michael Rosenberger
Who are you and what significant contributions have you made to the organization?
When I arrived at St. John’s in the Fall of 1998 the theatre group was not comprised of an executive board, and didn’t really have anything representative of an organized group. When I went to my first audition there was no line or wait. I walked in, auditioned and got the part (the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors). I knew there was something amiss because I was cast in a musical and I can’t sing. Luckily, the group of individuals cast in Little Shop were committed to making the group bigger and better so we organized. I became president of the group and this coincided with the dorms the following year at SJU and together we (Me, Lauren Bittner, Don Gormanly, Patrick Smith, Michael Mandato and many others) brought the theatre group back to life and we also pioneered giving the power to the students to direct at least one show a year. In 1999 I directed the first Cabaret for charity and Pat Smith acted as AD and Stage manager. We also brought the Alpha Psi Omega theatre honor society to SJU. Recently I started the Judy Rosenberger and Marilyn Masters Theatre Memorial Fund at SJU, which is a scholarship given to a member of the theatre group (junior or senior) every year.
How was the transition from college to the real world? How was life after graduation?
The transition from college to the real world led to more school. I went to law school after college. There was a lot of work, but it all paid off in the end.
Did being involved in the Chappell Players prepare you for life after college? How so?
Being a member of the group taught me how to be a leader and to never give up your passion. That is something that I carry with me throughout my daily life.
What is your favorite CPTG memory or performance?
My favorite memories and performances were: playing The Dentist in Little Shop, Bottom in Midsummer and directing the cabaret and knowing that it is still going strong to this day.
Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted?
Unfortunately, I have not done much theatre since I left school. I still like to write screenplays and occasionally do some extra work on film and TV. I am shooting the pilot for a streaming series I wrote called Vials in the spring. I’d like to come back to SJU one day – maybe direct the 20th anniversary of the cabaret for charity. That would be fun.
Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have already graduated?
This above all: To thine own self be true.
When I arrived at St. John’s in the Fall of 1998 the theatre group was not comprised of an executive board, and didn’t really have anything representative of an organized group. When I went to my first audition there was no line or wait. I walked in, auditioned and got the part (the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors). I knew there was something amiss because I was cast in a musical and I can’t sing. Luckily, the group of individuals cast in Little Shop were committed to making the group bigger and better so we organized. I became president of the group and this coincided with the dorms the following year at SJU and together we (Me, Lauren Bittner, Don Gormanly, Patrick Smith, Michael Mandato and many others) brought the theatre group back to life and we also pioneered giving the power to the students to direct at least one show a year. In 1999 I directed the first Cabaret for charity and Pat Smith acted as AD and Stage manager. We also brought the Alpha Psi Omega theatre honor society to SJU. Recently I started the Judy Rosenberger and Marilyn Masters Theatre Memorial Fund at SJU, which is a scholarship given to a member of the theatre group (junior or senior) every year.
How was the transition from college to the real world? How was life after graduation?
The transition from college to the real world led to more school. I went to law school after college. There was a lot of work, but it all paid off in the end.
Did being involved in the Chappell Players prepare you for life after college? How so?
Being a member of the group taught me how to be a leader and to never give up your passion. That is something that I carry with me throughout my daily life.
What is your favorite CPTG memory or performance?
My favorite memories and performances were: playing The Dentist in Little Shop, Bottom in Midsummer and directing the cabaret and knowing that it is still going strong to this day.
Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted?
Unfortunately, I have not done much theatre since I left school. I still like to write screenplays and occasionally do some extra work on film and TV. I am shooting the pilot for a streaming series I wrote called Vials in the spring. I’d like to come back to SJU one day – maybe direct the 20th anniversary of the cabaret for charity. That would be fun.
Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have already graduated?
This above all: To thine own self be true.
