SJU<br />Chappell<br />Players Theatre <br />Group
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      • Gary McComisky 2
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      • Michael Rabus
      • Michael Rosenberger
      • LJ Stevens
      • Robin Kaiser Winograd
      • Mike Wirsch
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    • 2021-2022 >
      • Legally Blonde
      • CabaTime
      • 12 Angry Jurors
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      • Senior Showcase
      • A Zoom with Seuss
      • Memories
    • 2019-2020 >
      • All Shook Up
      • CabaVegas
      • Peter and the Starcatcher
      • Miss Nelson Is Missing
      • Memories
    • 2018-2019 >
      • 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
      • Cabaret: Glory Days
      • The Dinner Party
      • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
    • 2017-2018 >
      • The Addams Family
      • Cabaret Jr
      • Boeing Boeing
      • Sideways Stories From Wayside School
    • 2016-2017 >
      • Godspell
      • CabaLove
      • Speech and Debate
      • The Wizard of Oz
    • 2015-2016 >
      • Hairspray
      • MisCast
      • Snow White
      • How I Learned to Drive
    • 2014-2015 >
      • In the Heights
      • CabaDisney
      • Cat in the Hat
      • The Library
    • 2013-2014 >
      • Working: The Musical
      • 15th Cabaret for Charity: CabaNoir
      • James and the Giant Peach
      • Picasso at the Lapin Agile
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Picture

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.
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  • Home
  • About
    • EXECUTIVE BOARD >
      • 2020-2021
    • Members >
      • 2021-2022
      • 2020-2021
      • 2019-2020
      • 2018-2019
      • 2017-2018
    • JOIN NOW >
      • Tech
    • PERFORMING ARTS AT SJU
  • Alumni
    • Hall of Fame
    • Nominate
    • Alumni Spotlight >
      • Jessica Forella
      • Chelsea Guerra
      • Emily Abma
      • Ray Abruzzo
      • Jasmine Benitez
      • MaryAnn Borg
      • Nicholas J. Caccavo
      • Joe Cantalupo
      • John Cappachione
      • Brandon Collins
      • Larisa and Michael
      • Kurt Cruz
      • Caitlyn Cummings
      • Ryan DeForeest
      • Vikki De Meo
      • Tony and Geraldine Dibari
      • Sara Donnes
      • Dylan Frisina
      • Leeanne G-Bowley
      • Sarah Goncalves
      • Don Gormanly
      • Amy Hart
      • Olivia Hartle
      • Olivia Hartle 2
      • Gordon W. Innes
      • Ben Kistinger
      • Ken Kruper
      • Amora Laucella
      • Diana Lounsbury
      • Gary McComiskey
      • Gary McComisky 2
      • Megan McCoy
      • Alexis Pereira
      • Eric Porter
      • Michael Rabus
      • Michael Rosenberger
      • LJ Stevens
      • Robin Kaiser Winograd
      • Mike Wirsch
  • Seasons
    • 2021-2022 >
      • Legally Blonde
      • CabaTime
      • 12 Angry Jurors
    • 2020-2021 >
      • CabaCircus
      • The Laramie Project
      • Play Readings
      • Senior Showcase
      • A Zoom with Seuss
      • Memories
    • 2019-2020 >
      • All Shook Up
      • CabaVegas
      • Peter and the Starcatcher
      • Miss Nelson Is Missing
      • Memories
    • 2018-2019 >
      • 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
      • Cabaret: Glory Days
      • The Dinner Party
      • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
    • 2017-2018 >
      • The Addams Family
      • Cabaret Jr
      • Boeing Boeing
      • Sideways Stories From Wayside School
    • 2016-2017 >
      • Godspell
      • CabaLove
      • Speech and Debate
      • The Wizard of Oz
    • 2015-2016 >
      • Hairspray
      • MisCast
      • Snow White
      • How I Learned to Drive
    • 2014-2015 >
      • In the Heights
      • CabaDisney
      • Cat in the Hat
      • The Library
    • 2013-2014 >
      • Working: The Musical
      • 15th Cabaret for Charity: CabaNoir
      • James and the Giant Peach
      • Picasso at the Lapin Agile
    • Send in Your Pictures!
  • EVENTS
    • Podcasts
    • 24 Hour Playfest
    • Workshops
    • Music Revues
    • Theatre Exposure Series
    • Alumni Banquet
  • Contact
  • Committees
  • Support
  • Merchandise