Diana Lounsbury
Who are you and what significant contributions have you made to the organization?
My name is Diana Lounsbury and I am the Theatre Manager at New World Stages, currently home to Jersey Boys, the Gazillion Bubble Show, Katsura Sunshine's Rakugo, Rock of Ages, The Play That Goes Wrong, MsTrial, and The Imbible's A Spirited History of Drinking and Day Drinking.
I was on the outskirts of CPTG until about my junior year. I remember seeing shows like How to Succeed and Wonderful Town, as well as many shows in between. I have always had a love for theatre but never knew what I could do with that, especially since I am not a dancer, singer, or actor. Naturally, I started St. John's as an elementary education major. As time went on, I began realizing that teaching was just not for me. One day, while I was sitting amongst the controlled chaos of putting on a show, it was as if Stephen Sondheim himself looked at me and said "Work is what you do for others, liebchen. Art is what you do for yourself" (Sunday In the Park in case you were curious). Pretty sure I changed my major that day. What is great about CPTG is that I was able to gain experience in various departments to determine where my weaknesses were (e.g., wardrobe), and, more importantly, determine where my strengths were (e.g., front of house).
I did whatever tasks the troupe may have needed, including baking and running the box office for performances; I even had an Excel spreadsheet to track the type and number of tickets that were sold. The added bonus to working in the box office was the opportunity to speak with patrons as they arrived about what brought them to the show, how they heard about it, etc. These interactions led me to the conclusion that my destiny was to work in front of house, in whatever capacity that may entail.
I am not sure I made any significant contributions to CPTG, as compared to people like Joe, Vikki, Olivia, Mike, and so many others, but I certainly supported and was involved with them as often and whenever I could
How was the transition from college to the real world? How was life after graduation?
After I graduated, I attended the Pratt Institute and got my Master's in Arts Management. After that, there were times where life was challenging. Theatre is a hard industry to be a part of, so you have to work hard every day. I worked in concessions as my first theatre job in New York and went on to work for the New York Musical Festival, Lincoln Center Theater, as well as many others. I made sure I was available to work whenever, wherever, so employers would know or learn that I was reliable and indispensable; the person they could call in pinch.
My name is Diana Lounsbury and I am the Theatre Manager at New World Stages, currently home to Jersey Boys, the Gazillion Bubble Show, Katsura Sunshine's Rakugo, Rock of Ages, The Play That Goes Wrong, MsTrial, and The Imbible's A Spirited History of Drinking and Day Drinking.
I was on the outskirts of CPTG until about my junior year. I remember seeing shows like How to Succeed and Wonderful Town, as well as many shows in between. I have always had a love for theatre but never knew what I could do with that, especially since I am not a dancer, singer, or actor. Naturally, I started St. John's as an elementary education major. As time went on, I began realizing that teaching was just not for me. One day, while I was sitting amongst the controlled chaos of putting on a show, it was as if Stephen Sondheim himself looked at me and said "Work is what you do for others, liebchen. Art is what you do for yourself" (Sunday In the Park in case you were curious). Pretty sure I changed my major that day. What is great about CPTG is that I was able to gain experience in various departments to determine where my weaknesses were (e.g., wardrobe), and, more importantly, determine where my strengths were (e.g., front of house).
I did whatever tasks the troupe may have needed, including baking and running the box office for performances; I even had an Excel spreadsheet to track the type and number of tickets that were sold. The added bonus to working in the box office was the opportunity to speak with patrons as they arrived about what brought them to the show, how they heard about it, etc. These interactions led me to the conclusion that my destiny was to work in front of house, in whatever capacity that may entail.
I am not sure I made any significant contributions to CPTG, as compared to people like Joe, Vikki, Olivia, Mike, and so many others, but I certainly supported and was involved with them as often and whenever I could
How was the transition from college to the real world? How was life after graduation?
After I graduated, I attended the Pratt Institute and got my Master's in Arts Management. After that, there were times where life was challenging. Theatre is a hard industry to be a part of, so you have to work hard every day. I worked in concessions as my first theatre job in New York and went on to work for the New York Musical Festival, Lincoln Center Theater, as well as many others. I made sure I was available to work whenever, wherever, so employers would know or learn that I was reliable and indispensable; the person they could call in pinch.
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Did being involved in the Chappell Players prepare you for life after college? How so?
Absolutely. As I mentioned, I learned early in my time with CPTG that front of house was where I was most comfortable. I have been a bartender, bar manager, box office manager, house manager, a Union usher, assistant theatre manager, and now Theatre Manager for a major Off-Broadway theatre complex. I graduated more than 10 years ago, and each of those 10 years was spent doing what I love and led me to what I am meant to do; the Chappell Players helped me realize what that career path should be.
What is your favorite CPTG memory or performance?
Honestly, how can I choose? I loved Bat Boy and this Edgar Allen Poe play we did. If I had to choose just one, I would say Mike and Dylan's lovely rendition of “I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight” during one of the cabarets; not a dry eye in the house.
Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted?
I've mentioned it quite a bit above, but yes. Once I made the decision to pursue theatre as a career, there was no turning back.
Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have recently graduated?
If you want to pursue theatre as career, go all in. I have actor friends who have graduated from acting programs, but continue to go to dance classes, vocal coaches, acting courses, etc. This industry can be quite unforgiving, but if you put in the time and effort it is also absolutely rewarding. Audition for everything. Don't be afraid to go on tour or a show out of town. Get a job in the theatre, like being an usher as this experience can be quite invaluable. Reach out to production companies to see if you can shadow a designer, technician, or stage manager. Make your presence known. In the words of the great Ron Swanson, "Don't half-ass two things; whole-ass one thing". Therefore, if theatre is your passion, then put your whole-ass in.
Absolutely. As I mentioned, I learned early in my time with CPTG that front of house was where I was most comfortable. I have been a bartender, bar manager, box office manager, house manager, a Union usher, assistant theatre manager, and now Theatre Manager for a major Off-Broadway theatre complex. I graduated more than 10 years ago, and each of those 10 years was spent doing what I love and led me to what I am meant to do; the Chappell Players helped me realize what that career path should be.
What is your favorite CPTG memory or performance?
Honestly, how can I choose? I loved Bat Boy and this Edgar Allen Poe play we did. If I had to choose just one, I would say Mike and Dylan's lovely rendition of “I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight” during one of the cabarets; not a dry eye in the house.
Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted?
I've mentioned it quite a bit above, but yes. Once I made the decision to pursue theatre as a career, there was no turning back.
Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have recently graduated?
If you want to pursue theatre as career, go all in. I have actor friends who have graduated from acting programs, but continue to go to dance classes, vocal coaches, acting courses, etc. This industry can be quite unforgiving, but if you put in the time and effort it is also absolutely rewarding. Audition for everything. Don't be afraid to go on tour or a show out of town. Get a job in the theatre, like being an usher as this experience can be quite invaluable. Reach out to production companies to see if you can shadow a designer, technician, or stage manager. Make your presence known. In the words of the great Ron Swanson, "Don't half-ass two things; whole-ass one thing". Therefore, if theatre is your passion, then put your whole-ass in.
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