Theatre program at John Carroll struggles after retirement of Keith Nagy

By Emily Slak

Conversation fills the air. The beeping of ticket registration is heard from the lobby of the Connor Palace, one of four theaters in Cleveland’s downtown theater district known as Playhouse Square. Smooth paper programs for the show “RENT” are anxiously held in the hands of the crowd. Excitement echoes as the audience takes their seats. Ushers guide every guest to a seat and there is time to read background information on the cast of “RENT.” Stories unfold of the crew’s humble beginnings from their hometowns, their growth in performing experience, and their feelings about performing at Playhouse Square. Progression from amateur theatre to performing in a show like “RENT” takes years of practice and involvement in theater arts.

College theatre encourages young performers to expand their skills and gain opportunities for greatness. John Carroll University’s website describes theatre as “an art that celebrates the human capacity for empathy, intellectual engagement, and wonder.” The program at John Carroll tries to instill interest in all elements of theatre, from acting and directing to stage management, scene direction and other backstage work that make the show possible.

On Nov. 18, 2017, JCU Theatre performed “Cabaret.” The sounds of conversation from audience members and music from the orchestra pit flooded the room. Students transformed into spotlight actors and showcased their singing, acting and dancing. “Cabaret” had many commonalities with the Playhouse Square performance of “RENT.” Stage transitions were smooth as was the functionality of each microphone and audio catching technology.

Despite the elements of this theatre production and others coming together so well, it is curious that the theatre department does not have a more prominent presence on John Carroll’s campus.

“We more need staff who can teach experienced kids to utilize their skills and knowledge,” states junior Alec Plumley. Over the course of high school to college theater, Plumley has had a variety of responsibilities and roles. Before JCU, he performed in his sophomore year fall play, “Alky,” and was encouraged by friends to try out for bigger on-stage roles. Because of Plumley’s prior experience and familiarity with educational theatre, he got hired in the theatre department.

When asked about John Carroll theatre compared to his prior experience, Plumley stated, “In high school, it was very directed. Someone was overseeing everything you did. Cues were lined up and you just had to hit a button. Here there is a lot more freedom.”

Working in theatre is a dream for many college performers. Several other John Carroll students are involved in the theatre. “Actors at JCU know their abilities and have been able to build up confidence in skills over time,” says Plumley. Many of those performing at a college level have acted in high school and have confidence, as evident from Plumley’s experience.

When Plumley arrived at John Carroll, he took Keith Nagy’s Introduction to Theatre course. But Nagy retired in December 2017, leaving a gap in John Carroll’s theater program. Gygli maintains that functionality has changed a great deal due to Nagy’s retirement. Gygli now has to take on more tasks in addition to her own.

“Before Keith Nagy retired, he would work as a production manager, which meant finding designers and guest directors and supervising work-study students, and working to publicize shows and auditions. Now I do all of that,” said Gygli. No other staff member can step up to fill Nagy’s role due to lack of qualifications. Gygli explains that has left gaps in responsibilities for scene designing and maintaining theatre spaces. “Currently, there is no one to do that work, since my training and education is in acting, directing and theatre theory.”

Gygli also has other duties at the university. In addition to theatre work, she says, “I teach courses such as International Theatre, Introduction to the Theatre, Acting and Directing. I also teach a course called Audience Matters and some courses in film. I also direct students in independent studies.”

Plumley points out that the potential and skills of John Carroll should not be overlooked or neglected. “We are a liberal arts university. JCU should send out theatre majors like it does business majors.”

There are plenty of students involved who “know what they are doing,” according to Plumley. There are some standout students that Plumley feels could be in a show such as “RENT” or working behind the scenes at Playhouse Square.

One experienced performer is sophomore Olivia Shackleton, who had a leading role in the annual one-act plays her freshman year. Like Plumley, she has hope that the theatre program at John Carroll can rebound after the loss of Nagy. Shackleton says that performing on stage “is something I love doing.” She goes to performances with her friends frequently and says, “I love Playhouse so much. I think it’s great that it is so close to campus.”

Gygli suggests that some of Cleveland’s smaller theaters might be more appropriate for students to get involved with, and are definitely within reach for John Carroll students. “We have had students who have worked on internships” in Cleveland theaters, she said, and some who have held other roles.

“It isn’t unreasonable for JCU students to audition at such venues as Ensemble Theatre, Dobama Theatre, Cleveland Public Theatre, the Beck Center and Blank Canvas. Our alums and students have worked there,” maintains Gygli. “They often have more opportunities for young actors and have auditions here in Cleveland. It is still hard to get roles, but it isn’t unrealistic to expect to be noticed here. We’ve had even better luck at having students interested in theatre tech and stage management getting placed at places like Dobama.”

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