Mr. Patterson (left) being interviewed by Peyton Bristow "23

As the The Roundup began to start back up for the year, we had the great opportunity to learn how to interview, with the help from  Peyton Bristow “25,  during Vos Parates 2022.  From this short chat we had the pleasure to get new information regarding the Jesuit Theatre.

Mr. Patterson has been known an English teacher he has had a long involvement in the theatre club prior to his new job. Before becoming a teacher at Jesuit, Mr. Patterson acted in one play as student. After finishing college at Ole Miss and returning to his alma mater he would begin to help out the art. It has been around 10 year since he began helping with the theatre club.

While talking with him he explained why he took the job which seems like a large shift from teaching English.

“Like I said before I’ve been helping out with theatre for a while. I saw this job opportunity and decided that it would not be likely that it would open up for some time so I decided to take the opportunity.”

He also added that he wanted to make the Jesuit Stage and Film something special.

“I really want to bring back the community aspect of the club. A place where anyone can come and feel involved. I think recently it has lost that aspect and I would really like to bring it back.”

However he did remark that there would be some challenges from this new job

“It’s a pretty big shift going from English to directing plays, especially the building and stage craft aspect which I’m still trying to get the hang of. But I am really excited about it.”

This era of Jesuit Stage and Film brings a new sense of enthusiasm to such an important part of Jesuit and I look forward to seeing the success of Mr. Patterson and his actors when they perform “Our town” this fall.

If you are interested in joining Jesuit Stage and Film please contact Mr. Patterson and  swing by the theatre commons to meet him.