When MSU Department of Theatre alums Sarah Goeke and Travis Staton-Marrero revisited campus, they brought more than memories, returning with hard-earned experience shaped by their time at Michigan State University and a desire to share it with the next generation of theatre professionals.
Now both living in New York City, that experience is reflected in the careers they have built. Goeke is an award-winning screenwriter whose web series FORKED enjoyed a strong festival run and is being adapted for the stage. Staton-Marrero works in acting and stunts, including on the Fallout series, and is developing urban-fantasy action stories he describes as “Dungeons and Dragons but in an alternate-universe Brooklyn.”
Both credit Michigan State University as a critical stepping stone in their careers. Staton-Marrero, however, did not enroll at MSU intending to study theatre. He transferred to MSU during his junior year as a Health Science major and planned to become a chiropractor. Within weeks, he realized he was on the wrong path.
“I felt that if I was going to spend my time, money, and energy studying in college, I might as well take a risk and do the thing that I loved,” he said. He reached out to Theatre Department Chair Kirk Domer, who connected him with Theatre Professor Rob Roznowski, which proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. Roznowski rebuilt Staton-Marrero’s schedule so he could join the Theatre program, a decision he remembers fondly: “I’m so glad that I did.”
“I wouldn’t have moved to NYC if I hadn’t gone to MSU, and I don’t think I’d have the confidence to pursue a creative lifestyle without the support I got from the teachers there.”
Sarah Goeke
While Staton-Marrero’s path to theatre unfolded unexpectedly, Goeke arrived at MSU with theatre experience, but had questions of her own. She came to Michigan State for her MFA in Acting, having already performed and taught primarily musical theatre in Kansas City. At that time, what she did not know was whether she wanted to teach, act, or pursue something in between. The MFA program allowed her to explore all of that.
“I wouldn’t have moved to NYC if I hadn’t gone to MSU,” she said, “and I don’t think I’d have the confidence to pursue a creative lifestyle without the support I got from the teachers there.”
That support took many forms. Goeke remembers sitting in Domer’s office as he taught her Excel so she could organize materials for the Summer Circle Theatre Camp, a skill she still relies on today as a producer. She also recalls a pivotal moment with Ann Folino-White, Associate Professor of Theatre, that helped shape her writing career.
“Ann once told me that I didn’t have to already be a great writer — I had to decide to become a great writer,” Goeke said. “She handed me a book on formatting. I thought that the lack of understanding meant writing wasn’t meant for me. But now I’m an award-winning screenwriter.”
Goeke also spent extensive one-on-one time with Roznowski as a research assistant for his book, Roadblocks in Acting, work she said “changed the course of my life.”
Both Goeke and Staton-Marrero credit Roznowski with cultivating a creative, demanding, and deeply caring environment.
“He was tough on you in a way that always felt like it came from a good place,” Staton-Marrero said. “He wanted everyone to do their best work. He would call you out for half-hearted work.”
That toughness, Staton-Marrero added, was paired with a genuine belief in his students. “He fostered a supportive community. Everyone was rooting for each other and celebrating every success and step of growth.”
This culture of serious work mixed with genuine support is something Staton-Marrero strives to recreate on the film sets and stunt teams he works with.
During their two-day visit to MSU, Goeke and Staton-Marrero taught musical theatre, audition technique, and acting and met with undergraduate and MFA students who now sit where they once did.
Staton-Marrero hoped to emphasize observation as a learning tool, “using cues to pick up on details of performance, as well as quiet confidence. Learning to really trust your instincts is such a valuable tool in the performing arts world.”
Goeke wanted students to walk away believing in themselves.
“I hope they heard and felt that ‘this is possible, a creative lifestyle is accessible, and I can definitely do this,’” she said.
When asked what advice they would give their college-aged selves, Staton-Marrero spoke candidly about the realities of breaking into the industry, stating that “There is no ‘broke’ like just-out-of-college broke. Financially entering the professional world and moving to a big city really teaches you a lot about work ethic and self-discipline.” He also said he wished he “would have believed in myself sooner and trusted my gut…if you understand that those investments are part of your growth, then you can take the scary steps you need to move forward.”
“The MSU Theatre Department is an incredible place to grow and become an artist. It’s a scrappy, thoughtful, detailed program that doesn’t churn out cookie-cutter performers but instead teaches the value of the work…I would not be the performer and professional that I am without it.”
Travis Staton-Marrero
Goeke echoed that sentiment: “I’ve thought so many times, ‘Should it be this hard? Am I doing something wrong?’ If it’s difficult and your problems are better than they were last year, then you’re doing a good job. Comparing your version of hard to other people’s is a waste of time.”
Reflecting on what MSU Theatre meant to him, Staton-Marrero said, “The MSU Theatre Department is an incredible place to grow and become an artist. It’s a scrappy, thoughtful, detailed program that doesn’t churn out cookie-cutter performers but instead teaches the value of the work. It produces true individuals with strong points of view, and I am endlessly grateful for my time there. I would not be the performer and professional that I am without it.”
He also shared a piece of advice from Roznowski that continues to shape his process: “Rob once said to me, ‘You are a transparent performer. When you put in the effort and give it your all, you create incredible work. But when you don’t, everyone can tell.’ And that changed the way I handle the work.”
It’s a standard Staton-Marrero still holds himself to today.
“I believe so deeply in putting in the effort whenever I know it matters,” he said. “And for the most part, it has really paid off. Thanks, Rob.”
