Kicking off the spring semester, Theatre & Arts Department Chair C. Patrick Gendusa traveled to St. Charles Catholic (SCC) High School continuing the educational outreach offered by the department. Patrick spent the day sharing tips for creativity, focus, and character work with the SCC Stagehands. The SCC Stagehands, led by Mrs. Greer Millet, is open to all students who enjoy theatre. Its mission is to encourage students to experience a variety of performing arts and support student participation in theatrical activities.
“We became more aware of the choices we can make about our characters, whether we are a main character or in the ensemble,” said Vice President of the SCC Stagehands Luke Boucvalt. “Every role is important.” This is certainly applicable for SCC students as they launch into working on their spring production of Hello, Dolly!, a show foreign to many of the students according to President Trey Lowry. “Patrick helped us be more open to the director and her instincts.”
Gendusa helped bring a new perspective on theatre and acting to the SCC Stagehands. “Patrick is a refreshing new voice for my cast, as many of my students have worked with me in theatre class and on productions for the past several years,” said Director Greer Millet. “His enthusiasm and passion ignites a spark in my cast.” Gendusa’s excitement about theatre is evident and contagious, bringing students together when discussing ways to create and explore characters in the rehearsal process.
Gendusa also spoke on studying theatre, choosing theatre as a career and auditioning for programs like the one at Loyola University New Orleans. "I became more aware of everything it takes on everyone’s part to put a show together. Theatre is so much more than the end product you see on the stage,” noted SCC Stagehands Member Nico Price. This is true of the theatre training individuals receive at Loyola, as theatre students participate in all aspects of productions. Loyola believes in educating the whole artist. Gendusa provided students with such insights into the program.
Though Chair C. Patrick Gendusa taught SCC students about character work, digging deep, and college theatre programs, he ultimately did what he does best: make a theatrical experience loads of fun.
By Madeline Taliancich