Directed by Professor Stephen Hollis and well trained for the vigors of theater life, FDU students rise to the challenge of Shakespeare’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona.”

The United Nations Academic Impact promises to address worldwide challenges and engage students in global concerns.

Catch a sneak preview of the award-winning film “Favorite Son” with writer, director and professor Howard Libov.

Professor David Hanson’s images of the World Trade Center have become a moving historical tribute.

John Vitale describes his FDU study abroad experience in Japan, from mountain villages to the bustling Tokyo.

Alumni Profile
International Alumnus Finds Global Success
John Mangeli, BS'64 (M)

Alumni Profile
Reaching Out to Stricken Haiti
Donna Bruno Stuart, AA'60 (T)

Everybody wants to be an actor when they’re 18 years old, especially in the world of ‘American Idol’ when every program on television is encouraging you to become famous,” says Stephen Hollis, FDU director of theater arts and a theater professional for 40 years. “But the harsh reality is that for everyone who makes it, there are thousands who don’t.” Yet several FDU graduates are undeterred by the odds. Cindy Fernandez, BA’10 (M), is working as a wardrobe supervisor at the Bickford Theatre in Morristown, N.J., and pursuing auditions for plays in New York City and New Jersey. “What I’’m doing at Bickford right now is technical work, but if you do that, then someday the directors might say you’re good for a part,” she says. Indeed, days after she spoke to FDU Magazine, she landed the role of Ellen in “The Little Dog Laughed” at the Bickford. Alex Pepperman, BA’10 (M), who first experimented with theater in a junior-year improv class, auditioned successfully for several FDU theater productions his last two years at FDU. He is now enrolled in the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and dreams of acting on Broadway and in film. To accomplish his goals, “It will take an immense amount of hard work,” he admits. Many theater arts majors were bitten by the acting bug early — some, like Michelle Cabot, as early as age 4, when she performed in a community theater production. She continued to perform through high school and, now a senior, has an acting job waiting for her at a Philadelphia playhouse. She is torn between auditioning for a graduate program and taking a year to see if she can launch her dream career now. Hollis, as a teacher, knows he must walk a fine line between encouraging his students to follow their dreams while being realistic about their chances. Despite the obstacles, he says, a theater arts major has many solid, if less glamorous, benefits for students. “Whatever career you end up in, drama training is extremely valuable,” he says. “Every week you’re up performing in front of people, while many people in business are terrified of standing up and giving a speech. You learn how to collaborate, to work in a group dynamic; you learn how to work toward a result.” Patrick Brockway says it’s too soon to know whether he’ll go on to graduate school or look for acting jobs right after college. But like nearly all of his cast mates, he dreams of a professional acting career. Several of his fellow students are pursuing teaching degrees in addition to theater arts. James Michaelson and Angelica Herndon are in FDU’s five-year QUEST program, which leads to a master of arts in teaching. “I would love to audition in New York City,” Herndon says. But if the theater doesn’t work out, she says, she’ll happily go back to Illinois to be an elementary school teacher. Tyler Morrill hopes for a musical theater or film career, but says he’ll get a master’s degree so that he can teach acting at a college or performing arts high school. Matt Amerman wants to move to Los Angeles after graduation to pursue a film career, and senior Doug Berrie, who plays two supporting roles in “Two Gentlemen,” says he’d love to become a voice actor someday. With students carefully considering alternate career plans, Hollis tempers his cautions with encouragement. “I never stop telling students that this is a very insecure business,” he says. “But on the other hand, I can’t think of a better way of living one’s life than by pursuing your dream.

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FDU Magazine is published twice yearly by the Office of Communications and Marketing, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1000 River Road, H-DH3-14, Teaneck, N.J. 07666.

FDU Magazine welcomes your comments. Use the comment box above or e-mail Rebecca Maxon, editor, at maxon@fdu.edu.

J. Michael Adams, President; Richard Reiss, Senior Vice President for University Advancement; Angelo Carfagna, Assistant Vice President for University Advancement and Communications; Okang McBride, Director of Alumni Relations; Carol Kuzen Black, Director of Publications/Senior Editor; Rebecca Maxon, Editor and Web Designer; Nina Ovryn, Art Director

Contributors: Howard Libov, Tom Nugent, Melissa Payton, John Vitale

Photo/Illustration Credits: Bill Blanchard, Bill Cardoni, Gary Darden, Favorite Son Productions, Don Hamerman, David Hanson, Ted Horowitz Photography, Dan Landau, Mike Malone, Morteza Nikoubazl, Gloria Pastorino, Nick Romanenko, Danny Schwartz, Jayson Scrimizzi, Daniel Twomey, John Vitale

For a print copy of FDU Magazine, featuring these and other stories, contact Rebecca Maxon, editor, at maxon@fdu.edu.

To update your address e-mail fine@fdu.edu or update your profile online at www.MyFDU.net.

©Copyright 2011 Fairleigh Dickinson University. All rights reserved.

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