Richmond attorney Hunter Jamerson learned a trick or two in E.C. Glass’s theater program.
The 2001 graduate acquired time management skills by balancing play rehearsals with six advanced placement classes and competive swimming.
Sometimes that also meant talking a teacher into letting him reschedule a test or explaining to his swim coach that he needed to skip practice to rehearse a song.
“Those negotiating skills come in handy,” Jamerson said, smiling.
Jamerson was one of nine Glass theater program alumni panelists who participated in the “I Was a High School Arts Kid and Look Where I am Today!” forum held at the school Saturday morning. Approximately 140 people, both current students and adults, attended the event.
Some panelists went on from high school to careers in the arts, including Faith Prince, who won a Tony Award for her performance in the 1992 revival of “Guys and Dolls.” Others, like Jamerson, chose different paths. All pointed to their experiences in the E.C. Glass theater program as formative to their lives and careers.
Those who acted at Glass said they received lessons in everything from communication to empathy and self-expression.
“It stimulated my spirituality,” Prince, 52, said, explaining that taking herself out of the equation to look at things from another person’s perspective as an actress had a profound impact on her as a person.
Geep Howell, who graduated in 1968, represented a backstage view on the panel. As a high school student, Howell became involved in theater tech. Even after he went on to a career as a Lynchburg banker, Howell continued to be involved with theater tech with Glass and Heritage high schools. Today, he co-runs H. H. Audio. He and his business partner are doing the sound for both Glass’ “The Music Man” and Heritage’s “Peter Pan.”
Howell said he loves watching young kids blossom into adults through the Glass and Heritage theater programs. He also said doing theater tech helps stimulate problem solving abilities and that it can provide a unique feeling of community.
“It’s almost like you never meet a stranger in the theater,” he said after the forum.
The panel discussion Saturday was one of many events scheduled for the 100th anniversary celebration of theater at Glass going on this weekend.
Panel participants Enrique Brown and Matt Fletcher are also taking on major roles in the Glass production of “The Music Man,” which was the first musical ever produced at the high school, back in 1971.
Brown, who recently performed in Broadway’s “The Little Mermaid,” is the director and choreographer. Fletcher, who is part of the Sideshow Players in Chicago, stars as Professor Hill, the “music man” from the play’s title.
Other scheduled alumni events included tours of the theater department and a private post-performance party at Amazement Square.
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