Eric Porter
Who are you and what significant contributions did you make to the organization?
My name is Eric Porter, I like long walks in the moonlight, fried chicken and... (Oops sorry. Wrong profile.) :-D Anyways, I graduated from St. John's College in January 2005 with a B.A. in English and a Minor concentration in Music. I currently work as a Client Advocate for a non-profit organization called CAMBA, and my job is to assist low-income families who are in danger of losing their homes.
I was in Chappell Players for my final year in college, but before that I was well known as a member of the Mixed Chorus for 4 years. I can't say that I've made any specific contributions to Chappell Players, but being a member for that one year helped me to re-center myself after some devastating changes in my life. The members helped me to reappreciate life and I am definitely grateful.
My name is Eric Porter, I like long walks in the moonlight, fried chicken and... (Oops sorry. Wrong profile.) :-D Anyways, I graduated from St. John's College in January 2005 with a B.A. in English and a Minor concentration in Music. I currently work as a Client Advocate for a non-profit organization called CAMBA, and my job is to assist low-income families who are in danger of losing their homes.
I was in Chappell Players for my final year in college, but before that I was well known as a member of the Mixed Chorus for 4 years. I can't say that I've made any specific contributions to Chappell Players, but being a member for that one year helped me to re-center myself after some devastating changes in my life. The members helped me to reappreciate life and I am definitely grateful.
How was the transition from college to the real world? How was life after graduation?
It was a bit rough at first. Once I was no longer in the confines of getting an education, the REAL work began. Everything I learned in school I now had to apply in order to survive. And it wasn't a walk in the park. But I think I figured it out. I may not be working in my field of study, but I love what I'm doing.
It was a bit rough at first. Once I was no longer in the confines of getting an education, the REAL work began. Everything I learned in school I now had to apply in order to survive. And it wasn't a walk in the park. But I think I figured it out. I may not be working in my field of study, but I love what I'm doing.
Did being involved in the Chappell Players prepare you for life after college? How so?
As I said earlier, it helped me to reappreciate life. I experienced some tragic moments in my life the previous year and I was not sure what my purpose was. I lost my way for a while. When I auditioned for HAIR back in 2003, I was not expecting to get cast, being a complete novice. But I got in, and everyone treated me as if I was a member of the group for years and made me feel welcome. It rejuvenated me, and now I have a whole new level of respect and love for life.
As I said earlier, it helped me to reappreciate life. I experienced some tragic moments in my life the previous year and I was not sure what my purpose was. I lost my way for a while. When I auditioned for HAIR back in 2003, I was not expecting to get cast, being a complete novice. But I got in, and everyone treated me as if I was a member of the group for years and made me feel welcome. It rejuvenated me, and now I have a whole new level of respect and love for life.
What is your favorite CPTG memory or experience?
As far as a member of Chappell Players, my favorite memory was being in the 5th Cabaret: Backstage at Broadway. I love musicals, so that held a special place for me. My OVERALL favorite memory is being in the 15th Cabaret: CabaNOIR. "What is another word for thesaurus? Think about it." That was my favorite line!
As far as a member of Chappell Players, my favorite memory was being in the 5th Cabaret: Backstage at Broadway. I love musicals, so that held a special place for me. My OVERALL favorite memory is being in the 15th Cabaret: CabaNOIR. "What is another word for thesaurus? Think about it." That was my favorite line!
Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted?
If you count the numerous times I was in the Cabarets as a member of Alpha Psi Omega (ΑΨΩ), and the last four Dance Concerts, then sure! I also was part of a little project called Penguin: Bird of Prey. My overall goal is to end up either on the screen or on the stage in a major show.
If you count the numerous times I was in the Cabarets as a member of Alpha Psi Omega (ΑΨΩ), and the last four Dance Concerts, then sure! I also was part of a little project called Penguin: Bird of Prey. My overall goal is to end up either on the screen or on the stage in a major show.
What is professional theatre like compared to what you did with the Chappell Players?
There is much more scrutiny in the professional circuit. And you HAVE TO BE PREPARED. I auditioned for a minor role in Cabaret last year in an open cast call, and there were people who had their headshots and music prepared to sing. All I had was my pretty face. And it wasn't on a picture. It was easy to guess the outcome.
There is much more scrutiny in the professional circuit. And you HAVE TO BE PREPARED. I auditioned for a minor role in Cabaret last year in an open cast call, and there were people who had their headshots and music prepared to sing. All I had was my pretty face. And it wasn't on a picture. It was easy to guess the outcome.
Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have already graduated?
If this is your passion, go for it, balls to the wall. If this was just a fly-by-night thing, make sure it was something worthwhile. But most importantly, LIVE. Don't give up.
If this is your passion, go for it, balls to the wall. If this was just a fly-by-night thing, make sure it was something worthwhile. But most importantly, LIVE. Don't give up.
