The recent production of Lizzie marked a pioneering moment in the School of Theatre and Dance as it featured—for the first time—a student serving as Music Director for a show inside the season. Sebastian (Seb) Archibald, a senior Musical Theatre major, stepped into this remarkable role, bringing his musicianship, leadership, and passion for collaboration to the punk-rock score.

The Journey to Leadership

Seb’s path to music directing began long before he arrived at Tech. “I’ve been music directing since high school,” he shared. “The first big show I worked on was A Chorus Line with a company back home in Dallas-Fort Worth. Shortly after that, I had the opportunity to music direct Jekyll and Hyde with a cast of more than 26 people. That was the first time I really identified my style of music direction.”

With a foundation in piano and percussion, Seb built both his technical skills and gained his confidence as a leader. On campus, he has served as Assistant Music Director for several productions, including last spring’s The Nerve of Minerva. When the School selected Lizzie for its season, faculty member Lydia Wagner reached out to him about stepping into the lead role. “Of course, I was thrilled,” Seb recalled. “It’s such an exciting challenge.”

Mentors and Influences

Throughout his training, Seb has drawn motivation from both his professional and academic mentors. Growing up in DFW, he worked alongside experienced music directors in regional theatre. At the School of Theatre and Dance, he credits MFA alum Brad Frenette with stirring his love for the industry. “Working with Brad on Fly By Night—playing guitar and collaborating with the band—really helped shape who I am today,” Seb explained. He also expressed gratitude to faculty who “have fostered these multi-faceted arts that helped my craft as an actor, musician, and music director.”

The Challenge of LIZZIE

Lizzie, a punk-rock style of retelling the infamous story of Lizzie Borden and performed with an all-female cast, is a colorful choice for the season. 

For Seb, the musical offers both thrilling opportunities and unique challenges: “What excites me most is that this show highlights each performer. It’s rare to hear an all-female musical cast, and it’s powerful to give these women the space to express their rage in a punk-rock context. The challenge for me is directing voices that don’t resemble my own, creating space for collaboration while still shaping the sound we want.”

The demanding score features raw vocal energy, heavy harmonies, and intense musical textures. “This isn’t about sounding pretty,” he said. “It’s about telling the story honestly, even if that sound is rough or unconventional. That’s what makes it so exciting.”

Director’s Viewpoint

The director of Lizzie, Professor Lydia Wagner, emphasized the significance of Seb’s appointment. 

“Seb is an exceptional musician,” said Wagner. “He plays multiple instruments, understands music deeply, and approaches the score with both skill and thoughtfulness. It felt like the right time in his undergraduate career to give him this opportunity.”

Wagner praised Seb’s leadership in rehearsals: “He leads the cast in music sessions and accompanies us daily. Since the show is almost entirely sung-through, having him in the room ensures we are building the show’s musical foundation from the very beginning.”

For the director, this collaboration is also about setting a precedent: “It shows students that there are many avenues in theatre beyond performance. It challenges them to ask: ‘What other skills can I bring to the table?’ Seb has proven himself ready for this responsibility, and I’m eager for his peers to see him succeed.”

Moving Forward

As he prepares for graduation, Seb views this moment as both a capstone and a springboard. “I describe myself as a multifaceted performer—actor, musician, and music director,” he said. “Working on Lizzie bolsters my confidence in music direction and gives me a professional experience I can point to as I enter the industry.”

Ultimately, he hopes audiences leave the theatre with more than just the thrill of a punk-rock score. “I want people to understand that these were real women, real lives, and real struggles,” he reflected. “If we can create a show that feels authentic both to the performers and to the people we’re representing, then we’ve done our job.”

As the School prepares to open Lizzie on October 9, the excitement surrounding this debut is palpable. For Seb, it is a defining moment; for the program, it is a bold step forward in nurturing student leadership and expanding the possibilities of theatre-making.

LIZZIE by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer, Tim Maner, and Alan Stevens Hewitt is on stage October 9-19 in The CH Foundation The Legacy of Christine DeVitt Black Box Theatre.  For more information, visit the School of Theatre & Dance website or call the Maedgen Theatre Box Office at (806)742-3603.