Major: Mass Communications Radio/TV, Business Minor
Graduation Year: 1992
What did you do post-graduation and what are you doing currently?
I worked for a time making cable ads and did play by play sports radio for QC area teams (Augustana, Moline HS, and others). I then moved to Chicago and worked full-time in sales for the most part, with stints at Second City in the business company and my own comedy troupe, Comedy Thingy, and we became executive partner of our own film/theater company.
How are you using your degree?
When I got out of school, my first two jobs were in radio and TV, so, the degree paid off (even if the jobs didn't, ha ha). When I decided to move to Chicago, I turned my sights on comedy, joining ImprovOlympic and Comedy Sportz. My degree was NOT in theater, but my education wasn't complete without it. I learned just about everything through Dr. Corinne Johnson, who started a college improv troupe on campus (the first one, to my knowledge). It was in that group I found my footing, really. I was able to write and perform comedy with very few restrictions. I used those skills at TV-11, in a show called "What's Going On?" - a sketch comedy show that ran for two years that I co-created with two other alums, Tim Hoenig '90 and Michael Seibert '92. Those skills prepared me for every single thing I've done in my entertainment career and honestly, in all jobs I've ever done.
We heard you recently had a play published, tell us about that?
The play is called Losers Bracket. It ran in Chicago for about four years - first with WNEP Theater, then our own company. The co-author, my brother Nate, and I made a screenplay and shopped it around as an independent film. The process became very laborious, so we decided to do a slight re-write of the stage play. It seemed a shame to keep it on the shelf because audiences and cast really loved it. We submitted it to Dramatic Publishing, who then offered us a publishing contract. It's extremely difficult to get a play published by a reputable, significant company like Dramatic Publishing, so my brother and I are extremely proud of this accomplishment.
What is one of your favorite memories of St. Ambrose?
As a senior, I decided to give comedic acting a try. I got a part in a Durang play called Beyond Therapy. The cast included my future wife, Kathryn (Mensik) Sander '92, in the lead role; one of the funniest people I ever have known, Jay Pauer '92; future Emmy-award winner Brian Hemesath '94; and the always-hilarious Beth Behal '93, who nearly stole the show every night. The entire process was a joy. Looking back on it, I'm sure I over-acted and mugged a lot, but at the time, it was the most fun I'd had in my four years at SAU.
One night, with all actors onstage, Beth started to crack up after her character doused Kathy with a full glass of water (it was supposed to be only half-full). Beth NEVER broke on stage, so when we all saw her break, it was about three minutes (seemed like an hour) before we could compose ourselves to continue with the play. I still don't know how we got back on track. I think Brian threw in a line from about two pages later to try and save it. Somehow, we got back on the script. No idea how. It's interesting how I can draw a direct line from our publishing contract to my experience with that show. Such great memories.
What do you miss most about the department?
The people. That's easy. Also, the 'anything is possible' feeling I got from walking into Galvin. I don't know if I've ever been that confident since, but whatever confidence I have it came from that place.
What inspires you today?
Really excellent writing inspires me. Whether it's a song, a screenplay, an op-ed piece, a news story or a TV/web series, it doesn't matter. Great writing always inspires me...or intimidates me. I get that way every time I watch Manhattan, Big Lebowski or In Bruges. I just kind of throw my hands up in awe.
Biggest surprise when you were out of college?
How little age mattered in the work environment. As a young 20-something, I was expecting very little respect. The opposite occurred. I was given big responsibility right out of the gate. I was head of production at a TV station, night DJ at a radio station, and was the voice of Moline High School football - all right out of SAU. And nobody cared that I was 23 years old, because SAU prepared me to be good at it. Subsequently, some of my best friends in the workplace were all older than me, some by as many as 30 years. It didn't matter. Good people are good people. The end.
Any parting words/ advice for current students?
Do as much as you can while you're there, especially things that make you uncomfortable. Don't just stick to theater. Try TV-11, KALA, music, news, photography, art; it may exceed all expectations. I was a TV/radio guy who tried theatre. Now, I have a published play. If I didn't try theatre at SAU, I wouldn't have done comedy or stage in Chicago. No way. I would have missed out on so much happiness and fulfilling life experience.
Also, if there's something you want to try, propose the idea to the faculty and staff. One thing I can guarantee - you will be heard, and it will be considered seriously. That's all any student can ask, really.
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