
Director Papa values student, pro interaction
In the current Theatre Company production “Bus Stop,” professor Andrew Papa doubles as director.
It’s an honor, he said.
“I have directed off and on for quite some time now, and getting the chance to work with our students, alongside professional actors, is a one-of-a-kind experience,” he said.
Papa is excited be part of the department, which has a rich history, having produced much talent, including comedian Keegan-Michael Key.
“Just knowing that kind of history exists here has invigorated me to do my best work,” he said.
While acknowledging that it is a challenge to be part of such a legacy, he said he looks forward to the journey, no matter where it takes him.
“The biggest difference between performing in Detroit’s professional theatre scene versus performing with the Theatre Company has got to be the involvement of our students,” he said. “I can think of no program in the country that celebrates the work of student actors alongside the work of professional/working actors as well as Detroit Mercy’s.”
Students appreciate working with Papa, as well.
Bridget Smith, a junior, described him as a helpful, hands-on instructor.
“He is one of the most energetic people I’ve ever worked with and a favorite professor to so many people,” she said. “I have learned many different things about being a better student, a better professional and a better actor.”
Autumn Russell, also a junior, appreciates Papa’s animated nature.
“I’ve learned the different styles of acting and how they were and are developed (to) how to prepare myself for when I'm performing,” she said.
Russell appears in the latest production.
“ ‘Bus Stop’ is considered an American theatre classic,” Papa said. “It’s a real gem of a play that deals with the trials and tribulations of love in the Midwest in the 1950s. Some may see the show as just a romantic comedy, but it is so much more than that. Each character has a deeply empathetic, detailed life, which is fleshed out beautifully through the course of the story.”
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More VN News Articles
- Second 'Sonic' a delight for all ages
- Junior juggles unique majors: theatre and biology
- Ready for finals? Students share study tips
- Freshman History major gets starring role in ‘Addams Family’
Recent VN News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR VN

Second 'Sonic' a delight for all ages By Dwayne Rose

Davis explains decision to transfer By Antoine J. Davis

Junior juggles unique majors: theatre and biology By Elise Pannemann

Ready for finals? Students share study tips By Dwayne Rose
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST VN NEWS
- Incorporating phenomenological philosophy in philanthropic giving
- Sharing my cousin’s inspiring life story
- ‘The slap’ stole the show, but was it all staged?
- Second 'Sonic' a delight for all ages
- Davis explains decision to transfer
- Junior juggles unique majors: theatre and biology
- Ready for finals? Students share study tips
RECENT VN CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Pet’s Bad Breath May Mean Disease
- What’s In The Water? Fluoridated Water And Its Benefits
- Connecting The Community To Fight An Epidemic
- How To Support Your Pet’s Mental Health This Summer
- Keeping Your Kids Covered Finding Health Insurance...
- You Could Win Big
- FIRST Robotics Competition Builds Strong People, Not Just...
- Vaccines Continue To Be Essential To Our Safety
- Vaccines Continue To Be Essential To Our Safety
- Vaccines Continue To Be Essential To Our Safety
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Baseball Bettors Find Value in World Series Futures Markets
- Strategies for a Smooth Retirement on a Fixed Income
- Divvy Homes Is on a Mission to Make Homeownership More...
- Families Discover Advanced Home Purification 2,400x...
- BookTrib's Bites: A Plethora of Intriguing Reading
- Massive Volunteer Effort Touches 18 States
- Self-care on Your Schedule with Mental Wellness App
- Multilayered Paranormal Thriller Examines Themes of Past...
- Booktrib's Bites: A Potpourri of Diverse Reading Choices
- Nurse Educators Play Vital Roles in Health Care
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Neighbor.com Survey Finds Nearly 70% of Recent Graduates Turn to Gig Work to Cover Their Bills
- As STDs Surge, Quest Diagnostics Debunks Common Myths; Highlights Importance of STD Testing
- CrowdStrike Accepting NextGen Scholarship Applications For 2022-23 Academic Year
- Students Demanded Short-Term International Trips, WorldStrides Delivered
- Smile Train Announces College Scholarship Program