Jake Meiss
Lecturer in Theatre
Jake Meiss returns to Hamilton to serve as music director for the Theatre Department's production of Cabaret, after previously working on Rent in 2023. In both his undergraduate and master’s studies, his theses researched producing musical theatre at the high school and collegiate levels. Meiss is the high school band director at Rome Free Academy, where he revitalized the musical theatre program over the course of his 20 years as director and choreographer. He has also worked for several other high school programs and community theatres, and occasionally gets the opportunity to perform himself. Jake enjoys bringing all of these experiences to Hamilton's outstanding production team.
Distinctions
- Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress, Syracuse High School Theatre Awards (winner), 2019
- New York State Field Band Conference Large School 3 State Championship, 2018
- NYSSMA Major Organizations Festival – level 6 rating of "Gold with Distinction", 2018
- Outstanding Performance by a Student Pit Orchestra, Syracuse High School Theatre Awards (winner), 2017
- Rome Arts Hall of Fame Inductee, 2015
Professional Affiliations
New York State School Music Association
Oneida County Music Educators Association
Rome Teachers Association
Appointed to the Faculty
2026Educational Background
M.A., University of Hawaii – Manoa
B.S., Pennsylvania State University
