Jessica Forella
Who are you and what significant contributions have you made to the organization?
I am Jessica Forella, class of '04. I was a Chappell Player from basically the day I set foot on campus. I stage managed something like a dozen shows, designed lights and sets for a few, served as Historian for the 2001-2002 school year, and was part of the team that created the first Dance Concert.
How was the transition from college to the real world? How was life after graduation?
It was interesting. It took a little longer to figure out what life was going to look like than I expected, but I had an incredible group of friends (that I met through the Chappell Players) to navigate that journey with.
Did being involved in the Chappell Players prepare you for life after college? How so?
I formed some great relationships with the Chappell Players, which really helped me figure out what sort of person I was and wanted to be, what really mattered to me. Not to mention what kind of stage manager I wanted to be. I spent a lot of the beginning of my career doing theatre in Chicago and the resourcefulness and work ethic the Chappell Players taught me served me very well in the storefront theatre community.
What is your favorite CPTG memory or performance?
Probably that first Dance Concert. After putting in so much work with Leeanne (I stage-managed and designed lights), to have something so beautiful and impactful be the outcome was truly wonderful.
Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted?
I work full time as a freelance AEA stage manager and have gotten the absolute luxury of working all around the world, so that's a resounding yes.
Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have recently graduated?
Explore, travel, ask questions. Do everything you can and work with as many people as you can. There is always something to learn.
I am Jessica Forella, class of '04. I was a Chappell Player from basically the day I set foot on campus. I stage managed something like a dozen shows, designed lights and sets for a few, served as Historian for the 2001-2002 school year, and was part of the team that created the first Dance Concert.
How was the transition from college to the real world? How was life after graduation?
It was interesting. It took a little longer to figure out what life was going to look like than I expected, but I had an incredible group of friends (that I met through the Chappell Players) to navigate that journey with.
Did being involved in the Chappell Players prepare you for life after college? How so?
I formed some great relationships with the Chappell Players, which really helped me figure out what sort of person I was and wanted to be, what really mattered to me. Not to mention what kind of stage manager I wanted to be. I spent a lot of the beginning of my career doing theatre in Chicago and the resourcefulness and work ethic the Chappell Players taught me served me very well in the storefront theatre community.
What is your favorite CPTG memory or performance?
Probably that first Dance Concert. After putting in so much work with Leeanne (I stage-managed and designed lights), to have something so beautiful and impactful be the outcome was truly wonderful.
Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted?
I work full time as a freelance AEA stage manager and have gotten the absolute luxury of working all around the world, so that's a resounding yes.
Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have recently graduated?
Explore, travel, ask questions. Do everything you can and work with as many people as you can. There is always something to learn.
