THEY CALL HIM MR. “H” BUT HE’S CAPTAIN AMERICA TO ME!

As a Theatre major myself, albeit from the dark ages, I can attest to the struggle students have getting time onstage, playing age appropriate parts, getting access to actual scene building, lighting design, costume design, etc. It is always a struggle and while the professors assure you that the “competition” for attention is great preparation for “the real world”, time with experienced actors, directors, designers and time onstage to really ACT in front of an audience is irreplaceable for those pursuing a career in theatre arts. And yes, there are lots of career paths that pay well. “We teach three values critical to choosing a career in theatre – Artistry, Professionalism and Service.” H. tells me. H.Russ Brown, Head of Theatre/Artistic Director and Assistant Professor of Theatre at College of The Mainland is a fascinating character and has built a Theatre Department from one single student – who graduated, went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts and is looking forward to his first teaching job – to right at 45 students majoring in Theatre Arts. And it did it mostly through outreach. Personally visiting area schools and offering himself as well as the Community Theatre tools of the trade, he built a strong relationship with the staff and the students, attracting them to COM where they would be able to audition for parts straight out of the gate; age appropriate parts to be clear, and actually take part in all the many aspects of theatre, from stage design to lighting, front of house to costumes – even taking a show on the road so to speak with live vintage radio productions – Have Mic Will Travel! Most of the students now studying at COM are the result of Brown’s outreach. He arrived from Chicago about three years ago. A native Texan, married to another native Texas, when the opportunity arose, they felt it was a meant to be and so they came, soon to be followed by another firebrand, one Warren Nichols. Both got down to business immediately upon arrival and now Brown is looking forward to a Bond that when passed, will provide his department with room for many more talented artists, actual classrooms in which to teach and so very much more that will allow for a phenomenal physical space to complement the phenomenal program he and his cohorts, Amanda Bezemek and Curt Meyer who bring a wealth of talent, expertise and individual attention to the table. Of course, a mind like H.Russ Brown does not sit idly by so plans for the passing of the Bond include adding additional staff as well as many more opportunities for stage time and more intensive study in a variety of areas like stage movement and voice. Already students benefit from the stage combat certification classes. Brown, as a member of the Society of American Fight Directors, is able to offer certification in three separate types of weapon as well as firearms. Not only does this broaden the students expertise but “the training makes them much better physical actors”. Competing against other schools in the area has been challenging but the fact that the area has numerous well-rounded theatre artists that come in to play the more mature roles as well as the guest directors that come from as far away as Chicago, gives these students opportunities to work with a diverse group of talents – learning from their fellow actors – and even aspiring directors get the chance to works as assistant directors learning from some of the best in the business. I actually came in to talk about Noises Off the current production playing at COM Theatre now through the 18th of November. I did learn that many of the actors you will see on the stage in this production are first year students. This play within a play is an uproarious and perfectly joyful experience. It will tickle your funny bone and your heart. You can order your tickets online and at $20 for the premier seats, it is well worth the cost! One last pitch for the Bond. The state of Texas has created a Theatre Field of Study which will ensure that theatre graduates will be getting full credit for the courses they receive in their two-year Associate of Arts Degree allowing them to move easily into the four-year program of their choice will full credits. There are so many other incredible benefits to being a part of the COM Theatre Department; the COM Lab Theatre each fall and spring; Friday morning matinees for High School Theatre Students; and coming soon, a Musical Theatre Troupe, sort of a travelling minstrel/cabaret group doing current and vintage songs both groups and individuals and offering a bank of songs that are positive, uplifting and giving the participants an awareness of the power of the theatre arts to be a force for good in their community. After all, the medium is the message and the message is Artistry, Professionalism and Service!