Alumni Remember Theatre at NEC...

"The thing I valued the most about my time at NEC was the collaborative nature of the theatre department.  Theatre departments at most schools tend to foster a division between their acting students and their technical/design students.  This was not so at NEC, much the opposite was true.  Actors and technicians were encouraged to build friendships and working relationships.  A technician/designer who understands the actors perspective designs and builds more fluid sets. As an artist working in a performance based medium, collaboration is one of the most important tools one has at their disposal.  Learning to listen to everyone involved is an invaluable skill, you never know where that one idea that can push your show to the next level will come from.  I guess what I'm saying in simple terms is that NEC taught me that you should always "play well with others" and I have carried that philosophy throughout my career and life.  I am an Emmy Award winning freelance television producer." Cris Graves, Alumni

“NEC Theatre department has an extraordinary program which offers theatre students a realistic and intrinsic understanding of the community involved in the process of theatre.  There is no wool pulled over one's eyes about the work, collaboration, and continuing process involved in weaving together any theatre production. My experience at NEC's theatre department prepared me well to audition for placement and acceptance to The Actors' Studio in NYC, although I was ultimately unable to attend.  I am currently living in South Africa, exploring theatre both as a vibrant, controversial and alive social commentary and for any opportunities that may arise for my own involvement in theatre again.” Wendy P. Coen, Alumna

“New England College Theatre department provided me with the skills and techniques to pursue a carrier in theatre. Other theatre programs lack an overall education of theatre through the study of theatre history, theory, criticism and other areas.” Ashley Mills, Class of 2005, is the Master Electrician at The Wilma Theater (LORT C) in Philadelphia, PA.

“The NEC Theatre Department meant so much to me, it’s inviting to everyone and a pleasant place to be. There’s something for everyone in the department, from acting to helping backstage. No deed is too small and everyone is treated with respect. The professors are awesome and give everyone a chance to shine. It’s fun and exciting and every step is a learning process!” Nicole Bryant, Class of 2008, Residence Director at New Hampshire Technical Institute.

“The faculty and staff both in the NEC Theater Department and beyond impacted my life in a profound way. The theater classes and productions took place in a hands-on learning environment where students felt supported to create and take risks. New England College prepared me for my first graduate school experience at The Actors Studio Drama School in New York City. I then went on to get my M.A. in Educational Theater from New York University.” Monique Peaslee, Alumna, Is an Art Education Coordinator at The Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH.

“I believe my first year was also Glenn Stuart's first year as a teacher in the program. While I attended NEC, we did such great shows as Hedda Gabbler, The Changeling, The Diviners, The Elephant Man, and many others. I was also proud of some of the student directed shows I participated in, such as Night Mother. I was drawn to the theater program at NEC for the size of the department, as well as the opportunity to be a part of the British theater tour which I was lucky enough to manifest into my life my senior year in 1988. On this tour we traveled with the following shows; The Good Doctor, Lone Star/Laundry and Bourbon, and Little Victories. The opportunities that I received working at NEC were everything I could have hoped for and it was a very well rounded education. Working with Glenn was a great learning experience and he taught me a tremendous amount about set construction and stagecraft. Working with Cope Murray was equally inspiring and the first acting classes I ever had were with his instruction. When we began the theater tour in Arundel, I did not know Wallace Pineault well but he proved himself to be a great teacher, mentor and friend. I made wonderful friendships and felt honored to be a part of the program those four years. The memories I made have carried into my life many times."  Anita Kiesewetter, Class of 1988

"One of the greatest things about my experience at NEC as a Theater major was first and foremost my ability to be so immersed in the program from the first semester of my freshman year. With all the other schools I looked at it would have been years before I was able to step foot on a stage. At NEC I had a lead role my freshman year and was in 3 separate shows. Of course New England Repertory Company was also a highlight of my experience at NEC. I was able not only to go to school abroad but also to travel to every corner of it meeting other theater enthusiasts along the way. Although I do not make my living at theater today I can not think of any other way I would have wanted to live my college experience. The skills I learned though being immersed in every aspect of the theater department at NEC from day one prepared me to deal with the many twists and turns that life has brought me.”  Eric Eisenberg, Class of 1985

“The theater department at New England College was the best experience of my life. The professors were and are amazing and had helped me learn so much in theater while I was at NEC..”- Rachel Kepnes, Class of 2008, is Stage Manager for the Potomac Theater Company.

“I wasn't a theatre major but my experience with the department was a very enjoyable and humbling one.   Out of all of the shows that I worked on my favorite ones were: Fuddy Meers, The Apple Tree and Mr. 80%.  All of the memories of auditioning for shows, working on the set, helping out with props, also having Wally and Glenn for professors, will be memories I will always treasure.” Janine Leffler, Class of 2008

“What continually impresses me about the New England College theatre faculty is their incredible devotion to their craft.  Each member of the team approaches their work with supreme professionalism and an innate love for what they're doing.   They love their jobs, and that is a wonderful thing to be surrounded by for four years.  Theatre is a collaborative art form and the NEC department works well together, providing great role models. 
       The department also taught me how to look at my community; I watched how the faculty members engaged many people in the NEC community, working with all disciplines and not remaining insular.
       In my art practice, too, I look for ways to engage the larger community.  On one project, I was making large sculptures with adolescent patients at NH Hospital. Using the NEC Theatre Department's example, I decided to share the unfinished creations with several departments within our State Hospital community, and it was a huge success. 
        After directing and stage managing at NEC, I learned how to collaborate and present a thoughtful and well crafted show to an audience. I learned how to do this creative work without being stressed by deadlines or cutting corners.  I learned how to work on a timeline and be versatile, and view a project with long-range thinking.  This training came in very useful in many ways later on, and especially when I chaired the Somewhat North of Boston Film Festival for two years”.  Michael Eschenbach, Alumni