Students, faculty reflect on actor's residency

The Artist-in-Residence opportunity allowed Williams to teach stage combat and Shakespeare workshops to Chadron State College and local high school students.

The final week of his stay involved teaching workshops for area high school students attending the annual CSC Theatre Day and co-starring in six performances of “Big River.”

Williams said he was pleasantly surprised to meet CSC students from so many different cultures.

“I hope those in the Chadron community embrace all the possibilities that this network of students and cultures offers. I met people from China, Morocco, Alabama, Hawaii, Japan and elsewhere,” he said.

He said being able to offer advice on career choices via his network and experiences may result in him seeing and working with some of the CSC or Chadron High School students again.

“I hope the students will find the advice I shared about auditions especially valuable. I know I learned things from the students,” Williams said.

The students grew close to Williams. He said they confided in him regarding their apprehension about leads in upcoming productions and their new-found confidence to audition for the Nebraska Shakespeare festival. He also received messages of congratulations for his granddaughter who was born on the final day of “Big River.”

Williams’ co-star Derek Phelps, who played Huck Finn in “Big River,” said Williams’ contributions were almost priceless.

“He gave us a fresh, new perspective and a wealth of information from Shakespeare to combat. I’m so thankful to have been able to work with him,” Phelps said.

Other students also expressed their gratitude for the opportunity.

“We were so lucky to have a talented, generous guest artist. A show of this size would not have been possible without outside assistance,” said Hannah Clark, who played the widow Douglas.

Josh Fitch, props master, said he hopes that Williams can returned to CSC to assist with another production.

Roger Mays, director of the Chadron State College theatre program, said his hope in making arrangements for the Artist-in-Residence through the Nebraska Arts Council and CSC Galaxy Series was that Williams become a temporary ‘faculty member.’

“I wanted him to expand students’ horizons, reinvigorate them and give them a fresh perspective on their dreams. D. Kevin Williams’ visit provided all of that and more,” Mays said.

Mays said the most gratifying aspect of Williams’ visit was seeing the students onstage with a professional actor.

Jill Paopao, language arts teacher at Chadron High School, said the opportunity for her students to work with a professional actor was an amazing advantage.

“Many students don't get the opportunity to learn what the ‘real world’ of acting is like, and with Kevin, we had that chance. We are lucky to have CSC next to us and a theater department that is willing to share experiences with high school students,” Paopao said.

Paopao said the CHS students enjoyed Williams’ high energy level and his talent for voices, expressions and sharing his real life stories during his hour-long presentation.

“He showed them the importance of focus, while teaching them about objectives and motivation. One of the best things he told them was to take criticism and learn from it, but to let go of negative comments or insults. Everyone has their own opinion. High school students can’t hear that enough,” Paopao said.