Since 2008, CJHS Dean Mark Magni has been directing our plays at CJHS.
“I went to college for theater… My wife and I [acted] together for many many years from high school on,” Magni said.
Magni has a passion for theater and has been able to help start a fire of passion in his cast.
Now, as the Dean of students, Magni gets the opportunity to be serious during the day, but have some fun after school at rehearsal. Magni helps guide his students with soft suggestions, but he supports his actors’ decisions.
“He is super supportive and he lets me be free with my decisions,” 9th grade actor Josie Chirco said. Letting his actors take creative freedom is important because it gives them a plethora of options, letting them put their own spin on the characters.
Magni reflects on his favorite production, “So, of all the plays that I’ve actually directed here that we’ve successfully run, Little Women,” Magni explained. “I think that was over 10, maybe 15 years ago. I love that story; I love the time period.” He elaborated that the cast that year worked extremely hard and everyone did a fantastic job of portraying the time period and the position all the characters are in.
“He has helped me grow my passion by harboring a safe environment and having a fun and light-hearted time,” 9th grade actor Mason White adds.
Having a supportive director can be a make or break factor in a production.
