Six Loomis Chaffee students interested in studying and working in the field of theater visited The Hartford Stage in downtown Hartford last week for a Career Day event.

The students joined other area high school students as they participated in acting workshops, gained insight into the business side of theater, and attended a panel discussion of theater professionals.

Senior Derek Martinez said the experience was valuable both for skills development and from a career standpoint. Carolyn Kirsch, a theater professional involved in many Broadway productions, worked directly with Derek in a coaching session. “I essentially [received] one-on-one advice on monologues for college auditions,” he said.

“In the Business of Theater workshop, I learned about the many roles that get the show to the public such as marketing, graphic design, and economics relating to theater,” reflected senior Ethan Twombly, who also said he learned useful techniques in the acting sessions.  

“It was wonderful to see our kids so engaged and eager to make the most of the experience. They bravely volunteered to stand up and show their work in front of unfamiliar peers and professionals,” noted Loomis theater teacher David McCamish, one of several faculty members who accompanied the students to the event. “The theater professionals gave great advice and insight and also reiterated and reaffirmed many of the same pieces of advice, techniques, and knowledge that the LC faculty has shared with the students in the past.”

The Loomis students’ visit to The Hartford Stage was made possible through a collaboration of the Office of Experiential Learning and the Theater & Dance Department.