Dylan Frisina
Who are you and what significant contributions have you made to the organization?
My name is Dylan Frisina. I graduated St. John's in 2011. During my time with the Chappell Players and Alpha Psi Omega I was a part of 35 productions. Everything from performing, to directing, writing, and last but certainly not least, all important stage crew.
My name is Dylan Frisina. I graduated St. John's in 2011. During my time with the Chappell Players and Alpha Psi Omega I was a part of 35 productions. Everything from performing, to directing, writing, and last but certainly not least, all important stage crew.
How was the transition from college to the real world? How was life after graduation?
The transition was pretty harsh, I'm not going to lie. There is nothing that can really properly prepare you for it. Life after graduation was terrifying at first. Your support system is basically gone, the apron strings cut, but then you realize something. You have the freedom and the power to make your own path. It's quite exhilarating not having to follow someone else's "curriculum".
The transition was pretty harsh, I'm not going to lie. There is nothing that can really properly prepare you for it. Life after graduation was terrifying at first. Your support system is basically gone, the apron strings cut, but then you realize something. You have the freedom and the power to make your own path. It's quite exhilarating not having to follow someone else's "curriculum".
Did being involved in the Chappell Players prepare you for life after college? How so?
Absolutely. You'd be surprised how vital a skill public speaking is in the "real world". Making and maintaining connections with people on a social level is the backbone of success pretty much anywhere you go and in whatever field you pursue. I've seen this organization take some of the shyest caterpillars and turn them into social butterflies.
Absolutely. You'd be surprised how vital a skill public speaking is in the "real world". Making and maintaining connections with people on a social level is the backbone of success pretty much anywhere you go and in whatever field you pursue. I've seen this organization take some of the shyest caterpillars and turn them into social butterflies.
What is your favorite CPTG memory or performance?
In the 2009-10 Chappell Players season we put on a musical called "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee". Unlike all of the musicals we had done up to that point, the cast for this show was tiny. It only required 12 performers. Because of this intimacy, everything about this show was so tight, and the friendships that were forged during this process are ones that will last a lifetime. It was also the first time The Chappell Players were blessed with Samantha Tella who was hired as our director. But the best performance that I've ever seen this organization produce was the 2011 production of "Little Shop of Horrors". The cast and overall production of this musical was utterly jaw-dropping.
In the 2009-10 Chappell Players season we put on a musical called "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee". Unlike all of the musicals we had done up to that point, the cast for this show was tiny. It only required 12 performers. Because of this intimacy, everything about this show was so tight, and the friendships that were forged during this process are ones that will last a lifetime. It was also the first time The Chappell Players were blessed with Samantha Tella who was hired as our director. But the best performance that I've ever seen this organization produce was the 2011 production of "Little Shop of Horrors". The cast and overall production of this musical was utterly jaw-dropping.
Dylan in CabaRadio
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Dylan in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"
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Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted?
The path I've taken and some of the choices I've made have limited the amount of theater I've been able to be a part of, post-graduation. However, I'm slowly making my way back to it because, to me, there is nothing in the world that is as fulfilling as live theater.
The path I've taken and some of the choices I've made have limited the amount of theater I've been able to be a part of, post-graduation. However, I'm slowly making my way back to it because, to me, there is nothing in the world that is as fulfilling as live theater.
What is professional theatre like compared to what you did with the Chappell Players?
It is much more demanding. In school there are many students who will be involved in the theater because it's a fun hobby or they have a small interest to perform ( which is GREAT, don't get me wrong), but it's not what they WANT to do with their lives post-graduation. Naturally, not everyone involved will take it as seriously as those who have dreamed of doing only this. On the outside, that's all it is. It's highly competitive because everyone is giving everything they have. There is no other choice.
It is much more demanding. In school there are many students who will be involved in the theater because it's a fun hobby or they have a small interest to perform ( which is GREAT, don't get me wrong), but it's not what they WANT to do with their lives post-graduation. Naturally, not everyone involved will take it as seriously as those who have dreamed of doing only this. On the outside, that's all it is. It's highly competitive because everyone is giving everything they have. There is no other choice.
Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have already graduated?
NETWORK. NEVER burn a bridge. Be reliable, be consistent, and be passionate. I promise you, if you do these things, you will find success no matter where your own path takes you.
NETWORK. NEVER burn a bridge. Be reliable, be consistent, and be passionate. I promise you, if you do these things, you will find success no matter where your own path takes you.
