jasmine benitez
Jasmine Benitez, one of the Chappell Players most recent graduates, is an accomplished dancer and actress from the Chappell Players. Graduating from St. John's with a major in psychology and working full time at Rocking the Boat, a non-profit educational organization, Jasmine is starting off adult life on the right foot. Having just returned to St. John's to take part in the Chappell Player's production of "MisCast", it's 17th Annual Cabaret for Charity, Jasmine found time to sit down with us and fill us in on how life post-college has been teaching her and what all she's learned.
Who are you and what significant contributions have you made to the organization?
My name is Jasmine Benitez and I graduated in May of 2015. I was a psychology major with an environmental studies minor who first got involved with CPTG after participating in APO’s Dance Concert my freshman year. Since joining the organization, I have contributed to the organization by assisting in choreographing a few shows including “Cabadisney” and “Miscast”, as well as served as the dance captain during “In the Heights”.
My name is Jasmine Benitez and I graduated in May of 2015. I was a psychology major with an environmental studies minor who first got involved with CPTG after participating in APO’s Dance Concert my freshman year. Since joining the organization, I have contributed to the organization by assisting in choreographing a few shows including “Cabadisney” and “Miscast”, as well as served as the dance captain during “In the Heights”.
How was the transition from college to the real world? How was life after graduation?
My transition into the real world was definitely an eye opening, and bitter sweet experience. I honestly feel like I am still in the middle of the transition state, as it often seems way too surreal that I’m done with college. Post grad life is bitter sweet because I don’t have papers to write and studying to do of course, but I also really missed the home the Little Theatre became for me.
Life after graduation has been great to me thus far however; I am thankfully employed with big girl benefits and all! I am working for a non-profit organization called Rocking the Boat, which I’ve been involved with since I was in high school. I teach kids and adults environmental science on the Bronx River, and pretty much spend most of my time in boats, so needless to say I love my job!
My transition into the real world was definitely an eye opening, and bitter sweet experience. I honestly feel like I am still in the middle of the transition state, as it often seems way too surreal that I’m done with college. Post grad life is bitter sweet because I don’t have papers to write and studying to do of course, but I also really missed the home the Little Theatre became for me.
Life after graduation has been great to me thus far however; I am thankfully employed with big girl benefits and all! I am working for a non-profit organization called Rocking the Boat, which I’ve been involved with since I was in high school. I teach kids and adults environmental science on the Bronx River, and pretty much spend most of my time in boats, so needless to say I love my job!
|
|
Did begin involved in the Chappell Players prepare you for life after college? How so?
Chappell Players definitely had an impact on how prepared I was for life after college. It taught me how to work successfully with a team no matter what the obstacles were, as well as how to have confidence in myself. Being on stage truly does something positive for me and it gives me confidence in my daily life that I can’t get anywhere else.
Chappell Players definitely had an impact on how prepared I was for life after college. It taught me how to work successfully with a team no matter what the obstacles were, as well as how to have confidence in myself. Being on stage truly does something positive for me and it gives me confidence in my daily life that I can’t get anywhere else.
What is your favorite CPTG memory or performance?
My favorite performance with CTPG has to be the musical of 2014, In the Heights. The overall process of the show was just so smooth and enjoyable, I learned a lot about myself in the process, and feel like I grew as a performer. My favorite thing about this musical was how much I was able to relate to the story; I felt like as a cast we were able to deliver a small part of my culture to the audience and St. John's community throughout this performance.
My favorite performance with CTPG has to be the musical of 2014, In the Heights. The overall process of the show was just so smooth and enjoyable, I learned a lot about myself in the process, and feel like I grew as a performer. My favorite thing about this musical was how much I was able to relate to the story; I felt like as a cast we were able to deliver a small part of my culture to the audience and St. John's community throughout this performance.
Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted?
So far I have been able to get back into theatre through the past Cabaret for Charity-“Miscast”. I’m very thankful to be able to join CPTG once again as an alumnus on the Little Theatre stage, and it is something I hope to continue in the future!
So far I have been able to get back into theatre through the past Cabaret for Charity-“Miscast”. I’m very thankful to be able to join CPTG once again as an alumnus on the Little Theatre stage, and it is something I hope to continue in the future!
What is professional theatre like compared to what you did with the Chappell Players
I would say that in my experience Chappell Players is similar to professional theatre in terms of the dedication and passion for delivering the best show possible!
I would say that in my experience Chappell Players is similar to professional theatre in terms of the dedication and passion for delivering the best show possible!
Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have already graduated?
My advice to current chappies and recently graduated chappies is to never forget what you learned on the Little Theatre stage. Once thing I’ve realized so far is that the lessons I’ve learned while working with CPTG last a lifetime, you just have to know how to apply these lessons to various life situations. Once a chappie, always a chappie.
My advice to current chappies and recently graduated chappies is to never forget what you learned on the Little Theatre stage. Once thing I’ve realized so far is that the lessons I’ve learned while working with CPTG last a lifetime, you just have to know how to apply these lessons to various life situations. Once a chappie, always a chappie.
