Alumni Spotlight: Maggie Swahl ('14 B.A. Theatre)

For Maggie Swahl, theatre has always been a calling. Her journey began in third grade, when an after-school program introduced her to the stage. Encouraged by her teacher to audition for The Wizard of Oz at a local theatre, Maggie landed a role as a Featured Munchkin. “I was hooked,” she recalls. “From that moment, I knew I wanted to do theatre for the rest of my life.”

Throughout high school, Maggie dove headfirst into acting and technical theatre, exploring performing, directing, and lighting design. When it came time to choose a college, Penn State felt like the obvious choice. With a strong Theatre B.A. program and a family legacy—her parents and aunt are alumni—Maggie knew she’d be in good company. “It was a program where I could explore different aspects of theatre,” she says. “Penn State gave me the space to figure out what I truly loved.”

At Penn State, Maggie discovered new dimensions of theatre beyond performing. She worked as a dramaturg for Robert W. Schneider (M.F.A. ’09) and assistant directed under Matt Toronto (M.F.A. ’07) on Leonard Bernstein’s MASS. The summer of 2014 brought a pivotal opportunity: a company management internship at Maine State Music Theatre, which she secured through connections with Penn State stage managers. “That experience showed me how essential it is to have advocates behind the scenes,” she says. “I loved taking care of people and making sure the production ran smoothly. It gave me a new appreciation for all the roles that contribute to a successful show.”

Maggie credits much of her growth to the mentorship she received at Penn State. Susan Russell, one of her professors, encouraged her to embrace her unique path. “She always told me, ‘Whatever you want to do, go for it,’” Maggie says. Watching alumni like Rob Schneider thrive in their careers also made her dreams feel attainable. “Seeing people succeed after Penn State made it feel real—like I could do that, too.”

After graduating early in December 2014, Maggie moved to New York City, where her Penn State network continued to support her. Her first job came through musical theatre alumnus Luke Virkstis (B.F.A. ’12), who helped her land a position at the Second Stage Theatre box office. There, she discovered a knack for ticketing. From Second Stage, she transitioned to roles at Broadway Inbound, The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, and The Westside Theater. It was at Westside where she found a mentor who taught her how to read financial reports and grasp the business side of theatre. “That mentorship made me invaluable as a translator,” Maggie explains. “I could help people, no matter their background, understand how the shows were performing financially. Learning by teaching others was a game changer for me.”

When both shows at Westside closed unexpectedly, Maggie found herself at a crossroads. Thankfully, her Penn State network came through again. “I was texting a friend about wanting to go on tour and make some money,” she says with a laugh. “A week later, I was hired as an assistant company manager for the 20th Anniversary tour of Rent. That relationship changed everything for me.”

Most recently, Maggie served as the administrative manager and executive assistant at TT Partners (formerly Thompson Turner Productions), where she kept the office running smoothly to support their productions. Her work spanned major shows like The Book of Mormon and Mean Girls, both on Broadway and in international markets. “I thrive on the collaborative nature of theatre,” she says. “It’s all about relationships. You can teach someone technical skills, but passion and the ability to connect with people—that’s what truly makes this work fulfilling. I was fortunate enough to be mentored by three incredible general managers at TTP, who have fostered a lot of personal and professional growth.”

Throughout her career, Maggie has remained deeply committed to education and advocacy. She’s passionate about creating resources to demystify the industry for newcomers, particularly in areas like ticketing and general management, where representation remains limited. “Everything feels intimidating when you don’t know what it is,” she says. “But with the right guidance, you can navigate the industry with confidence.”

Looking back, Maggie credits Penn State with shaping her professionally and personally. “It taught me my capacity for learning, trying new things, and connecting with people,” she says. Her advice to those just starting out? “Bring your authentic self to the table. Build your support system, and remember that every opportunity is a chance to grow.”

Maggie recently joined the National Tour of Clue as its company manager. As she looks to the future, Maggie is excited to continue her work in theatre management while championing education and mentorship for the next generation of theatre-makers. “Theatre is a tough industry,” she says, “but with the right people in your corner, you can accomplish anything.”

Learn more about Maggie on Instagram: @maggiesonbway

Interview by Ben Nissen ('18 B.F.A. Musical Theatre), School of Theatre APG board member