Drexel & 1812 Productions Present Last Weekend of TO FOOL THE EYE as Part of Mandell Professionals in Residence

Most college theater students have plenty of opportunities to take the stage at their universities in leading roles, ensemble characters or even behind the scenes. Some Drexel University students, however, have the opportunity to work alongside professional actors as part of the Mandell Professionals in Residence Project (MPiRP).

Nick Anselmo, director of the program since its emergence eight years ago, loves the collaborative nature of MPiRP and being able to work with other Philadelphia theater companies over the years.

"We work with smaller companies and they get to produce something they would normally not be able to produce on their own," Anselmo said. "We ask them, 'What's your dream show? How can we make that happen? And how will students benefit from it?' And then my students get to collaborate and work side by side as equals with these professionals. It lifts their skill level and elevates their commitment to the craft."

This year's production with Philadelphia all-comedy company 1812 Productions in Jeffrey Hatcher's comedy, TO FOOL THE EYE, involves nine students from Drexel's Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design performing in the ensemble cast and a few others helping backstage.

Dana Marcus, a senior entertainment and arts management major, plays the Ice Cream Vendor as well as other ensemble roles in the show. TO FOOL THE EYE marks her second MRiRP production, and she's thankful for the experience.

"Working with the professionals on both production and performance has allowed me to see how professional theater companies operate, which is an experience I can take with me to my next production," she said. "It helps me discover how I want to run a company after graduation."

Mike Ambler, a junior business major, serves as the assistant stage manager for the production and really enjoys the relaxed working environment.

"The professionals have been wonderful and welcoming to all of the students (cast and crew) and have been exceptionally easy to work with," Ambler said. "I think people would worry about a divide between the professionals and the students, but everyone has blended into a great company."

The production schedule can be pretty stressful, Anselmo said. Working with a professional company means professional schedules, something that isn't always compatible with schedules of full time students.

"For the actors, they are rehearsing full time but the students are also taking 18 credits plus a full time job," Anselmo said. "1812 has been very flexible about doing work at night because students are in class during the day."

While Ambler agreed the hours are grueling with work and school, Marcus didn't mind the long hours.

"There's something uniquely special about getting out of a 12 hour rehearsal, and knowing that there's really no other place you'd rather have spent your day," she said.

From what Anselmo has heard from previous companies he has worked with, the professionals value the experience with the students just as much as the students do.

"The professionals love how students will grow during the process and how great it is to work with them because they're having fun," he said. "(The students) aren't concerned with having lots of lines or that their costume doesn't make them look like a model. They just want to do the best they can and enjoy the process."

Anselmo also said this was the first time the MPiRP show has had really older, established actors, including the show's leading players Maureen Torsney-Weir and David Howey, as well as being an existing play versus a devised piece.

"This is definitely the biggest existing piece we have done. Students get a lot out of the devised stuff, but it's also valuable for them to do something like this," he said. "And (Director) Jen Childs is wonderful. She's so creative and terrific."

Ambler also spoke highly of the people he's had an opportunity to work with.

"These productions are a great way to grow your talents as an actor or technician, as well as make great contacts with professionals throughout the Philadelphia area," he said. "They can really be invaluable way to market yourself and make great connections and friends."

In her final Drexel production before graduation, Marcus said she would recommend working on a MPiRP production to any student.

"There's no better opportunity to get involved in theater for the first time or even if you're a veteran than within the university's program," Marcus said. "They use each production as a learning opportunity, and the faculty really work to challenge you and help you grow."

With plans already in motion to discuss next year's MPiRP production, Anselmo is excited for what's next and how it benefits the theater program at Drexel.

"It really has increased the artistic level of everything we do at Drexel," Anselmo said. The theater program has grown and their talent level and commitment has grown and they want to continue to work that way because once you're exposed to that kind of professionalism, you don't want to go back to a college show and treating like it's just fun. It's important - it's a craft, and we want to the best work we can, then we'll party."

TO FOOL THE EYE will play through Sunday, Mar. 3 at The Mandell Theater (3201 Chestnut St.). Ticket prices range from $22 to $38 and can be purchased by calling 215-592-9560 or at www.1812productions.org.

Photo credit: Mark Garvin