Who are you and what significant contributions have you made to the organization?
 
My name is Robin Kaiser Winograd. I belonged to Chappell Players from 1971 through 1975. I joined the first semester of my Freshman Year. At that time, I already had my eye on a professional career. I had been taking dance classes and some singing lessons, as well.

How was the transition from college to the real world? How was life after graduation?

When I graduated in 1975, life was good. I immediately got my first professional job and my Actors Equity card. I went on a national tour of GREASE as an understudy to all the girls. I eventually took over a role when an actress left. I worked in the theatre for several years but also became a cabaret singer in NYC playing all the great clubs of the 70’s and 80’s. 
 
Did being involved in the Chappell Players prepare you for life after college? How so?

I’m not sure Chappell Players prepared me for life, but certainly it helped prepare me for a life in the theatre. In the 70’s, Chappell Players was great fun. Still, we took our work very, very seriously. It was an extremely talented group of Actors, Musicians, Costuming and Crew. We were truly a passionate bunch. 
 
What is your favorite CPTG memory or performance?

In the Fall of ‘71, we did an evening of one acts. I was in a play called IN THE GLOAMING. I played a crazy 90 year old lady.  At the time I needed a lot of makeup to play an old lady. If I repeated the role now, probably wouldn’t need much at all! Lol!
 
Second semester, we did CABARET. I was in the ensemble as a KitKat Club girl and was featured in the TWO LADIES number which was fun and very risqué. Loved it! The next year I was the lead in a musical called CELEBRATION.  It had been a follow up to The Fantastics but was not a success on Broadway. We, however did a lovely production. For me, my favorite performance was MEIN HERR from CABARET. I pretty much followed the Bob Fosse choreography. It was a hit!  Years later, I actually played SALLY BOWLES in a national company of CABARET. 
 
In junior year, I had my biggest success. I played FANNY BRICE in FUNNY GIRL. It really caused quite a stir.  At this point, I realized I could actually be a professional actress. The faculty in the Speech and Theatre Dept realized it, too.  Dr Fenaughty was very supportive and Dr Rawson sent me over to the NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYHOUSE to work on my craft

Have you been able to remain involved with theatre as much as you hoped/wanted?

After leaving the world of performing, I wanted to stay in show business. I became a makeup artist in TV and Film.  I worked in makeup for 25 years and recently retired. I was lucky enough to win 4 Daytime Emmy Awards over the years. Lucky me!

Do you have any advice for Chappell Players going through college or those who have recently graduated?
 
As for advice, I think it’s common sense. Make sure you have the passion as it’s a hard life. Make sure you are prepared. Natural talent isn’t enough. You need to study your craft so you are ready when you get an opportunity.  I think you really could apply this to any career path. For those who aren’t really interested in an acting career, just enjoy the creative process. I made lifelong friends in Chappell Players and some of my best memories.