August 26, 2025 — With a record number of student participants, New York Stage and Film’s (SAF) 40th Anniversary Summer Season at Marist University marked a milestone in creative collaboration and experiential learning.

Thanks to Marist’s unique partnership with SAF, students and recent graduates had direct access to a dynamic artistic community. Working behind the scenes with world-class producers, directors, and actors, they played a meaningful role in developing new stories for stage and screen while gaining valuable real-world experience.

Before productions reach the bright lights of New York City and beyond, they undergo years of development, workshopping, and collaboration—a process central to SAF’s mission.

Among the student participants were two fashion majors who graduated in May and became close friends during their time at Marist. Over the summer, they brought classroom lessons to life as costume interns for The TeeTee & Lala Show, applying their skills in design, merchandising, and collaboration to support professional productions and gain firsthand experience in the arts industry.

Costume interns Kresha Koirala '25 (left) and Jayda Hakeem-Ali ’25 (right) work on the play reading of 'The TeeTee & Lala Show' under the supervision of Costume Mentor Celeste Jennings (center) at Steel Plant. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

“Being part of New York Stage and Film this summer was truly a one-of-a-kind experience,” said Kresha Koirala ’25, who came to Marist from Nepal. “I stepped into the role right after graduation, in that quiet, uncertain space of wondering, ‘What comes next?’ Costume design wasn’t something I had originally planned to pursue, but saying yes to the unfamiliar turned out to be one of the most creatively fulfilling decisions I’ve made.”

“It was a dream come true to work with SAF, and I know it’s what I want to fully pursue in the future,” said Jayda Hakeem-Ali ’25, a New York City native who also excelled in the fashion design program. “I was so grateful for the chance to meet so many people and young creators, watch them build their work, and bring it to life.”

Grace Rowan ’23 and Samantha Piroh ’23, both joined SAF shortly after graduating two years ago. Grace began as a marketing associate during the 2023 Summer Season and is now a key member of the SAF team full-time, serving now as Marketing and Development Associate.

 
Grace Rowan ’23 (left) and Samantha Piroh ’23 (right) doing behind the scenes work inside the Murray Student Center during New York Stage and Film’s Summer Season at Marist. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

“I am grateful every day that Marist’s theatre and music programs led me to New York Stage and Film,” said Grace. “I see where Broadway begins first-hand and play a vital role in helping audiences across the Hudson Valley and NYC engage in that process.”

Samantha also served as Digital Content Creator, providing content to be shared across all SAF’s digital platforms during the Summer Season.

“Returning to Marist for New York Stage and Film and putting the skills I learned there into practice was a truly full circle moment,” added Samantha. “Working with SAF as their Digital Content Creator two summers in a row was an incredible opportunity and the experience I gained at Marist set me up for success and allowed me to thrive in my role.”

For the first time, the Marist Singers joined SAF’s summer season, delivering a special performance during the show NONE that showcased the group’s artistic spirit and talent.

The Marist Singers rehearse ahead of NONE at the Nelly Goletti Theatre at Marist University. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

“Marist gave me a foundation rooted in both concept and craft,” Kresha said. “From technical design and garment construction to brand strategy, merchandising, product development, and trend forecasting, I was encouraged to think holistically and always design with intention.”

Emmy and Golden Globe winner Edie Falco, seen during rehearsals, performed in Gertrude at the Nelly Goletti Theatre at Marist University. Photo courtesy of Deborah Lopez.

Beyond the Summer Season, the Marist–SAF partnership continues to enrich the academic experience. It brings professional expertise into the classroom, supports curricular programs, and offers students year-round learning opportunities and apprentice positions.

Spotlight on SAF’s Summer Season at Marist

SAF’s Summer Season at Marist supported 265 artists through 12 public performances, including one full production, 10 residencies, eight television pilots and screenplays, two panel discussions, and more. A highlight came on July 12, when Emmy and Golden Globe winner Edie Falco (The Sopranos, Nurse Jackie) starred in Gertrude, a new play by Carly Mensch, directed by Liz Flahive.

Other productions included The Pushover by John Patrick Shanley, Backyard Boys by Hansol Jung, Shelter, a new musical by Crystal Monee Hall, Vidas Privadas, a bilingual reimagining of Noël Coward’s classic, and Stokely, exploring the legacy of civil rights leader Stokely Carmichael and an immersive dance-driven concert experience by New York City Ballet soloist Troy Schumacher and celebrated Brooklyn band San Fermin.