Summer Scholars On Stage at С�� welcomes four guest artists this June

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s residential musical theater camp, the 2026 Summer Scholars On Stage, is welcoming several talented artists June 7-27.

Camp Director Stephen Cunetto said the May 10 deadline is approaching for middle and high school students to register and take advantage of learning from the artistic coaches for this year’s camp. Those wanting to join Summer Scholars On Stage can visit .

“Students interested in the elements of theater production don’t want to miss the opportunity to work with four outstanding guest artists in the development of an original performance,” Cunetto said of this year’s camp.

Guest coaches for this summer include:

Jay Randall

Jake Phillips

Paula Mabry

Greg Thorn

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—Jay Randall: A creative director at Paramount Brand Studio and its Skydance company, Randall spent part of his career as a New York-based actor and then teacher and audition coach, assisting actors in booking work both on and off Broadway, in major films and graduate acting programs. A contributor to a 29-time Emmy-winning reality show, he is a Starkville High School graduate, earning a BFA at the University of Southern Mississippi and MFA at the American Conservatory Theater. He is an alumnus of Summer Scholars On Stage.

—Jake Phillips: A Mississippi-based voice actor and coach living in Starkville, Phillips’ voice has been featured on many major networks in the U.S. and U.K. in various voiceover genres. He has experience in TV and radio commercials, trailers, explainer videos, audiobooks, long-form narrations, radio imaging, museum displays and others. Conducting workshops on the techniques of voice acting, he also speaks on how to get into “the business.”

—Paula Mabry: A longtime theater teacher for Starkville High School, Mabry’s productions have won numerous awards. In addition, she has won awards as a current director with Starkville Community Theatre and has been the Summer Scholars production director for 25 years. An instructor in С��’s Department of Communication, Media, and Theatre, she draws on her years of experience in working with students on voice and articulation.

—Greg Thorn: Currently an С�� assistant teaching professor of theatre, lighting and sound design, Thorn also works with annual student productions of the Department of Communication, Media, and Theatre. He enjoys making use of his technical theater expertise to teach students the basics of light and sound design, and also advanced light design.

The 2026 Summer Scholars On Stage camp is a three-week, immersive experience that is celebrating its 44th year. Seventh graders to high school seniors collaborate to create and produce an original, three-act musical��from the ground up. Students choose one of three specialized tracks—writing, performance or technical theater.

Supported entirely through tuition, grants and donations, there is limited financial assistance available for qualifying students.

С��sity is taking care of what matters. Learn more at��.

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