The curtain has risen on a new year at Jesuit, a year that is sure to be filled with equal parts hysterical comedy and tense drama thanks to the always incredible theater program.
Year in and year out, great teachers, talented actors, and those who work backstage to make them look good, come together to entertain the masses, and this year is no different. With Mr. David Myers – the director and leader of all things Jesuit Theater – at the helm, the 2010-2011 year looks to be a great one. I had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Myers, and no one is more ecstatic about the immense amount of fun this year has to offer than he is.
1. What productions will you be putting on this year?
A: This year, we’ll be putting on a modern adaptation of Homer’s “Odyssey” in the fall. The play has recently played to great reviews in Chicago as a professional production. In the spring, we’ll produce Moliere’s classic farce, “Scapino.” For the second year in a row, we’ll also have two sets of Senior One Acts, each of which will consist of seven short plays that are directed by seniors on campus. Those shows will happen in January and May. Twenty-eight directors will direct those fourteen shows.
2. What’s the biggest challenge in putting together a stage production?
A: The biggest challenge in putting together a stage production is making sure that the thirty or forty people working on the show are all moving in the same direction and making a cohesive artistic expression. Just imagine forty people trying to paint a single picture or throw a pot in ceramics. That’s theater. It’s like herding cats and also making sure that the cats are memorized. And in costumes. And on time. And nice to each other. Oy!
3. How can new students contribute to the theatre program if it’s something they’re interested in?
A: The best way to start is to drop by my office, Ms. Patricia Watson’s office, or Mr. Brooks Oliver’s office. We’ll sit down and chat about what you’re interested in. Some students like to start by doing back-stage tech work. Others jump right into acting.
4. What are you most looking forward to regarding theatre this year?
A: I have the best job in the world. I get to come to work every day, play theater games, explore art, and help foster community in a theater program that is supported well by our administration, faculty, and wider community. Also, this year I get to work with our new Booster Club, which is a group of parents and theater alumni who are working to build relationships in the theater community and help accomplish some fund-raising goals. I’m also really excited to co-direct the main-stage productions with Ms. Watson. Mr. Oliver will also be co-tech-directing with Mr. Jeff Murdter.
5. If you had one sentence in which to promote Jesuit theatre this year, what would you say?
A: No one has ever regretted being more involved in art.
They may not have the campus abuzz with conversation, but the productions put on by Mr. Myers and his talented cohorts are always enjoyable and entertaining. So be on the lookout for announcements regarding theater tickets this fall. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
