Carter Campbell ’19, Lauren Lavery (Academy of the Holy Names), Jack Mahoney ’18, Lucas Pasquier ’17, Alex Peña ’18, Evelyn Martinez (AHN), and Carter Cabassa ’20 performing Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” this fall Elevating Arts Theater Arts is now part of the Jesuit curriculum N At the District 9 Individual Events Festival JESUIT PERSPECTIVES • WINTER 2016-17 11 ow in its second year as part of the curriculum, Theater Arts’ entry into the elective course offerings at Jesuit High School has elevated the school’s performing arts scene. For many years the school has sponsored the Jesuit Masque club, which has distinguished itself with two stage performances annually, fall and spring. Now, with the opportunity to practice both acting and stagecraft as part of the curriculum, Jesuit’s performing arts have risen to another level. English teacher and Theater Director Richard Miller has seen Theater Arts, with 14 students enrolled each of the past two years, enhance the arts curriculum and Jesuit student life. “The notion of a ‘drama club’ (Masque) has a casual feel to it,” Miller said. “Now, Jesuit is teaching theater, and we are using that as a means to improve our main stage productions and our showings at thespian competitions. In short, Jesuit is looking like a theater school, and that’s very exciting.” The results have been impressive. In November, Masque performed Agatha Christie’s mid-20th century novel turned stage production “And Then There Were None,” with four shows over three days enjoyed by hundreds in the MPR on campus. Masque president Lucas Pasquier ’17 has been involved in numerous shows since his freshman year and rates “And Then There Were None” at the top. “In the past we’ve been more comedic,” Pasquier said. “This is leaning towards the more dramatic side which I feel is always a harder role. The payoff is more exciting.” Like many in the performance, Pasquier has benefi ted from the Theater Arts class. In December, he was named to the All-Star Cast for his performance at the District 9 One-Act Thespian Festival at the University of South Florida, chosen from among hundreds of performers from 30 schools. “I have seen it help some of our more dedicated performers make huge leaps as actors,” Miller said. “This has the obvious benefi t of bringing better performances to our stage.” In 2014, Jesuit joined the International Thespian Society, and Jesuit thespians compete as Troupe 8059. With a little boost from the skill gained by those taking Theater Arts, in addition to Masque veterans, Troupe 8059 has established itself as premier performers. on Oct. 1 at Wharton High School, eight Jesuit students qualifi ed for the State competition this spring. Among those were George Morgan ’18 for monologues of “A Few Good Men” and “Noises Off,” Alex Pena ’18 and Jack Mahoney ’18 for duet acting of “Broadway Bound,” and Pasquier and Morgan for duet acting of “The Odd Couple.” Actors are not the only ones benefi ting. Theater Arts covers all aspects of productions, including scenic carpentry and set design. Jack Garthwaite ’17 was the stage manager for “And Then There Were None,” and at the District 9 competition Garthwaite earned top honors in the scene design category for the play “The Curious Savage.” Miller credits the success of Masque and the Theater Arts class to great support from the students, parents, and faculty. Within a few years, the program also is expected to receive a major facilities upgrade. A spectacular new Fine and Performing Arts Center is included in Jesuit’s Campus Master Plan. It will feature signifi cant improvements in space, lighting, and acoustics for stage performances, and house all of Jesuit’s art programs, allowing for greater interdisciplinary collaboration. Scan to view a photo slideshow from “And Then There Were None”
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