Musical Theater and Social Justice: A Conversation with Jesse Ciron ’26

Pace University Student Finds Passion and Purpose in Arts & Diversity Program

New York, NY – A Pace University student is forging a unique path in the arts, fueled by a passion for theatre, identity, and social justice.Their journey,deeply intertwined with the university’s commitment to diversity and equity,highlights the transformative power of specialized academic programs and supportive faculty.

The student, who preferred to remain anonymous for this feature, was drawn to pace University’s arts program by the compelling vision articulated by Assistant Dean S. Brian Jones, MA. “Talking about the program and its experiences, I knew that it was for me,” the student shared. “It incorporates what I am passionate about: theater, identity, diversity, social justice, and depiction.”

Choosing New York city as their college destination, the student found Pace’s diverse student body and its reputation as a hub for social change to be a significant draw. “The student body at Pace is extremely diverse and are pioneers of social change, and that is what drew me here,” they stated.

The student’s experience within the program has been overwhelmingly positive, thanks to the dedicated faculty. Assistant Dean Jones is lauded as an exceptional advocate and mentor. “Assistant Dean Jones has always been an advocate for his students and their voices; he is the best teacher, mentor, and cheerleader,” the student remarked. Joanie Drago, an advanced writing and playwriting professor, also played a pivotal role in nurturing the student’s creative development. “She helped me experiment with all my creative ideas and is the main person I thank for helping me develop my writing style,” they added. The collaborative spirit among peers further enriches the learning surroundings, with students actively supporting each other’s creative endeavors.Beyond the classroom, the program has provided invaluable real-world experiences. The student had the possibility to present their work at the “Future of Humanities” event at Pace, attend engagements at The Broadway League and through the Pace Career Pathway Program, and tour the New York Theatre Workshop. “These activities have been meaningful by encouraging me to network and providing me with learning opportunities in the theater and performing arts industries,” they explained.

Looking ahead, the student’s career aspirations are aspiring and deeply rooted in their academic journey. They aim to work for a local theater company in New York, produce their own musical, and continue acting. A long-term goal includes teaching and contributing to youth theater, offering future generations the kind of educational opportunities they have benefited from.

The student also reflected on overcoming personal challenges, especially the lifelong journey of finding their voice and identity as a child of immigrants and the sole member of their family pursuing the arts.”While the journey is ongoing, my experience at Pace has helped me form myself as an individual and an artist,” they shared with pride.

For current and future students in their major, the student offers a heartfelt piece of advice: “Appreciate the journey and don’t forget to reach out to the people around you. Friends and family, whether biological or chosen, are always here to support you.”

This student’s narrative at Pace University is a testament to the power of a supportive and inclusive academic environment, empowering individuals to hone their talents and pursue their passions with purpose.

What specific challenges does authentic casting present beyond simply diversifying the actors on stage?

The Power of Performance: Amplifying Marginalized Voices

Jesse Ciron, a rising junior at[UniversityName-[UniversityName-replace with actual university], isn’t just studying musical theater; they’re actively exploring its potential as a catalyst for social change. We sat down with Jesse to discuss the intersection of musical theater, social justice, and the duty of artists in todayS world. Thier insights offer a compelling look at how performance can move beyond entertainment to become a powerful tool for advocacy. The conversation centered around themes of portrayal in theater, inclusive casting, and the challenges of tackling sensitive topics on stage.

Deconstructing Customary Narratives

Traditionally, Broadway musicals and the wider world of stage performance have been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and lacking diverse representation. Jesse points out that many classic musicals, while beloved, often present a limited worldview.

“A lot of the ‘golden age’ musicals, while brilliant in many ways, were created within a very specific cultural context,” Jesse explains.”They frequently enough reinforce existing power structures and fail to adequately represent the experiences of marginalized communities. We need to critically examine these narratives and ask ourselves whose stories are being told, and how.”

This deconstruction isn’t about dismissing the artistry of past works, but rather about understanding their limitations and striving for more inclusive storytelling. Contemporary musical theater is increasingly embracing this challenge, with shows like Hamilton and In the Heights paving the way for greater diversity both on and off stage. However, Jesse emphasizes that representation isn’t simply about ticking boxes.

Beyond Representation: Authentic storytelling & Intersectionality

True inclusivity, according to Jesse, requires authentic storytelling and a commitment to intersectionality. This means recognizing that individuals hold multiple identities – race, gender, sexuality, class, ability – and that these identities intersect to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege.

Authentic Casting: Moving beyond simply casting actors of color in traditionally white roles. It’s about ensuring that the creative team – writers, directors, choreographers – also reflects the diversity of the stories being told.

Nuance and Complexity: Avoiding stereotypical portrayals and allowing characters to be fully realized individuals with complex motivations and flaws.

Centering Marginalized Voices: Prioritizing stories that are about and by members of marginalized communities, rather than simply telling their stories for them.

Addressing Systemic Issues: Using musical theater as a platform to explore and critique systemic injustices, such as racism, sexism, and homophobia.

“It’s not enough to just see diversity on stage,” Jesse argues. “we need to see stories that challenge the status quo and offer new perspectives. We need to be asking tough questions and creating spaces for dialogue.” This ties into the broader movement for equity in the arts.

The Role of the Artist: Responsibility and Activism

What is the responsibility of the artist in addressing social justice issues? Jesse believes that artists have a unique platform and a moral obligation to use their voices for good. This doesn’t necessarily mean that every musical needs to be overtly political, but it does mean being mindful of the messages being conveyed and the impact they might have.

“As artists, we have the power to shape culture and influence public opinion