. Hands on is what we do. The only thing that will limit your possibilities is you. We encourage you to apply today and experience for yourself what is possible.
Get to Know Buffalo State Theater
2026-2027 Productions
Fall 2026 TBA
Wine in the Wilderness
February 24 - 28, 2027
By Alice Childress
Directed by Gabriella McKinley
Co-sponsored by Casting Hall Productions
First produced as part of a special experimental series of black drama, this compelling and highly imaginative play speaks eloquently of the black experience in America.
WINE IN THE WILDERNESS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service. www.concordtheatricals.com
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
April 28 - May 2, 2027
Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro, Music by Jimmy Roberts, Orchestrations by Doug Katsaros
Directed by Jennifer Toohey
A musical revue celebrating the mating game! This crowd-pleasing comedy takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum know as “the relationship.”
Schedule:
I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
Thursday Play Reading Series
Join us as we present FREE play readings and discussions. Enjoy plays selected from our student surveys or submitted by faculty and local directors. All performances will take place in the Flexible Theatre (SAVA 205), from 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Schedule:
September 10, 2026 - Liberation, by Bess Wohl
October 8, 2026 - Trifles, by Susan Glaspell
November 12, 2026 - The Thanksgiving Play, by Larissa FastHorse
December 11, 2026 - The Hot Wing King, by Katori Hall
Theater Spotlight
Buffalo State talent shines on and off stage with ‘DREAMGIRLS’ at Shea’s 710
Audiences are dazzled by Dreamgirls, a co-production between Shea’s Performing Arts Center and AnsariSaxon Productions, founded by two Buffalo State faculty members: Naila Ansari Carbonell Catilo, assistant professor of theater and Africana Studies; and Karen Saxon, ’03, lecturer of music. The production features work by multiple Buffalo State students, faculty members and alumni.
Theater News
Buffalo State presents musical ‘Ride the Cyclone’ in renovated Flexible Theatre
February 20, 2024 - Theater Department premiers new play by local playwright Donna Hoke.
For the first time in Buffalo State’s history the national anthem was performed in American Sign Language (ASL) for the Homecoming game! Organized by Melissa VanOsch, professor of dance.
Theater Night Out

Buffalo State Mentorship Project with Local Theater Professionals Provides Benefits to Both Parties
Calamus Project Launches Films, Website, and Live Performance of Love Poems by Walt Whitman
Fire Brings Years of Expertise, Creativity to Buffalo State’s Costume Shop
Ansari, Alumna, Students Invited to Participate in 'Black Roots Summer'

