November 9, 2001

Loyola students shine on and behind the stage

by Ashley Riley, A'02, Intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications

While students can learn a lot in the classroom, it is out in the real world where they must put their knowledge to the test. Loyola students were able to do that this past summer with the help of Loyola University contacts, faculty networking, and training. More than 10 students participated in local theatre, and they did it all. Their duties ranged from stage managing and dressing to acting.

Georgia Gresham, chair and professor in the Department of Drama and Speech, defines theatre and acting as a "business of networking." Although students are responsible for their actual talent, Gresham says, "contacts make it possible." Throughout the school year, students come in contact with guest artists and are notified of casting calls by professors. While the department's program is theatre-based, Gresham says she feels her students' training allows them to "adapt to film."

Several Loyola students and graduates graced the stage of local theatres this summer. Chrissy Garrett performed in the Robber Bridegroom at the Rivertown Repertory Theatre, while Jason Picus and Jessie Terrebonne showed off their musical and acting talents in Nighttime Naughties, a musical set in the 1920s, at the True Brew Cafe Theatre.

Picus had worked behind the scenes of Beehive and Thoroughly Modern Millennium, two awarding-winning New Orleans' productions, before getting his role in Nighttime Naughties, and admits his association with Loyola helped. "It's pretty much known around town that Loyola theatre majors know their stuff," Picus boasts. "Loyola's reputation makes it easier to get jobs."

Terrebonne, Picus's Nighttime Naughties co-star, agrees. "People take you more seriously when they learn you are from Loyola," Terrebonne says. She says she feels working within local theatre taught her "common theatre etiquette" that makes students appear more professional.

Roy Smith is associated with the True Brew Cafe Theatre and produced Nighttime Naughties. "We have hired Loyola students for the last four seasons," he says. Smith says Loyola students take their positions seriously. "They know they have to be on time and are highly disciplined." Because the True Brew cafe Theatre's ticket prices are the most expensive in relation to their number of seats (tickets can costs as much as $25), students are expected to "be ready for the paying public, and their performances have got to be good stuff," Smith emphasized.

Other impressive actresses from Loyola are Leah Loftin and Kara Hadigan. Hadigan, a 1998 graduate of Loyola, appeared in The Lonesome West at the Contemporary Arts Center, The Miss Firecracker Contest at Carlone's Dinner Theatre, and as a principle in an episode of Unsolved Mysteries. She will receive her SAG card soon.

Loftin, a current Loyola student, appeared as six characters in Le Chat Noir production of As Bees in Honey Drown, where, according to Loftin, she worked with "the best actors in the city." She also played Carnelle in The Miss Firecracker Contest at Carlone's Dinner Theatre.

Although Loftin "loves theatre more than anything," she was pleased to be cast in Billy Bob Thornton's new film, Monster's Ball, starring Halle Berry and Heath Ledger. The film was partially shot in New Orleans this summer. "The experience taught me so much," Loftin states. "I had a trailer with a star on it."

Other students received valuable experiences behind the scenes. Becky Strausborger, who worked at the Tulane Summer Lyric costume shop, was a dresser for Tulane's production of My Fair Lady. Erin Garland, Heather Stickney, and Eric Ladwig all held staff positions at Tulane Summer Lyric. Kelly Brooks stage-managed Le Chat Noir's production of As Bees in Honey Drown. Brooks, a 2001 graduate of Loyola, managed the Miss Firecracker Contest at the Carlone's Dinner Theatre, and will be interning for a week with the National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof.

Palma Botterell was asked by Professor Francine Segal to be her personal dresser for As Bees in Honey Drown. Segal, who teaches acting and movement at Loyola, played the lead role in the play. Botterell's appointment led to a position as wardrobe mistress for the entire cast. "They [Loyola staff] make an effort to get to know their students, observe their work, and help them get into as many theater and film opportunities as they can," Botterell says. "I learned that being backstage is just as important as being on stage."

In a field of study and employment where luck or fate often play a role, Loyola students are maximizing their chances through hard work and real- world experience. The Loyola program hopes to give its students the skills, as well as contacts, they will need to succeed. When asked which student the public should watch for, Gresham answers, "You never know. Talent is a part, but not all."

Producers, like Smith of Nighttime Naughties, know the Loyola program turns out "well-trained actors and technicians." This reputation helps lighten the load. "I have pretty much gotten every job through Loyola contacts," Loftin says. "It is well known around town that Loyola produces the strongest theatre students."