Alumni Spotlight
Our alumni leverage the skills learned at Buffalo State by contributing in a meaningful way to their communities on a local, national, and international level. They are working in and involved with a never-ending variety of roles in the world of theater.
Jake Grear ('23)
"Just after my graduation, I landed the position of Arts Education Coordinator at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. I'm lucky to create and coordinate the same programs that led me to where I am today, including our new high school musical theatre awards program, the Shea’s Wonder Awards. It is an honor to be a part of developing the next generation of theatre artists every day."
Congratulations, Jake, for receiving the 2026 Congressional Award in Cultural Excellence!
This recognition honors individuals who have furthered the mission of their cultural organizations, demonstrated outstanding service to their cultural community or the broader community, strengthened cross-cultural relationships through their leadership and interactions, or contributed to the overall well-being of Erie County and Western New York.
Gabriella McKinley ('20)
Theater Talk: President's Medalist Gabby McKinley in Buffalo for Shakespeare/Park, and then???
President's Medal for Outstanding Undergraduate Student Baccalaureate Student Address
Theater Student Shares Storytelling's Connection to Solidarity in UN Event
Student Lands Internship with 'Hamilton' Performance at Shea's
Bryan Figueroa ('10)
Bryan Figueroa ’10 is currently focused on voice acting. He has freelanced with Atlas Talent Agency and created and performed in an action-adventure indie audio drama series, Everlasting Shenjiu, which is available on YouTube and Spotify. Since launching the series, Bryan has directed and performed alongside over 20 voice actors from around the world, including talent from the U.S., Canada, Australia, Malaysia, and Japan.
Follow Bryan on X: @MrBryanFigueroa; Instagram: @mrbryanfigueroa87
Marco Antonio Rodriguez ('97)
Marco Antonio voiced "Uncle Nestor" in Alma’s Way, a series from Fred Rogers Productions and Pipeline Studios that premiered on PBS stations in 2021.
Sonia Manzano (“Maria” from Sesame Street) created Alma's Way, inspired by her childhood in the Bronx. "Uncle Nestor" is Alma's tío in the show! The series follows 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl who lives in the Bronx with her family.
‘Alma’s Way’: PBS Kids Announces New Animated Series From Sonia Manzano & Fred Rogers Productions
