ABOUT THE SHOW
Set against the backdrop of a heated high school election in 1999, WINNER is a bold new musical about power, identity, and rewriting the rules. WINNER is high-stakes teen drama with a sci-fi twist that adds just enough chaos to satisfy theatre fans, sci-fi lovers, and everyone in between.
Written by Nico Juber and Joe Barros, WINNER was most recently developed with Godspeed Musicals at the Johnny Mercer Foundation’s Writers Grove. An original EP featuring songs from the show—recorded in partnership with Theatre Barn Records—is available now on all major streaming platforms.
This presentation of WINNER is produced as part of the Young Artist Collective, Blindspot Collective’s signature summer program and directed by Blake McCarty. Each year, YAC brings together young artists from across San Diego County to collaborate on exciting, boundary-pushing new work. By centering inclusive stories and fresh perspectives, the program creates space for the next generation of artists to take creative risks, explore their identities, and help shape the future of musical theatre.
WINNER is presented in partnership with by ArtPower at UC San Diego with support from the Campus Performance and Events Office. All performances will be held at the Epstein Family Amphitheater on the UCSD campus.
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BUY TICKETS
Tickets are only $25 and available for the following performances:
Friday, August 8th at 8:00pm
Saturday, August 9th at 8:00pm
We are committed to accessible and affordable ticketing for our audiences. Please reach out with any questions regarding prices.
MEET THE ARTISTS
Written by:
Nico Juber and Joe Barros
Directed by:
Blake McCarty
Music Direction by:
Lyndon Pugeda
Choreography by:
Theresa Maigue-Bendorf
Featuring:
Siena Andriesen, Natalie Arizmendi, Ezri Alvarez, Mara Ayres, Cyrus Ceja, Kyla Chevrie,
Noah Clapp, Lillian Cremins, Wyatt S. Emerson, Liza Flores, Erykha Gilchrist, Sarah Herridge, Jamie Kramer, Quinn Ladran, Alethia Li, Lucy Luo, Elijah May, Joseph Neal, Chloe Oh,
Jonah Orona, Sofia Ramos, Joshua Ramos, Saturn Salama, Sophia Sayre,
Jacob Wallace, and Briana Wilson
Orchestrations, Arrangements, and Additional Music by:
Bálint Varga
Dramaturg:
Gabrielle Hoyt
Stage Manager and Set Designer:
Kyle Waterman
Costume Designer:
Sadie Rothenberg
YAC Program Managers:
Shellina Hefner and Tash Gomez
THE VENUE
All performances of Winner will take place at the Epstein Family Amphitheatre
on UCSD's campus
The Epstein Family Amphitheatre is located at 9480 Innovation Ln, La Jolla, CA 92093.
We encourage guests to use the trolley conveniently located near the venue. For those driving, parking in the Gilman Structure is recommended.
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FREquently asked questions
What is the YAC?
Blindspot Collective's Young Artist Collective is a summer program hosted by Blindspot Collective each summer that fosters creation, development, and training for artists ages 14 - 24.
How will I know what to do or where to go?
Upon following the map to UCSD's campus and parking, you will be guided by signage and personnel to the Epstein Family Amphitheatre. The closest parking lot is the Gilman Parking structure.
Is this show child-friendly?
Winner contains some mature language (just like high school) and is recommended for audiences over the age of 13.
I am disabled or use a mobility device. Can I see this show?
Blindspot Collective is dedicated to creating accessible performance spaces for audiences of all needs. If you have specific questions, or would like to speak to someone, please reach out to us via email.
How long is the show?
The show is approximately 85 minutes without an intermission.
Is this a UCSD production?
The show is being presented by Blindspot Collective in collaboration with ArtPower at UC San Diego. It was developed and rehearsed at The Depot, an arts incubator and accelerator recently established by the university.
How do I get involved?
Applications for the 2026 YAC will be open to writers and participants in the spring of 2026. Follow Blindspot on Facebook and Instagram, or join our mailing list to get first access to the Young Artist Collective application process.
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CONTACT US
Winner is presented by
Blindspot Collective, a performing arts organization based in San Diego.
Blindspot Collective develops artistic programming to illuminate voices, communities, and stories
in the blindspot of our society.
If you have questions or wish to learn more, please email us at info@blindspotcollective.org