Three Marian University Theatre majors have earned coveted spots at the renowned National Theatre Institute (NTI) in Waterford, Connecticut, where they will spend a semester this fall immersed in rigorous, conservatory-style training alongside top theatre students from across the country.
Cassie Schaefer '27, Louis Rivelli '28, and Mikayla Jette '25 were accepted to the highly selective program after completing an intensive application process, which included essays, interviews, letters of recommendation, and video auditions. The National Theatre Institute, housed at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, is known for shaping the next generation of theatre professionals. Its distinguished alums include actors Jennifer Garner, John Krasinski, and Elizabeth Olsen.
"I'm really excited to learn about theatre from the many professionals in the field that I'll have the chance to work with," said Schaefer. Rivelli added, "I'm pumped to take my theatre journey to the next level."
The students learned about NTI during their visit to the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in Madison, Wisconsin, earlier this year. They traveled with Marian University Theatre Professor Kristopher Steege. The KCACTF experience introduced them to the National Theatre Institute opportunity and celebrated their talent and commitment to the craft.
Schaefer and Jette are no strangers to recognition—they have each received Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship nominations, allowing them to compete at the regional level for distinguished theatrical awards.
"As a recent graduate, I'm ready to dive right into the theatre world as soon as possible. At NTI, I look forward to broadening my horizons, building a collaborative network, and stepping into my voice as an artist,” Jette explained. “I am most excited about this heightened multi-disciplinary training, being on the East Coast for the fall season, and all its beautiful trees. I'm hopeful this will be a step in the right direction to bring a small piece of Marian to the big stage and beyond."
In addition to the NTI acceptances, Marian Theatre student Peter Waning will attend the Open Jar Institute in New York City this summer, further highlighting Marian’s Theatre program's growing presence on the national stage.
“These achievements reflect the talent, dedication, and hard work of our students and faculty,” said Professor Steege. “We’re proud to see our students stepping into such prestigious programs where they’ll continue to grow artistically and professionally.”
For more information about Marian University’s Theatre program, visit marian.edu/theatre.
Mikayla Jette ’25 Louis Rivelli ’28 Cassie Schaefer ‘27