As one of the top liberal arts colleges in the South, Covenant College is well known for its support of the fine arts, including music and theatre. As far as integrating faith into the dramatic disciplines, Covenant seeks to “help [students] become both skilled in dramatic craft and mature in Christian discipleship, that they might one day enter the professional stage and film worlds in order to produce fine art to the glory of God, but also to reach out to a lost ‘people group’ (dramatic professionals) who will not very likely be reached by outsiders,” as stated in the Covenant website.
To provide insight into the Covenant theatre program, the Bagpipe reached out to the two current theatre majors, Cara Smole ’22 and Jon Schimpf ’23.
How long have you been involved in theatre/drama?
Smole: I started studying theatre in 1st grade, but I’ve been performing in Christmas plays since birth. My first onstage appearance was as Baby Jesus in a nativity play. My first speaking role was “Egret 2” in “Once Upon a Lilypad.”
Schimpf: I have been in church skits and small performances since I was very young, but I wasn’t in my first official stage play of any sort until I was in 2nd grade.
What made you decide to be a theatre major?
Smole: Growing up, my theatre company focused on using drama to foster growth as an individual and as a community. When I was confronted with the looming question of “What do you want to do with your life?” I decided I didn’t want to stop doing what I was doing and that was radiating Christ’s love to people in the theatre community.
Schimpf: Initially I wasn’t very confident in my choice of major, and I had planned on coming in as an undeclared major. However, my love and passion for theatre, specifically theatre education, inspired in me a desire to pursue a degree in it and change majors should I find something I like better. Just this first semester, though, has done nothing but solidify my decision in pursuing theatre, and I’m so looking forward to see what God has in store for me and this path in the dramatic arts.
What do you enjoy about the theatre program at Covenant?
Smole: What don’t I enjoy! It was a little intimidating [to be] the only major on campus my first semester here, but this department has given my countless opportunities to explore and expand my gifts. Alongside directing, acting and stage-managing, the professors have cultivated my confidence and have encouraged my heart in my passion for not only the art itself but for the people involved (audiences, actors, designers, playwrights, stagehands).
Schimpf: I’ve come to find that the main distinction between Covenant’s theatre program and that of other universities and institutions is how well faith is tied into dramatic arts. Growing up, theatre and my relationship with Christ were two very different things and I always wondered how they could possibly be connected, but the professors in the theatre department here have just opened my eyes to how these two things, which are both defining characteristics of who I am as a person, are actually directly related in so many ways.
Do you have a favorite class right now? It doesn't have to be a theatre class.
Smole: Call me lame but I really love CHOW! The conversations we have about culture and history inform my art immensely. I just recently played Cleante in “Tartuffe,” and his character always refers to moderation and living an unanxious life. Working through Cicero and Marcus Aurelius in class genuinely helped my understanding of the dialogue and the character.
Schimpf: I would have to say it’s a tie between Text Analysis For Productions (Prof Upton) and Intro to Philosophy (Prof Davis). Both classes are extremely engaging and have forced me to think in (similar, yet very different) ways that I have never really had to before.
What is your preferred role within the drama realm [ie, actor, director, tech, etc.]?
Smole: Who doesn’t love being in charge? I adore directing. I’ve always had a knack for understanding the big picture, but honestly the true beauty in it is discovering that every good story is a retelling of the Gospel. To be able to communicate God’s grace to an audience is the greatest gift I have ever been given. With that being said, I will never pass up an opportunity to be onstage. Acting is my first love and another form of telling God’s story.
Schimpf: Although my experience has primarily been either on stage acting or doing the audio engineering for shows, I’ve directed as well as helped direct a few shows and I really fell in love with it, so I’m really looking forward to specifically honing directing as a skill here at Covenant.
What is your favorite production you’ve been a part of, and what was your role in said production?
Smole: I’ve been in a lot of shows, over 60, if we’re counting, and all of them hold such special meaning to me. Each show has pushed in one way or another. The show with the greatest impact is probably Godspell. It’s the Gospel of Matthew as a musical. Watching my secular friends recite scripture for four months straight was unbelievable. To walk as an actor through the life of Jesus transformed my faith. It is the culmination of why I do theatre, to see people overcome by the story of God’s redemption. What could be more beautiful?
Schimpf: My favorite production was probably my first high school musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. I played the role of Lumiere; the whole experience of that show will always have a special place in my heart.
Have you ever gotten to keep a costume or a prop from anything you’ve worked on? What was it? If you haven’t, what’s one you would’ve liked to keep?
Smole: The summer before my senior year I played Wendy Darling, and that was my first lead. As a girl terrified of saying goodbye to Neverland, this role was really fitting. To commemorate my late director and mentor, Naomi, we would incorporate a blue butterfly somewhere in the set or on a costume. When the show closed, my new director gave me this special prop, and it is one of my most treasured possessions. When I see it, I am reminded that no matter how much I doubt myself, Naomi believes in me and this butterfly was sending me off to grow up with wings to fly.
Schimpf: Yes! I played the role of Link Larkin in Hairspray and had to wear this bright red pair of Converse, which I quickly adopted as my own. You might see me wearing them around campus from time to time.
What advice do you have for people looking to get involved with theatre?
Smole: Do it! It will shift your perspective. Living with a show for even a week will transform the way you live. Stories have a huge impact on us, and when you pretend to live them it’s even better. You don’t have to act. We are always looking for stage hands and extra help!
Schimpf: My advice would be to just go for it! Theatre is a collaborative art so even if you’re not so interested in acting or singing, there’s so much opportunity in every area of the theatre, whether it’s running the lights, designing the set, helping with music, and even managing sales. I’m a strong believer that there’s something for everyone in the theatre.