Several STK actors receive theater scholarships

By Christine Bordelon
Clarion Herald

Last fall, when Mount Carmel Academy was performing the drama, “Antigone from  Munich,” a scout from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts happened to be in the audience, something the teen actors didn’t know until 30 minutes before showtime.
 
Holy Cross junior Kameron  Callahan, 16, an STK cast member since seventh grade, and cast members Casey Swanson, Savannah Fouchi, Angelina Granier, Molly Martinez, Colleen D’Aguila, Elise Fairchild, Maddie Maurin, Helen Morlier, Emily Oliver and Alexis Schott did so well that they earned Rising Star scholarships to the conservatory. Callahan’s is worth $10,000 for two years.

“I was definitely shocked because my character was only in three scenes,” he said.

Directors he has worked with recognized his talent.

“He’s more comfortable on stage than any student I’ve ever taught,” said Maria Baisier, chairman of Holy Cross’ theater department, who mentioned his role in  “Joseph and the Technicolor Coat.” “He’s unflappable.”

Callahan is currently the lead male in STK’s production of “Xanadu,” his sixth with Mount Carmel.    

“I’ve definitely learned a sense of professionalism that the director at Mount Carmel (Kristi Jacobs-Stanley) has taught,” Callahan said. “She has created a welcoming environment, and she lets us choose how to play our roles.”

STK goes to state
Antigone cast members went to the Louisiana Thespian Festival on Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in January and won “Thespys” excellence awards, including superior for group musical, monologue, group musical dance, sound design, stage management and one act of Antigone, and excellent in solo musical, said STK director Kristi Jacobs-Stanley.

Several students qualified to represent Mount Carmel at the International Thespian Festival.

“It was very fun and exciting, especially being the only guy in the troupe,” said Callahan, who also acted in a duet category with MCA’s Angelina Granier that advanced to international. Callahan said it was his first time at a state competition.

Callahan isn’t exactly sure of his career path, but said earning the conservatory scholarship put studying theater back in the mix.

“I definitely want to do something in the arts,” he said. “I am thinking about majoring in journalism and minoring in musical theater.”             

Even if theater isn’t his major, “it’s taught me a lot about interacting with other people, and to be myself and know that there are others like me interested in the same things. I know that a director out there is wanting the best for you and wants you to succeed.”

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